Tissue paper has become an integral part of our daily activities without which our lives would be difficult. From households to businesses, tissue products are used everywhere for various purposes.
History of Tissue Products
While tissue paper was invented in the 19th century, its widespread use started in the 20th century after inventions like the roll holder and box holders which made tissue paper easily portable and accessible. In the early 20th century, companies like Kimberly-Clark started mass producing tissue paper rolls which transformed the concept of tissue paper from expensive handkerchiefs to affordable paper tissues. After that, tissue paper became a staple in homes and offices across the world.
Types of Tissue Products
There are various types of tissue papers used for different purposes:
Toilet Tissue: Toilet or bathroom tissue is the most common type of tissue paper used to clean or dry after using the toilet. It is mainly used in bathrooms for hygiene and sanitation purposes.
Facial Tissue: Facial tissues are thinner sheets of paper used to blow nose, wipe face, hands or for other personal care needs. They are soft, absorbent and convenient to carry.
Paper Towels: Paper towels are thicker sheets of tissue paper used as an absorbent cleaning cloth for surfaces, spills and stains around the home and workplace. They are durable and can withstand moisture.
Kitchen Roll: Also known as paper kitchen towels or absorbent towels, kitchen rolls are thick sheets used for kitchen tasks like drying dishes, wiping surfaces and handling hot pots and pans. Tissue Products provide strong absorption.
Specialty Tissue: There are tissues designed for specific needs like wet tissues for personal cleansing or lotion-infused tissues for softness. Anti-viral tissues coated with disinfectants are also available in the market.
Usage of Tissue Products in Daily Life
Tissues have become an essential part of our daily routines:
- Bathrooms: Toilet and facial tissues are the most used products in bathrooms for hygiene and sanitization needs.
- Kitchens: Paper towels help in cleaning counters, wiping up spills and providing a disposable solution for various tasks in the kitchen.
- Living Areas: Facial tissues are used by individuals while watching TV or reading. Paper towels help in small cleaning jobs and after parties or picnics.
- Offices: Photocopy rooms, pantry areas and workspaces use significant amounts of paper tissues and towels keeping the areas clean and hygienic.
- Travel/Commuting: Lightweight tissue packets are carried while traveling or commuting for emergency sanitation needs.
- Healthcare: Medical facilities extensively use tissue products for sanitation, cleaning and comforting patients.
Production of Tissue Papers
The tissue industry involves large scale production to meet everyday demands. Here are the basic steps:
- Pulping: Wood pulp fibers are obtained from trees through mechanical or chemical pulping. Some manufacturers also use recycled paper fibers.
- Stock Preparation: Wood pulp is combined with additives and broken down into a paper slurry using refiners.
- Paper Machine: The slurry is deposited onto a continuous mesh creating a fibrous wet web. This web passes through presses to remove water.
- Drying: Steam heated dryers or rolls remove remaining water forming dry tissue paper in large reels.
- Conversion & Packaging: Tissue reels are converted into individual sheets, folded, perforated, wrapped and packed into boxes or rolls.
- Distribution: Finished tissue products are shipped worldwide to businesses and retailers through efficient supply chains.
Sustainability Efforts in Tissue Industry
With increasing environmental consciousness, tissue manufacturers are taking steps towards sustainability:
- Using Renewable Wood & Recycled Fibers: This reduces deforestation pressure and promotes circular manufacturing.
- Less Chemical Processes: New technologies and processes minimize chemical usage in pulp making.
- Energy Efficiency: Modern plants adopt cogeneration systems and recover water/energy reducing emissions.
- Smaller Packaging: Downsized wrappings minimize plastic and paper waste while maintaining product freshness.
- Improved Logistics: Optimized distribution networks lower fleet size and fuel consumption benefiting the environment.
- Community Outreach: Companies support causes like tree plantation, waste management and cleaning public places.
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