Tissue paper is a thin and soft paper product that is commonly used for personal hygiene, cleaning, and wiping. Tissue paper production is an important industry that involves the conversion of raw materials into finished products used in households, offices, and other settings. In this guide, we will explore the process of tissue paper production, from sourcing raw materials to the final product.
Raw Materials Used in Tissue Paper Production
Tissue paper production requires the use of specific raw materials that are carefully sourced to ensure the desired quality and performance of the final product. The two main types of raw materials used in tissue paper production are wood pulp and recycled paper.
Wood Pulp
Wood pulp is a primary raw material used in tissue paper production. It is derived from various tree species, including softwood and hardwood trees. Softwood trees, such as pine and spruce, are commonly used to produce tissue paper as they are rich in cellulose fibers, which contribute to the paper’s strength and absorbency. Hardwood trees, such as eucalyptus and birch, are used in the production of facial tissue and other specialty tissue paper products.
Types of Wood Pulp
There are two main types of wood pulp used in tissue paper production: mechanical pulp and chemical pulp. Mechanical pulp is produced by grinding wood logs against a rotating stone or metal disc, while chemical pulp is produced by chemically breaking down the wood fibers using strong chemicals such as sulfates or sulfites.
Properties of Wood Pulp
The properties of wood pulp, such as fiber length, flexibility, and strength, are critical in determining the quality and performance of tissue paper products. The manufacturing process used to produce the pulp also affects its properties, with chemical pulp generally having higher quality and performance compared to mechanical pulp.
Recycled Paper
Recycled paper is another raw material used in tissue paper production. It is obtained from used paper products that are collected, sorted, and processed into new paper products. Recycled paper is an environmentally friendly alternative to virgin wood pulp as it reduces the demand for new trees to be cut down.
Types of Recycled Paper
There are two main types of recycled paper used in tissue paper production: deinked pulp and mixed office waste. Deinked pulp is produced by removing ink and other contaminants from used paper products such as newspapers and magazines. Mixed office waste is produced from used office paper products, including printer paper, envelopes, and cardboard boxes.
Properties of Recycled Paper
The properties of recycled paper vary depending on the source and quality of the used paper products. Recycled paper may have lower strength and absorbency compared to virgin wood pulp, but it offers environmental benefits and can be used in tissue paper products where strength and absorbency are not critical.
Tissue Paper Manufacturing Process
Tissue paper manufacturing is a complex process that involves several stages, from preparing the raw materials to converting them into finished products. The process may vary depending on the type of tissue paper being produced, but generally includes the following stages:
Preparation of Raw Materials
The first stage in tissue paper manufacturing is the preparation of raw materials. This involves sourcing, sorting, and processing the raw materials to ensure they meet the required specifications for the tissue paper being produced.
Wood Pulp Preparation
For tissue paper made from virgin wood pulp, the logs are debarked and chipped into small pieces, which are then cooked in a chemical solution to break down the lignin and other impurities. The resulting pulp is washed and screened to remove any remaining impurities before it is sent to the papermaking stage.
Recycled Paper Preparation
For tissue paper made from recycled paper, the used paper products are sorted and processed to remove any contaminants, such as ink and adhesives. The resulting pulp is cleaned, refined, and screened before it is sent to the papermaking stage.
Pulp Making
The second stage in tissue paper manufacturing is pulp making. This involves converting the prepared raw materials into a slurry of fibers that will be used to make the tissue paper.
Mechanical Pulp Process
For tissue paper made from mechanical pulp, the wood chips are ground and refined to create a fibrous slurry. This slurry is screened and cleaned to remove any impurities before it is sent to the papermaking stage.
Chemical Pulp Process
For tissue paper made from chemical pulp, the prepared wood pulp is mixed with chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide to break down the lignin and other impurities. The resulting pulp is washed, screened, and bleached to create a pure white pulp that is ready for the papermaking stage.
Paper Making
The third stage in tissue paper manufacturing is paper making. This involves forming a continuous web of paper from the pulp slurry, which is then dried and finished.
Wet Pressing
The pulp slurry is fed onto a moving wire mesh that allows the water to drain out, leaving a wet sheet of paper. The wet sheet is then passed through a series of rollers that press it to remove more water and improve its strength and smoothness.
Drying
The pressed sheet of paper is then passed through a series of heated rollers that dry it and give it its final thickness.
Converting
The final stage in tissue paper manufacturing is converting, which involves cutting the paper into the desired size and packaging it for distribution.
Rewinding
The dried paper web is rewound onto a large roll, which is then cut into smaller rolls of the desired width.
Cutting and Packing
The smaller rolls are then cut into individual sheets or folded into the desired shape and packaged for distribution.
Overall, the tissue paper manufacturing process requires careful control and monitoring to ensure the final product meets the required quality and performance standards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tissue paper production is a complex process that involves several stages, from preparing the raw materials to converting them into finished products. The quality of tissue paper depends on various factors such as the quality of raw materials, the manufacturing process, and the final product conversion. By following the standard manufacturing process, tissue paper manufacturers can produce high-quality tissue paper products that meet the market demand. As the demand for tissue paper products continues to grow, it is crucial for manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices and use eco-friendly raw materials to minimize the environmental impact of tissue paper production.