You reach for kitchen roll several times a day to wipe up splashes of fat, wipe out your pan before washing it or dab a piece of meat. But have you ever wondered what exactly is in kitchen roll and whether it is really as safe as it seems? In this article, you’ll find out what you should look out for when buying kitchen roll, which ingredients are problematic and how to use kitchen roll sustainably.
Practical, but not always safe
Kitchen paper is as much a part of everyday life as salt and pepper. Once used, it ends up straight in the bin. That’s why it’s worth taking a closer look: Many kitchen rolls are made from virgin pulp – i.e. from trees that have been felled specifically for this purpose. Some of this wood comes from countries with a high risk of deforestation, such as Brazil, South Africa or Russia. Recycled paper is clearly the better choice here, as it not only saves energy and water, but also a lot of CO₂.
How to recognize sustainable products
Choose kitchen rolls made from 100% recycled paper. They use significantly fewer resources during production and protect the forests. Also look out for seals such as the “Blue Angel”, which identify environmentally friendly products. Nevertheless, even recycled kitchen paper is a disposable product. A cloth that you can use several times is often sufficient for simple cleaning tasks.
Kitchen roll does not belong in the organic waste
Although some manufacturers advertise it as “biodegradable”, you can only dispose of kitchen roll in the organic waste garbage can in exceptional cases – namely when it is used as packaging for kitchen waste. Otherwise, used kitchen roll belongs in the residual waste. This is the only way to keep organic waste free of foreign matter.
Kitchen roll and food: this combination can be risky
Many people use kitchen roll to dab food. This is where things get critical: in a recent test, laboratories found bisphenols such as BPA and BPS in almost all kitchen rolls – even in products made from recycled paper. These substances are considered to have a hormonal effect and can be harmful to health. The chemicals dissolve particularly strongly when greasy food remains in contact with the paper for a long time.
How to use kitchen roll correctly – without risk
Avoid direct contact with food – especially with recycled kitchen rolls. It is better to use them only for cleaning or soaking up liquids. If you want to be on the safe side, use kitchen towels for food preparation that are expressly labeled for this purpose or only use kitchen paper for short periods of time.
Choose kitchen roll carefully – and use it sparingly
Kitchen roll remains a practical helper, but should be used wisely. Choose products made from recycled paper, look at the ingredients and avoid unnecessary contact with food. This will not only protect you, but also the environment.
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Kitchen roll is an indispensable part of everyday life, but it has its downsides. When buying it, look for recycled quality, avoid unnecessary contact with food and dispose of it correctly. With a little mindfulness, you can also make a small but important contribution to your health and the environment with kitchen roll.
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Source: Ökotest
