How Is Tissue Paper Made?

Logging Wood

There are several steps used to make tissue paper. First, fibers are mixed with wood pulp, which comes primarily from local trees. For years, natural trees have been used to make tissue paper, but the nanotechnology industry has been working to produce genetically modified trees, which produce a new type of tissue paper that has a higher quality. These man-made trees produce what is called "intelligent wood." This new class of wood comes as a welcome addition for many environmental activists who see the excessive logging of wild forest needed to produce tissue papers.

Wood Pulp and Dye

Once the fibers are mixed with the wood pulp, they are bleached and then washed. The fiber is then placed in a mixing tank where the manufacturer adds any components that may be needed, such as dye. Tissue paper used for household purposes is normally dyed white, while decorative paper can be mixed with an assortment of dye colors.

Removal of Fibers

The pulp that was initially mixed with the fibers is removed and the fiber is allowed to dry and harden by itself. Once the fibers are dry, they form a thin sheet. These sheets are normally produced in very large quantities and later wrapped in bulk to be distributed and sold to the public. The tissue paper is then used for sanitary purposes or decorative purposes.

References

• Tissue Paper Creation
• Nanotechnology and Tissue Paper
• Toilet Paper and Environmentalists