Paper towels

Our overall score is based on how well the paper towels performed in our testing. We assess each product’s absorption, puncture, separation (perforation) and wet tear.

Overall score

Our lab test assesses how a paper towel will perform mopping up spills in your kitchen. We include:

• How much water the paper towel absorbs.
• How well it resists puncturing.
• How resistant it is to tearing when wet.
• How easy it is to separate sheets at the perforations.

Other ratings

We also assess product packaging and claims made on the product. We award a rating of good, acceptable or poor. This doesn’t contribute to the overall score:

• Packaging: assesses what the packaging is made of, how recyclable it is in New Zealand and how clearly it’s labelled with recycling information.
• Environment: considers whether they claim to be bleached, biodegradable/compostable and do they warn against flushing down the toilet, which can cause wastewater blockages.
• Ethical: we look for ethical sourcing and sustainability claims, and if the packaging states it meets a standard, certification or has a trusted endorsement.

What about New Zealand made? - we do not consider whether they’re made in Aotearoa, as many paper products made here use a combination of local and imported materials, where the origin of the imported content is not always clear.