Tissue paper was invented in the 1800s when the American inventor Seth Wheeler created a method of manufacturing thin sheets of paper using wood pulp fibers. However, tissue paper did not gain mainstream popularity and availability until the early 20th century. In 1919, the Scott Paper Company developed a commercially viable wet press process for making soft, absorbent tissues from recycled paper pulp. This helped tissue paper transition from a luxury good to an affordable consumer product found in most American households.
Uses and Applications of Tissue Paper
While many people think of tissue paper primarily as a wrapping material, it actually has a wide variety of commercial and household applications due to its thinness, strength, absorbency, and low production cost compared to other types of paper. Some common uses of tissue paper include:
Wrapping and Packaging
Tissue paper is one of the most widely used materials for gift wrapping. Its transparency allows items wrapped in tissue paper to be seen. Crease lines from folding also add texture. Tissue paper is also sometimes used as filling or cushioning inside boxes.
Facial and Bathroom Tissues
Stand-alone facial tissues and bathroom tissues are among the most ubiquitous household products made entirely from tissue paper. Their softness and absorbency make them well-suited for cleaning, drying, and wiping surfaces.
Decorations and Crafts
The semi-transparency of tissue paper lends itself well to artistic designs and textures in decorations. Colorful tissue paper is frequently used in wedding decor, gift baskets, and children's craft projects like papier-mâché. It can be crumpled, layered or shaped.
Absorbency in Industry and Healthcare
Certain grades of industrial tissue paper are highly absorbent. They find applications in products like coffee filters, disposable wipes, medical dressings, and food packaging for fluids and grease absorption. Cellulose tissue is commonly used in healthcare as surgical gowns and drapes.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability Initiatives
Like other paper products, tissue paper manufacturing uses significant amounts of raw materials, water and energy during production. It also generates solid waste when disposed. However, tissue paper companies have implemented sustainable initiatives to reduce their environmental footprint:
- Sourcing from FSC-certified, sustainably managed forests that regenerate harvested trees.
- Developing recycling programs to recover discarded tissues and reuse fiber in new products. Major brands partner with municipal recycling facilities.
- Investing in innovative processes that optimize fiber yields and reuse mill byproducts as fuel. Some operations utilize biomass or solar energy.
- Designing stronger, thinner tissue sheets that use less fiber per sheet while maintaining performance. New technologies allow downgauging of sheet thickness by 10-30%.
- Partnering with independent certifiers to measure environmental impact reduction goals through tools like the Environmental Paper Assessment Tool and Carbon Measurement Protocol.
The global tissue paper market value stood at an estimated $65 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach over $90 billion by 2027 according to research reports. Continued urbanization along with rising awareness about hygiene is fueling demand in developing nations. Additionally, the pandemic has renewed focus on sanitation and reinforced tissue paper's essential status in households and public places.
Looking ahead, opportunities exist to further light-weight tissue sheets, develop renewable or plant-based fiber compositions, and invest in zero-deforestation sourcing channels. Successful innovation will ensure this ubiquitous yet environmentally-conscious product continues meeting the world's hygiene needs sustainably in the future.
Get More Insights On Tissue Paper
Get this Report in Japanese Language
Get this Reports in Korean Language
About Author:
Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.
(LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alice-mutum-3b247b137 )
copyright src="chrome-extension://fpjppnhnpnknbenelmbnidjbolhandnf/content_script_web_accessible/ecp_aggressive.js" type="text/javascript">