Wipe Out

Supply Chain

The toilet paper supply chain has remained largely intact despite the pandemic, with production continuing in North America. Stephanie Joyce explains that while there is a shortage in stores, the overall supply chain is stable, with companies like Roses adding shifts to meet demand 1. The issue lies in the shift of consumption from public spaces to homes, not an increase in overall usage. Roman Mars humorously notes the global obsession with toilet paper, highlighting a viral video of a Dutch worker surrounded by toilet paper stacks 2.

If you take a step back and look at the entire toilet paper supply chain, the answer is no. Unlike a lot of other things that are kind of hard to find at the moment, the toilet paper supply chain is actually almost entirely here in the US.

--- Stephanie Joyce

This shift in demand has led to temporary shortages in stores, but the supply chain is adapting to these changes.

   

Consumer Panic

Consumer behavior during the toilet paper shortage has been marked by panic and unusual actions. Roman Mars shares stories of people waiting in long lines, like Mary Salas Cedillo, who strategized to avoid bathroom breaks while waiting for hours 3. Stephanie Joyce describes the scene at Roses' public sale, where cars lined up for miles to purchase toilet paper directly from the factory 4.

It's not like they just woke up and got in line. No, they strategized. They didn't have anything to eat or drink all morning so that they wouldn't have to go to the bathroom.

--- Stephanie Joyce

These behaviors underscore the lengths people will go to secure what they perceive as essential, even when the supply chain remains robust.