Marathon Jumbo 2 Ply Toilet Paper

Why This Commercial-Grade Paper Deserves More Recognition Than It Gets

In the grand scheme of facility management, few products work harder with less recognition than quality toilet paper. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on what might be the most underappreciated yet essential product in commercial restroom management: Marathon Jumbo 2 Ply Toilet Paper.

Whether you’re a business owner tired of constant restroom maintenance, a facility manager looking to optimize your restroom supplies budget, or simply someone curious about commercial-grade paper products, this comprehensive guide will answer every question you didn’t even know you had about this workhorse of the washroom world.

What Exactly Is Marathon Jumbo 2 Ply Toilet Paper?

Marathon Jumbo 2 Ply isn’t your standard household toilet paper. It’s specifically engineered for commercial environments where reliability and efficiency are paramount. The “Jumbo” in the name isn’t marketing hyperbole—these rolls are substantially larger than what you’d typically find in residential bathrooms, designed to reduce the frequency of replacements in busy facilities.

The “2 Ply” designation means each sheet consists of two layers of paper bonded together, striking a careful balance between comfort and durability. This construction creates a sturdier sheet that resists tearing while maintaining a level of softness that users appreciate.

Marathon has positioned this product as a mid-tier commercial solution—not the industrial single-ply that feels like sandpaper, but not the premium ultra-soft varieties that dissolve at the slightest moisture. It’s the Goldilocks of commercial toilet paper: just right for most business applications.

The Specs: Breaking Down the Numbers

Let’s talk dimensions and capacity, because when it comes to commercial toilet paper, size truly matters.

Each Marathon Jumbo 2 Ply roll typically measures approximately 9 inches in diameter, with a sheet width of 3.5 inches. The standard roll length hovers around 1,000 feet, which translates to approximately 2,000 sheets per roll (with the standard sheet length of 4 inches).

The core size—that cardboard tube in the middle—is 3.3 inches in diameter, which is the commercial standard designed to fit most jumbo roll dispensers. This larger core size is intentional, allowing the massive rolls to spin freely in commercial dispensers.

When we talk about thickness, Marathon hits the sweet spot. At approximately 15-18 mils (thousandths of an inch), it provides enough substance to feel substantial without being wasteful. The embossed pattern adds both texture and increased absorbency, making it feel thicker than it actually is—a clever bit of product engineering.

Where Can You Purchase Marathon Jumbo 2 Ply?

Unlike consumer toilet paper readily available on supermarket shelves, Marathon Jumbo 2 Ply is primarily distributed through janitorial supply channels. Your most reliable sources include:

1. Commercial janitorial supply stores like Grainger, Uline, or Ferguson
2. Wholesale clubs such as Costco Business Centers or Sam’s Club
3. Online platforms specializing in commercial supplies like CleanItSupply, ReStockIt, or even Amazon Business
4. Direct ordering through Marathon’s authorized distributors

Some brick-and-mortar janitorial supply stores carry it, but calling ahead is recommended to confirm availability. If you’re looking to establish a regular supply chain, working with a dedicated janitorial supply representative can often secure better pricing through volume discounts or contract rates.

The Cost Factor: Budget Considerations

Commercial toilet paper pricing follows different patterns than consumer products. Marathon Jumbo 2 Ply typically costs between $45-60 for a case of 8 rolls, though pricing fluctuates based on region, supplier, and current market conditions.

When evaluating cost, the price-per-case figure can be misleading. The more meaningful metric is cost-per-thousand-sheets or cost-per-user. With approximately 16,000 sheets per case, Marathon often works out to around $0.003-$0.004 per sheet—remarkably economical when viewed through this lens.

Volume discounts can significantly reduce costs further. Purchasing multiple cases or establishing a recurring order typically yields savings of 10-15%. Some suppliers offer escalating discount tiers based on annual purchase volume, which can be particularly advantageous for larger facilities.

While the upfront investment might seem higher than consumer-grade alternatives, the extended replacement intervals and reduced labor costs often result in substantial long-term savings. This is particularly evident in high-traffic facilities where staff might otherwise spend excessive time refilling standard-sized dispensers.

Compatibility Considerations: The Right Dispenser Matters

Marathon Jumbo 2 Ply is designed for commercial JRT (Jumbo Roll Tissue) dispensers, but not all dispensers are created equal. Compatible units include:

1. Standard jumbo roll dispensers with 3.3-inch core capacity
2. Dual jumbo roll dispensers that automatically advance to a second roll when the first is depleted
3. Controlled-use dispensers that limit sheet dispensing to reduce waste

Most major dispenser manufacturers including Georgia-Pacific, Kimberly-Clark, and Tork offer compatible options. When selecting a dispenser, consider factors like:

• Visibility windows to monitor paper levels
• Locking mechanisms to prevent theft
• Sheet control features to reduce waste
• Durability of construction materials
• Ease of loading for maintenance staff

The dispenser-paper relationship is symbiotic—even the highest quality paper performs poorly in an incompatible or damaged dispenser. Many suppliers offer dispenser programs where units are provided at reduced cost or even free with qualifying paper purchases, which can be an excellent value proposition for new facilities.

Material Composition: What’s It Made Of?

Marathon Jumbo 2 Ply is primarily manufactured from processed wood pulp, typically a blend of virgin and recycled fibers. The exact ratio varies by production batch, but generally maintains a consistent quality standard.

The manufacturing process involves:

1. Pulping: Breaking down wood fibers into a slurry
2. Refining: Processing the fibers to achieve desired strength and softness
3. Sheet formation: Creating the paper base structure
4. Embossing: Adding texture patterns that enhance feel and absorbency
5. Laminating: Bonding the two plies together
6. Winding: Spooling the finished product onto the cardboard cores

The paper undergoes chlorine-free bleaching to achieve its white color while minimizing environmental impact. The embossing pattern—typically a series of small diamonds or waves—serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, increasing the effective surface area for better absorbency while adding perceived softness.

Environmental Considerations: The Eco Question

The environmental impact of commercial toilet paper deserves serious consideration, especially for businesses committed to sustainability. Marathon has made strides in this area, though like most commercial papers, there’s a balance between performance and environmental ideals.

The product is not marketed as fully “eco-friendly,” but does incorporate several environmentally conscious elements:

• Partially recycled fiber content (typically 30-40%)
• Chlorine-free bleaching process
• Certification from the Sustainable Forestry Initiative for virgin fiber sourcing
• Biodegradable and septic-safe formulation
• Reduced packaging waste through bulk case configuration

The large roll format inherently reduces packaging waste compared to individually wrapped standard rolls. The cardboard cores are recyclable, and the minimal plastic wrap used in packaging is increasingly being produced from recycled materials.

For facilities with strong environmental mandates, it’s worth noting that Marathon offers an EcoLogo certified version with higher recycled content, though with slightly different performance characteristics.

Performance in High-Traffic Environments

The true test of any commercial toilet paper is how it performs under pressure—literally and figuratively. Marathon Jumbo 2 Ply is specifically engineered for high-traffic restrooms where reliability is non-negotiable.

Key performance attributes include:

1. Reduced runouts: The large capacity means fewer empty dispensers, a common complaint in busy facilities
2. Controlled dispensing: The paper’s tensile strength allows for clean separation without excessive dispensing
3. Clog resistance: While soft enough for comfort, the paper dissolves appropriately in plumbing systems
4. Moisture resistance: Maintains integrity when exposed to bathroom humidity
5. Consistent quality: Uniform sheet thickness and strength throughout the entire roll

For contexts like airports, stadiums, or shopping malls where restroom traffic is exceptionally high, Marathon’s performance justifies its commercial designation. The paper holds up well to the rapid dispensing that occurs during peak usage periods without the tearing or dispenser jams that plague lesser products.

Is It Septic-Safe? Plumbing Considerations

A critical concern for many facilities, particularly those not connected to municipal sewage systems, is septic compatibility. Marathon Jumbo 2 Ply is designed to be septic-safe, with a dissolution rate engineered to balance between user comfort and plumbing system protection.

When submerged in water, the paper begins breaking down within seconds, though complete dissolution takes longer than ultra-thin single-ply options. This controlled dissolution rate helps prevent the dreaded commercial restroom plumbing blockages that can create costly maintenance issues.

For older plumbing systems or facilities with known drainage sensitivities, maintenance staff should monitor performance during initial implementation. While generally compatible with most systems, the two-ply construction does create slightly more paper mass than economy single-ply alternatives.

The product is tested using standard industry protocols for septic compatibility, including the slosh box test which measures dissolution rates under agitation similar to actual plumbing conditions.

Comparing Marathon to Competitors

The commercial toilet paper market features several prominent players, each with slightly different value propositions. How does Marathon Jumbo 2 Ply stack up?

Compared to Georgia-Pacific’s Envision brand, Marathon typically offers comparable quality at a slightly lower price point, though with less name recognition. Against Kimberly-Clark’s Scott brand, Marathon provides better softness but sometimes at a modest price premium.

In blind tests, users typically rate Marathon’s softness above basic institutional papers but below premium consumer-grade products—exactly where it aims to position itself. Its wet strength (resistance to tearing when damp) tests favorably against competitors in the same price range.

What distinguishes Marathon is consistency across production batches. While some competing products show noticeable variation between manufacturing runs, Marathon maintains reliable quality standards, making it a predictable choice for facility managers who value consistency.

The embossing pattern also differs from major competitors—Marathon uses a distinctive diamond pattern that provides better grip and perceived thickness compared to the simpler patterns used by some other brands.

Commercial vs. Residential Use: Crossing the Divide

While designed primarily for commercial settings, Marathon Jumbo 2 Ply has developed something of a cult following among residential users with high-volume needs or those simply tired of frequent roll changes.

For home use, several considerations come into play:

1. Dispenser compatibility: Standard residential holders cannot accommodate these jumbo rolls
2. Storage requirements: The substantial roll size demands more storage space
3. Aesthetic factors: The institutional appearance may not suit home bathroom décor
4. Cost efficiency: The economy of scale only applies with sufficient usage volume

For large households, vacation rentals, or residential properties with staff bathrooms, the commercial-residential crossover can make practical sense. Some users purchase commercial dispensers specifically for home use, while others have created DIY solutions to accommodate the larger rolls.

The pandemic-related toilet paper shortages of 2020 introduced many residential consumers to commercial toilet paper options, with some continuing to use these products even after consumer supply chains normalized.

Bulk Purchasing and Storage Considerations

Marathon Jumbo 2 Ply is available in various case quantities, with the standard being 8 rolls per case. For larger operations, pallet quantities (typically 30-36 cases) offer maximum economies of scale.

Proper storage is essential for maintaining product quality:

1. Store in cool, dry environments away from direct sunlight
2. Maintain original packaging until use to prevent dust accumulation
3. Practice proper inventory rotation (first in, first out)
4. Keep at least 6 inches above floor level to prevent moisture absorption
5. Allow adequate air circulation around stored cases

The product’s shelf life is essentially unlimited when stored properly, though extremely long storage periods (years) may result in slight yellowing that doesn’t affect performance.

For facilities with limited storage space, just-in-time delivery programs are available through many suppliers, though these may come at a slight premium compared to bulk orders. The space-efficiency of the jumbo rolls themselves is part of their appeal—more usable product in less physical space compared to standard rolls.

Warranty and Quality Assurance

Marathon backs its Jumbo 2 Ply with a standard commercial product guarantee, though formal warranty documentation is minimal compared to higher-value facility products. In practice, quality issues are handled through supplier relationships rather than formal warranty claims.

Quality control in manufacturing includes:

1. Regular tensile strength testing
2. Absorption rate verification
3. Dissolution rate checks
4. Consistency of weight and dimensions
5. Visual inspection for defects

If you encounter quality issues, the most efficient resolution path is typically through your immediate supplier rather than the manufacturer. Reputable suppliers maintain quality tracking systems that can identify problematic production batches and facilitate appropriate replacements or credits.

Finding Reviews and User Experiences

Given the commercial nature of the product, Marathon Jumbo 2 Ply doesn’t accumulate consumer reviews in the same way as retail products. However, valuable feedback sources include:

1. Industry forums for facility managers and janitorial professionals
2. Supplier website review sections
3. Commercial product review aggregators
4. Professional association discussion boards
5. LinkedIn groups focused on facility management

The most authentic assessment often comes through professional networks—connecting with other facility managers who have direct experience with the product in similar applications. Many suppliers can also provide reference customers willing to share their experiences.

User feedback consistently highlights the paper’s reliability and cost-effectiveness, with occasional comments about it being less soft than premium alternatives—an expected trade-off in the commercial segment.

Special Promotions and Purchasing Strategies

Strategic purchasing can yield significant savings on Marathon Jumbo 2 Ply. Common promotional opportunities include:

1. New customer discounts from suppliers looking to establish relationships
2. End-of-quarter promotions when suppliers are meeting sales targets
3. Bundle deals when purchasing multiple janitorial categories together
4. Annual contract pricing that locks in rates regardless of market fluctuations
5. Membership-based pricing through professional associations or buying groups

Many suppliers offer “try before you buy” programs for new customers, providing sample rolls to test compatibility with your dispensers and user preferences before committing to larger quantities.

For maximum cost efficiency, consider:

• Consolidating orders to reach higher discount thresholds
• Combining shipments with other janitorial supplies to reduce freight costs
• Establishing annual usage forecasts to leverage forward-buying opportunities
• Exploring supplier-managed inventory programs that optimize ordering patterns

Implementation Best Practices

When implementing Marathon Jumbo 2 Ply in your facility, consider these practical tips:

1. Conduct dispenser inspections before initial installation to verify compatibility
2. Train maintenance staff on proper loading techniques to prevent jams
3. Consider phased implementation in large facilities to evaluate performance
4. Develop appropriate inventory monitoring to prevent unexpected stockouts
5. Collect user feedback during initial implementation to address any concerns

Many facilities find that a dual-strategy works well—using Marathon Jumbo 2 Ply in high-traffic primary restrooms while utilizing smaller rolls in low-usage auxiliary facilities where the jumbo capacity would be unnecessary.

The Last Word on Marathon Jumbo 2 Ply

After this exhaustive exploration, what’s the bottom line on Marathon Jumbo 2 Ply Toilet Paper?

For commercial applications where reliability, cost-efficiency, and reduced maintenance are priorities, it represents a solid mid-tier solution that balances performance with practicality. It won’t win awards for luxury softness, but it’s not designed to—it’s engineered to perform consistently in demanding environments where dependability matters more than premium feel.

The substantial capacity, appropriate durability, and reasonable cost structure make it particularly well-suited for facilities with moderate to high traffic where frequent roll changes would strain maintenance resources. Its septic-safe formulation adds versatility across different plumbing systems.

In the final analysis, Marathon Jumbo 2 Ply succeeds by competently performing its essential function without drawing attention to itself—perhaps the ultimate compliment for a utilitarian product. It’s the unsung hero of countless commercial restrooms, quietly doing its job so facility managers can focus their attention on more pressing concerns.

Whether you’re outfitting a new facility, reconsidering your current restroom supplies, or simply curious about commercial paper products, Marathon Jumbo 2 Ply deserves consideration as a pragmatic solution to the universal necessity of restroom management.

After all, in the world of facility management, sometimes the most valuable products are the ones users never have to think about.