Paper tissue

Paper tissue is a type of disposable paper product that is commonly used for personal hygiene, cleaning, and wiping purposes. It is typically made from recycled paper pulp or virgin pulp and is designed to be soft, absorbent, and lightweight. Paper tissues are widely used in households, offices, and public places due to their convenience and effectiveness.

History

The concept of paper tissue dates back to the early 20th century. The first facial tissue was introduced by the Kimberly-Clark Corporation in 1924 under the brand name Kleenex. Originally marketed as a cold cream remover, it quickly gained popularity as a disposable handkerchief alternative. Over the years, the production and use of paper tissues have expanded significantly, with various types and brands available worldwide.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing of paper tissue involves several steps:

1. Pulping: The process begins with the pulping of raw materials, which can be either recycled paper or virgin wood fibers. The pulp is mixed with water to create a slurry.
2. Bleaching: The pulp is then bleached to achieve the desired whiteness and softness. This step may involve the use of chemicals such as chlorine dioxide or hydrogen peroxide.
3. Forming: The bleached pulp is spread onto a moving mesh screen to form a continuous sheet of paper. Water is removed through pressing and drying.
4. Creeping: The paper is creped, a process that involves scraping the paper off a dryer cylinder with a blade to give it a soft texture and increase its absorbency.
5. Cutting and Packaging: The creped paper is cut into sheets or rolls and packaged for distribution.

Types of Paper Tissue

Paper tissues come in various forms, including:

• Facial Tissues: Soft and gentle, designed for use on the face.
• Toilet Tissues: Used for personal hygiene in bathrooms.
• Paper Towels: Thicker and more absorbent, used for cleaning and wiping surfaces.
• Napkins: Used during meals to wipe hands and mouth.

Environmental Impact

The production and disposal of paper tissues have environmental implications. The use of virgin pulp contributes to deforestation, while the bleaching process can lead to chemical pollution. However, many manufacturers are now producing tissues from recycled materials and using eco-friendly bleaching methods to reduce their environmental footprint.

Also see

• Recycled paper
• Kimberly-Clark Corporation
• Disposable product
• Pulp and paper industry