Why Buying Cheap Centre Feed Paper Can Cost Your Business More Than You Think

In the world of facilities management and cleaning supplies, it’s tempting to look for ways to cut costs — and paper products often seem like an easy place to start. After all, centre feed rolls are simple, everyday consumables. How much difference could there really be?

Quite a lot, actually.

Buying cheap centre feed paper can lead to hidden costs, wasted time, and a poorer customer experience. Here’s why quality matters more than you might think.

Cheap Paper Rolls = Higher Usage

• Low-cost centre feed rolls are usually made from thin, low-grade recycled fibres. They might look similar to premium rolls, but their performance is worlds apart.
• Because the paper absorbs less liquid and tears easily when wet, cleaning staff need to use more sheets to do the same job. Paper rolls run out faster, and waste increases — meaning your “savings” disappear quickly.

Tip: Compare not just the price per roll, but the cost per usable metre. Premium paper often works out cheaper over time.

Poor Quality = More Maintenance

• Cheap paper doesn’t just affect cleaning efficiency — it can cause problems behind the scenes too.
• Inconsistent roll winding, poor perforation, and low-grade pulp can lead to dispenser jams, tearing, and lint build-up. Every jam means lost time for your team, unnecessary frustration, and sometimes even damage to your equipment.
• A quality paper roll feeds smoothly every time, helping staff stay focused on what really matters: maintaining clean, hygienic spaces.

The Hidden Cost of False Economy

• Budget rolls often have less paper per roll and thinner plies that aren’t up to the job for industrial or commercial use.
• So even if you’re paying less upfront, you’re likely:
  • Ordering replacements more frequently
  • Storing larger volumes
  • Disposing of more waste

That’s time and space your business could use more effectively elsewhere.

Investing in premium centre feed paper helps you reduce consumption, streamline logistics, and cut waste — delivering genuine long-term savings.

Your Hygiene Standards Reflect Your Brand

• For businesses in hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, and food production, hygiene isn’t optional — it’s part of your reputation.
• Using flimsy paper that breaks apart or leaves residue sends the wrong message. It suggests corner-cutting and low standards, even if that’s not the case.
• High-quality paper, on the other hand, delivers a clean, professional experience — for both staff and customers — and helps maintain compliance with health and safety standards.

Sustainability and Compliance Matter

• Many cheap rolls on the market are imported without verified sustainability credentials. They may not be FSC®, PEFC®, or EU Ecolabel certified, and often come in non-recyclable packaging.
• Choosing responsibly sourced paper supports your company’s environmental and corporate social responsibility goals, while ensuring compliance with procurement policies.
• Sustainability isn’t just good ethics — it’s good business.