26 Aug. 2022: Peter Purves has decried the invention of tubeless toilet rolls as a “complete catastrophe” as it deprives the public of a key component of amateur arts and crafts.

Loo paper brand Cushelle has become the first company to remove the cardboard inner tube from its packaging in an attempt to reduce waste.

But the former Blue Peter presenter said the innovation would stymie creative craftspeople.

Purves, 83, told the Sun he was “horrified” by the decision.

He added: “In all my years on Blue Peter loo roll was always the most essential element in doing all the makes on the programme.

“It appeared in about five out of every 10 things we made on the show. We used them all the time. It’s a complete catastrophe.”

While the inner tubes of toilet paper are recyclable and biodegradable, they are made from cardboard, which ultimately contributes to deforestation and an increase in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

Cushelle’s new rolls have 360 sheets, rather than the standard 180, and are packed so they no longer need the supporting tube.

Barry Read, the chief executive of the Paper Industry Technical Association, said: “The great British bog roll has moved into the 21st century. We’re a market leader and we’re showing the world how it’s done.

“This welcome development shows how the paper industry is reacting to consumer demand.

“Our existing toilet roll cores were perfectly recyclable as they were but the market is adapting. It’s onwards and upwards for the toilet roll.”

By Gemma McSherry of The Guardian