Totally trivial toilet roll vent...

Manxman_in_exile

Because of the shortage of toilet paper a couple of weeks ago, we had to buy a different brand from usual.

What I don't understand is that the diameter of the inner cardboard roll around which the toilet paper is wound, is significantly narrower than any roll I've bought before - to the extent that it doesn't fit our toilet roll holder.  What is this all about?  Surely the inner diameter of toilet rolls is standardised?  Why would you want a smaller diameter?  Do Tescos (for it is they) have a separate manufacturing run at the makers than everybody else?

shaun_from_Africa

It might be the case that all toilet rolls manufactured for domestic use in the UK have an inner roll of the same size but because of the shortages caused by stockpiling, supplies have been brought in from overseas or paper manufactured with the intention of being exported has been diverted to stores here.

Martin_the_Unjust

Look on the bright side, if the central tube is a smaller diameter than usual but the outside diameter is the same as usual, your getting more toilet paper than usual.

roddydogs

Seriously, the diameter is so small it doesn't fit? How big is your holder, pic please.

unforeseen

It's not these rolls that have a small roll that is removal and can be stuffed in a handbag?
Wife got some of those (from Tesco) and it's a damn good idea

prowla

Curiously, I noticed that the different brand I bought has a larger diameter cardboard roll at the centre.

It's a funny old world...

Andy_L

Manxman_in_exile said:

Because of the shortage of toilet paper a couple of weeks ago, we had to buy a different brand from usual.

What I don't understand is that the diameter of the inner cardboard roll around which the toilet paper is wound, is significantly narrower than any roll I've bought before - to the extent that it doesn't fit our toilet roll holder.  What is this all about?  Surely the inner diameter of toilet rolls is standardised?  Why would you want a smaller diameter?  Do Tescos (for it is they) have a separate manufacturing run at the makers than everybody else?

Smaller diameter of the cardboard equals less cardboard used & a smaller overall size which means less external packaging & lower shipping & warehousing costs.

jim1999

Yes, some brands started using smaller diameter to be more eco-friendly and cut transportation costs.

RichardD1970

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/apr/20/sainsburys-toilet-roll-carbon-emissions

Manxman_in_exile

Martin_the_Unjust said:

Look on the bright side, if the central tube is a smaller diameter than usual but the outside diameter is the same as usual, your getting more toilet paper than usual.

No - it's some bo77ocky "Luxury Soft" (ie thicker than necessary) toilet paper and not the "no-nonsense" stuff we usually buy.  Also the overall diameter of the Tesco role I'm complaining about is around 10cm and the only comparison I have (Boots) is around 11cm.

Manxman_in_exile

roddydogs said:

Seriously, the diameter is so small it doesn't fit? How big is your holder, pic please.

I don't have any calipers to measure internal diameters, just a steel tape, but the internal diameter of the Tescos roll I'm complaining about is somewhere between 35mm and 40mm.  The only comparison I have is with a roll of Boots toilet paper which has an internal diameter a bit under 50mm.  So there appears to be over 1cm difference.  (And, as explained in the preceding post, a smaller overall diameter too).

It's a standing toilet roll holder and the end has a diameter about 40mm.  It's the first time in over 20years a roll hasn't fit.