MAINE PUBLIC • March 28, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the panic-buying of certain items, notably toilet paper. Some stores have sold out, others have resorted to rationing - in some cases to just one roll per customer. The sudden demand for what some are calling "white gold" is proving to be a challenge - and an opportunity - for one fledgling family business in a part of Maine that has struggled through hard times in the paper industry. "It's been insane. I don't sleep much." And that's how it's been for Marc Cooper and his son Jake since their toilet paper start-up in Bangor, Tissue Plus, was launched into go-mode this month.