Why Do People Hoard Tissue Toilet Paper?

We can all recall in March 2020 the world almost witnessed a tissue toilet paper shortage due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Since the numbers are rising again these days, there are some rumors that we may witness another shortage.

Panic Buying and Stockpiling

Studies show that uncertainty of situations make people stockpile materials that are considered to be essential as an instinct. As some researches demonstrate, one person approximately consumer 100 rolls of toilet paper per year. Not all surprisingly, this resulted in tissue toilet paper shortages around the world and even criminal acts such as stealing.

Why Tissue Toilet Paper and Not Other Tissue Paper Products?

Consumers can find many kinds of tissue papers at markets, there are various options available. So why do they especially stockpile toilet papers? Toilet papers can be used for many purposes, they are not only meant for bathroom use. These multifunctional products may replace paper towels, facial tissues or napkins when needed. Because of that buying a multifunctional product saves space and money which are benefits people would look for during a crisis.

Predictions on Near Feature of the Tissue Industry and Hoarding

Coronavirus pandemic affected toilet paper sales so dramatically. According to a July 2020 report, the demand shot up to 845% in the U.S alone during the pandemic, which was only 5 months old at the time.

It is foreseen by manufacturers that not the high levels of demand, but the raw material supply may be an issue for the industry. According to one of the biggest pulp producers, global raw material shipping containers can possibly cause supply issues. Tissue paper manufacturers were able to handle the toilet paper shortage and manage their production mainly thanks to the perfectly working supply and distribution chains. Because of that, a stumbling may result in a global shortage if the demand continued to be this high.