Charlie Neal worked for P&G as an analytical chemist, technology leader and research fellow for 34 years in the tissue and towel industry.

Early in his career, he worked specifically to introduce the alkaline-resistant wet strength in Bounty paper towels and the temporary wet-strength technology in Charmin bath tissue.

I reached out to Charlie because I wanted to gain some insider knowledge as to why shelves seem to be bare each time I visit a grocery store to purchase toilet paper.

“While I’m sure some hoarding of product is occurring, the dramatic increase in usage is the primary reason for empty shelves. The manufacturing of tissue/towel products is one of the strongest manufacturing businesses in the United States," he says. "The manufacturers produce products for either 'away from home' or 'at home.' It is the 'at home' product that is missing from store shelves. With the stay-at-home order the country is currently dealing with, there has been a dramatic shift from 'away from home' consumption to “at home” consumption. The processes for manufacturing the different product categories is significantly different, and manufactures cannot easily switch from producing 'away from home' product to 'at home' product.”

I'm thankful for Charlie's insight. He assured me that the manufacturers are working 24/7 to produce enough product and not to worry.

So be patient and don’t hoard or over purchase products. We will all have enough toilet paper and paper towels to get us through this together.