Janitorial & Sanitation Reference Library · Technical Reference

Toilet Tissue Types

Commercial toilet tissue comes as standard rolls, jumbo rolls, coreless rolls and small-core high-capacity rolls, in 1-ply or 2-ply. The right choice depends on the dispenser, the traffic and how often the restroom is serviced.

Ref JS-0120Green Seal GS-0140 CFR 247

Draft, open for review. Check every value against the governing standard and the manufacturer’s data before use.

What it is

Toilet tissue is sold by roll format, ply, sheet count or roll length, and fiber content. Most commercial tissue is made at least partly from recovered fiber. The roll format must match the dispenser, so the dispenser installed usually decides what can be bought.

How to identify

Read the case label. It lists roll type, ply, sheets per roll or feet per roll, rolls per case, roll diameter for jumbo rolls, core size and recycled content. Standard rolls are perforated into individual sheets. Jumbo rolls are usually measured by length and roll diameter rather than sheet count. Coreless rolls have no cardboard tube in the center.

Roll formats

Format	Description	Dispenser	Best for
Standard roll	Household-size roll, perforated sheets	Standard or multi-roll holders	Offices, low traffic
Jumbo roll (JRT)	Large diameter roll on a large core	Jumbo roll dispenser, sized by roll diameter	High-traffic restrooms
Coreless	No core, more tissue per roll	Coreless dispenser	Less waste, fewer changes
Small-core high-capacity	Long roll on a small core	Matching proprietary dispenser	High capacity in a compact unit

1-ply vs 2-ply

1-ply gives more sheets per roll for the same diameter and fewer roll changes. It is common in high-traffic sites.
2-ply feels thicker and softer. Users often take fewer sheets, but rolls run out sooner for the same size.
Compare cost per sheet or per foot, not cost per case.

Key points

Jumbo roll dispensers are sized by roll diameter. A roll larger than the dispenser will not fit, and a smaller roll means more changes.
Many dispensers are built for one maker's rolls. See the dispenser types and proprietary fits sheet.
Fast-dissolving tissue is offered for septic systems, RVs and older plumbing. Check the label claim.
Green Seal GS-01 certifies tissue for recycled content and process limits. EPA's procurement guideline under 40 CFR 247 sets recovered-fiber purchasing for federal agencies and their contractors.
Store cases off the floor in a dry area. Damp tissue tears and jams dispensers.

Common mistakes

Comparing cases by roll count instead of total sheets or feet.
Buying jumbo rolls that do not match the installed dispenser diameter.
Using standard rolls in high-traffic restrooms, which run out between service visits.
Forcing an off-brand roll into a proprietary dispenser.

Governing standards: Green Seal GS-01 (sanitary paper products); 40 CFR 247 (EPA comprehensive procurement guideline for recovered materials).

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.

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