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Facial tissue

technology Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Facial tissues are a specific class of soft, absorbent, and disposable papers. They are designed for use on the human face. Most people use them to facilitate the expulsion of nasal mucus during nose-blowing. However, the term can also refer to other paper products like wipes or napkins. These disposable papers serve as a convenient alternative to traditional cloth handkerchiefs.

Tissue (46057881222)
Tissue (46057881222)

The manufacturing process focuses on creating a very light material. Facial tissues have a low basis weight, usually between 14 and 18 g/m2. This means the paper is extremely thin and light. To make the surface feel smoother, makers often use a process called light calendering. Most tissues consist of 2 to 3 plies, which are individual layers of paper stacked together.

Box of Scotties tissues
Box of Scotties tissues

To ensure high quality, the base tissue is typically made from pure chemical pulp. Some manufacturers may also add selected recycled fiber to the mixture. Makers can treat the paper with various additives to change its properties. These include softeners, lotions, or perfumes to improve the "feeling" of the tissue. Some versions may even contain non-biodegradable additives to increase the strength of the paper. Once finished, the tissues are folded into pocket-size packages or placed in box dispensers.

Paper handkerchiefs on a shelf
Paper handkerchiefs on a shelf

History shows that soft paper usage is not a new invention. In Japan, people have used a type of tissue called washi for centuries. A European account from October 1615 described this practice during the voyage of Hasekura Tsunenaga. The report noted that people used soft, silky papers about the size of a hand. These papers were used only once and then thrown on the ground.

Tissue (46057881222)
Tissue (46057881222)

Modern facial tissues as we know them arrived in 1924. The company Kimberly-Clark introduced a product called Kleenex. Interestingly, Kleenex was not originally invented for nose-blowing. It was created as a way to remove cold cream, which is used to clean skin. Early advertisements even linked the product to Hollywood makeup departments. Movie stars like Helen Hayes and Jean Harlow endorsed the product to show how it removed theatrical makeup.

Box of Scotties tissues
Box of Scotties tissues

Customer habits changed the purpose of the product very quickly. By 1926, a newspaper review in Peoria, Illinois, showed a shift in usage. It found that 60% of users were using Kleenex to blow their noses. The remaining 40% used the tissues for other purposes, such as napkins or toilet paper. Following this discovery, Kimberly-Clark expanded the product line. They introduced pop-up, colored, printed, pocket, and 3-ply versions of the tissue.

Today, the facial tissue market is a large global industry. Many major companies compete in this space. Leading global players include Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark, and Essity. Other significant companies are Asia Pulp and Paper, Hengan International, and Vinda International. In the United States, consumers recognize brands like Puffs, Scotties, and Seventh Generation. Outside of the United States, people often use brands such as Tempo or Renova. This industry connects manufacturing, chemical pulp production, and personal hygiene into one massive global system.

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File:Box of Scotties tissues.jpg
Box of Scotties tissues.jpg
File:Paper handkerchiefs on a shelf.jpg
Paper handkerchiefs on a shelf.jpg
File:Tissue (46057881222).jpg
Tissue (46057881222).jpg
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