Seventh Generation is recommended for recycled paper towels, with Who Gives A Crap close behind. Who Gives A Crap is recommended most for one question in this topic.
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.
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.
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.
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).[](https://one5c.com/best-recycled-paper-towels-137209311)
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.
If you're looking for paper towels that are better for the environment without sacrificing too much on everyday performance, I'd start with Seventh Generation, Reel Paper, and Who Gives A Crap. All offer recycled-content options, and independent sustainability ratings and product reviews help distinguish them.
One useful resource is the Natural Resources Defense Council's (NRDC) Issue with Tissue scorecard, which gives high sustainability grades to several recycled paper towel brands. Keep in mind that sustainability ratings and cleaning performance are two different things.
My top picks
1. Seventh Generation 100% Recycled Paper Towels
(Best overall) 4.2/5 at Walmart
Recycled content: 100%; unbleached versions are available.
Performance: Good everyday absorption, though some reviewers report thinner sheets and tearing when wet.
Why buy it: A practical choice for routine kitchen spills, with no added dyes or fragrances.
Why buy it: A strong option for shoppers who prioritize recycled fiber and want a brand focused on reducing waste.
Sustainability note: Reel's premium recycled towels received an A+ in NRDC's scorecard, although the current product listing and scorecard nomenclature should be checked when purchasing.
Performance: Two-ply sheets with adjustable sizing; independent testing found they could feel flimsy and shed a little during scrubbing.
Why buy it: A good fit if you want recycled fiber, paper-wrapped rolls, and a company that donates 50% of its profits to water and sanitation initiatives.
4. 365 by Whole Foods Market 100% Recycled Paper Towels
(Best performance-focused alternative)
Recycled content: 100% recycled.
Performance: Independent testing by one5c found this product particularly strong in durability, absorbency, and cleaning performance among the recycled towels tested.
Why buy it: Worth trying if you want recycled content but don't want to compromise as much on cleaning ability.
The NRDC's 2025 scorecard gives A+ grades to Seventh Generation Unbleached, Reel Premium Recycled, Who Gives A Crap 100% Recycled, and 365 by Whole Foods Market 100% Recycled. These grades measure sustainability rather than absorbency or strength.
My recommendation: Start with Seventh Generation for everyday use, or try 365 if cleaning performance matters most.
One tip: look for a high percentage of post-consumer recycled content on the package. That means the material was recovered after consumer use, rather than just manufacturing scraps.
Widely regarded as a gold standard for eco-friendly paper products . They feature 2-ply construction for durability, are whitened without chlorine bleach, and contain a high percentage of post-consumer recycled paper (typically 80% to 100%). You can check availability on platforms like Seventh Generation or major grocery retailers.
Made from 100% recycled paper with no added dyes, fragrances, or chlorine bleaching. They offer a reliable everyday clean while keeping processing chemicals to a minimum.
Known for utilizing rapid-renewal alternatives or recycled blends that drastically cut down on virgin forest impact while maintaining good sheet absorbency.
Frequently top-rated for commercial and heavy-duty home utility, meeting strict EPA guidelines for post-consumer recycled content without sacrificing essential wet strength.[](https://one5c.com/best-recycled-paper-towels-137209311)
If you'd like, let me know:
Whether you prefer whitened (white) or unbleached (brown) paper towels
If you are open to reusable tree-free cloth alternatives (like bamboo or cotton flannel un-paper towels)
I can help you find specific buying options or compare costs for your routine.
