Recycled paper towels

Data as of Oct 11, 2026A topic in Zero-Waste Home Essentials.Reviewed by Dimitry Apollonsky

How we measure

Which brands AI mentions

#BrandHow often mentioned

1Seventh GenerationMost answers

2Who Gives A CrapMost answers

3Reel PaperOften

4365 by Whole Foods MarketRarely

5Marcal PaperRarely

See 17 more brands

Recommendations by AI engine

Mentioned in · Jul 6 – Oct 11, 2026

Seventh GenerationChatGPT Search100%Google AI Mode82%
Who Gives A CrapChatGPT Search91%Google AI Mode82%
Reel PaperChatGPT Search50%Google AI Mode36%
365 by Whole Foods MarketChatGPT Search32%Google AI Mode27%
Marcal PaperChatGPT Search41%Google AI Mode5%

Questions and answers

What is the best brand of recycled paper towels?
ChatGPT SearchOct 11, 2026
1Seventh Generation
2Reel Paper
3Marcal 100% Premium Recycled Perforated Towels
My top recommendation for recycled paper towels is Seventh Generation 100% Recycled Paper Towels for a practical balance of recycled content, everyday usefulness, and availability. If you prioritize recycled materials and plastic-free packaging, Reel is also worth considering.

The important distinction is that the most sustainable option isn't necessarily the strongest or most absorbent. Here's how I'd choose.

Best recycled paper towels to consider

1. Seventh Generation — Best overall

(My top pick)

100% recycled paper · Unbleached option

Natural, unbleached towels made without chlorine processing or added dyes and fragrances. A good choice if you want to avoid virgin wood pulp and prefer a simple, natural-looking product. Performance can be less consistent than conventional premium towels.

Google AI ModeOct 11, 2026
1365 by Whole Foods Market
2Reel Paper
3Seventh Generation
Can you recommend some top-rated paper towels that are made using recycled content?
I'm looking for paper towels made from recycled materials, which brands are top-rated?

See where your brand stands in this ranking

Listed at $20.69 at Home Depot when checked.

SEVENTH GENERATION Natural Unbleached 100% Recycled 2-Ply Ju… ·

2. Reel — Best alternative for eco-conscious households

100% recycled fiber · Plastic-free packaging

Reel specifies a minimum of 80% post-consumer recycled fiber. Its customer reviews praise its strength and absorbency, although some users find the sheets thinner than conventional towels.

Listed at $49.99 for 12 rolls on the brand's website when checked; availability may vary.

Reel Recycled Paper Towels ·

3. Marcal — Worth considering for bulk purchases

100% recycled paper · Commercial and household use

A practical option if you want recycled towels in bulk. Its product description specifies chlorine-free whitening and no added fragrance. Independent comparative testing of its household-roll performance is limited in the sources I found.

Marcal 100% Premium Recycled Perforated Towels, 11 x 9, Whit… ·

What matters most when choosing

For sustainability: Look for a high percentage of post-consumer recycled fiber, not just a general claim of recycled content.
For fewer added chemicals: Consider unbleached, fragrance-free options.
For performance: Expect some trade-off in strength or absorbency compared with premium virgin-fiber towels.
For reducing waste overall: Reusable cotton cloths or Swedish dishcloths can reduce your reliance on disposable towels.

One caveat: a recent independent screening by Mamavation reported detectable organic fluorine in tested samples of both Seventh Generation and Reel recycled towels. Organic fluorine can indicate PFAS, but it does not establish which specific compounds are present or prove that a product poses a health risk. If avoiding PFAS is a priority, review the testing results and limitations.

My verdict: Start with Seventh Generation's unbleached version for a widely available, straightforward recycled option.

Sources cited in this answer10

4Who Gives A Crap

When looking for the best recycled paper towels, performance usually comes down to a balance between eco-friendliness (post-consumer recycled content vs. bamboo) and wet strength (avoiding the dreaded "sludge" or tearing when damp).

The top-rated brands on the market stack up as follows:

365 by Whole Foods Market (100% Recycled Jumbo Paper Towels) — Often ranks near the top for overall performance among budget-friendly and big-box store options, offering better durability, strength, and absorbency than many competitors without requiring a massive stack of sheets per spill.

Made from a minimum of 85% post-consumer recycled paper , these 2-ply towels feature an interwoven design for added rigidity and dependable everyday cleaning. They strike a solid balance between soft feel and structural integrity.

Popular for its heavy-duty commitment to zero deforestation, offering double-length, 2-ply, biodegradable sheets made entirely from recycled paper . While some users note the sheets are on the thinner side, they are a favorite for zero-waste household supply subscriptions.

Reel (Premium Recycled Paper Towels) — Another subscription-first eco brand specializing in high-absorbency, 2-ply sheets made from recycled paper fibers that focus heavily on minimizing carbon footprints without sacrificing basic kitchen utility.[3][4]

Would you like help comparing these based on price-per-roll , or are you looking for bamboo alternatives instead of post-consumer paper?

Which brands AI mentions

Recommendations by AI engine

Questions and answers

Best recycled paper towels to consider

1. Seventh Generation — Best overall

Other topics in Zero-Waste Home Essentials

See where your brand stands in this ranking

2. Reel — Best alternative for eco-conscious households

3. Marcal — Worth considering for bulk purchases

What matters most when choosing

Sources cited in this answer10

Sources cited in this answer2