Brazil tissue paper consumption rises 56% in 15 years

In Brazil, the consumption of tissue paper products—including paper towels, napkins, and toilet paper—has increased by 56.3% over the last 15 years, according to data from the Indústria Brasileira de Árvores (IBÁ).

While the global tissue industry is valued at over US$ 20 billion, Brazilian per capita consumption remains relatively low at approximately 6.3 kilograms per year, compared to 26 kilograms in the United States and 14.5 kilograms in Chile. This gap is viewed by the industry as an opportunity for market expansion.

From a household perspective, the frequent purchase of disposable paper towels represents a significant recurring expense. For example, a family using two rolls per week could spend over R$ 600 annually, a cost that could be mitigated by switching to reusable cotton cloths, which offer greater longevity and reduce waste.