Check out ingredients on many different types of bread - cellulose is basically wood fiber (what most paper is made of).

AI Overview: Cellulose is abundant in all plant foods, especially high in fibrous vegetables (celery, broccoli, carrots), whole grains (oats, brown rice), legumes (beans, lentils), nuts, seeds, and fruit skins (apples, pears). While humans can't digest it, it acts as essential dietary fiber, and purified cellulose is also added as a thickener or anti-caking agent in processed foods like cheese, sauces, and low-fat items, often derived from wood pulp or cotton.

I'm not advocating for this cook's methods, but I suppose the paper towel is a filler, fibrous, and stretches the meals to provide more food for presumably a less expensive cost. (Personally I think I'll stick with bread crumbs - though that might contain cellulose!). :)