Toast - Series 7: Izal Medicated Toilet Paper

About this episode

<p>Izal medicated toilet paper was once a staple of British bathrooms - a curious cultural icon, remembered as much for its distinctive feel as for its antiseptic promise. Produced for decades by the Sheffield‑based company Newton, Chambers &amp; Co., Izal became woven into the fabric of schools, hospitals and public buildings across the UK.</p><p>So how did a product that was everywhere for so long, end up disappearing from shelves, surviving only in nostalgia, and uncomfortable memories?</p><p>BBC Business journalist Sean Farrington investigates how Izal medicated toilet paper went from national widespread use to historical footnote, joined by resident business expert and entrepreneur Sam White.</p><p>To uncover the story, Sean and Sam dig into industrial archives, public‑health records and the memories of those who grew up with the unmistakable crinkle of Izal. </p><p>They hear from former Newton Chambers employees, alongside Dr Alice White - Digital Editor at English Heritage and Historian of Psychology and former Jeyes employees, Nicholas Goodwin and Jayne Howe- who followed the Izal brand closely after it changed hands in the 1980s.</p><p>At the end, Sam must draw her own conclusions about the fate of Izal medicated toilet paper - from changing hygiene standards to the rise of softer, more luxurious competitors - and decide whether its decline was inevitable or simply a failure to adapt?</p><p>If you have a good idea for an interesting Toast topic then tell us about it - email <a href="mailto:toast@bbc.co.uk">toast@bbc.co.uk</a></p><p>This episode was produced by Linda Walker. Toast is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds</p>