The fact that the current gas crisis could soon lead to too little toilet paper being produced may come as a surprise to most. The German paper industry is concerned.
It seems as if history were repeating itself: toilet paper could again become scarce in German supermarkets and drugstores. The German paper industry warns of new bottlenecks and speaks of a threat to security of supply.
“In the current energy crisis, our top priority is to ensure that people are supplied with this important commodity,” says Martin Krengel, Vice President of the Paper Industry Association. “In the hygienic paper production process, we are particularly dependent on gas. If we lose it, we can no longer guarantee the security of supply.”
3.4 percent of global toilet paper is produced in Germany
On average, every German uses 134 rolls of toilet paper a year. Krengel emphasizes that toilet paper is not only important for private hygiene, but is also indispensable in the workplace and in public facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes and airports.
In Germany, 750,000 tons of toilet paper are produced annually. This corresponds to around 3.4 percent of all paper production. 125,000 tons of toilet paper are exported and about the same amount is imported.
Just as many “folders” as “blockbusters”
On the occasion of the international toilet paper day on August 26th, the association gives some facts about the hygiene item. About half of Germans “crumple” their toilet paper when using it, the other half “fold” it. When asked in which direction the toilet paper roll should be hung, there was greater agreement: 96 percent of the paper hangs to the front and not to the back.
Before toilet paper was invented, people used leaves, rags or simply water. The first toilet paper appeared in the United States in 1857. It was produced in Germany around 1880 – from the start in rolls with tear-off perforations or as single sheets. Toilet paper was made from the hard and rough crepe before the softer tissue paper was produced for the first time in 1958.
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Source: Stern
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
