SHANGHAI - Surging demand for toilet paper in China has some of the nation's suppliers in a flush, state press said.Yeah? Do tell.
"I'm happy to see many young people adopt paper tissues for the convenience, which is a sign that reflects our social development and has helped improve our industry," Wang Yueqin, vice-director of Shanghai Paper Trade Association, said.
But Wang, quoted in the China Daily, said he was "beginning to worry about the large wood consumption" and the industry needed to consider other technologies and uses.
"We are trying to encourage the application of new materials and technologies," he said, pointing to one factory in Jiangsu province now making toilet paper from straw.I don't think Mr. Whipple is worried.
Another in southern Guangxi has managed to produce tissues from sugarcane.
One textile merchant said he hoped the pressure would reinvigorate use of the handkerchief, at least for runny noses.I was worried a bit until he added the qualifier.
Unfortunately, the article leaves an important question unanswered which makes one a tad bit nervous about running down to Wal Mart to pick up some fine Made in China goods.
