Toilet paper is an irreplaceable element of daily comfort which is hardly on anyone’s mind. But how exactly is it manufactured? What way does toilet paper go (from raw materials to a finished roll?) In this article, we are going to tell you about key stages of toilet paper production, look at what it is made of and how environmental compatibility influences the quality of the finished product.
What Is Toilet Paper Made of? Primary Raw Materials
Two primary types of raw materials are used for manufacturing toilet paper:
- Primary cellulose: acquired from soft or hard wood. It ensures density, softness and hypoallergenicity of toilet paper.
- Processes paper for recycle: an environmentally friendly option that allows minimizing cutting forests. It undergoes purification in order to become safe for use.
Selected raw materials influence the quality of the paper: cellulose toilet paper is usually more tender and processed is more environmentally friendly.
How Toilet Paper Is Manufactured: Basic Stages
Stage 1: Paper Pulp Preparation
The raw materials are ground and mixed with water, forming paper pulp. If paper for recycle is used, it is additionally cleared of ink and additions.
- Whitening (if required) makes the paper lighter and softer.
- Cleansing removes the particles that may influence its quality.
- Thin layer formation: basis of the future toilet paper.
Stage 2: Pressing and Drying
The acquired paper base goes through special rollers that gradually remove moisture. This ensures structure uniformity and required density.
Why is this important? Well-dried paper dissolves in the water better, which reduces the risk of sewerage system pollution.
Stage 3: Impression and Texture Creation
For toilet paper to be soft and comfortable, a special raised pattern is applied to it. This:
- improves its absorbing properties;
- provides additional softness;
- makes the roll fluffier.
Additional processing may be applied here (like aloe vera extracts or antibacterial components).
Stage 4: Reeling and Cutting of the Rolls
After the formation, paper is reeled on large drums and then reeled on smaller logs, the diameter of which corresponds to that of future rolls, using a board tube or without it. After this stage, certain additional attractiveness is added to the paper, like pattern impression, possible application of flavouring agents for smell, coloured image application with safe paints and perforation to make paper tearing easier; then they are cut into standard rolls. An important moment is that detaching lines should be uniform (this makes using the paper more comfortable).
Quality Control and Environmental Standards
For toilet paper to be safe, high-quality and environmentally friendly, manufacturers verify its correspondence to international standards.
- Density: rolls should not tear too easily, but should dissolve in the water well.
- Hypoallergenicity: this is important for people with sensitive skin.
Many companies introduce environmental initiatives, using processed materials and minimizing water and power consumption during production.
How to Choose High-Quality Toilet Paper?
To find the best option, pay attention to:
- Composition: cellulose or made of paper for recycle. Cellulose paper is more comfortable during use, and that made of paper for recycle is considered to be more environmentally friendly.
- Layerage: two- or three-layered paper is usually more comfortable.
- Softness and texture: embossed paper absorbs moisture better.
Conclusion
Toilet paper production is a complicated process combining innovative technologies, environmental responsibility and care for customer comfort.
When choosing toilet paper, you should pay attention not only to its softness and density, but environmental friendliness as well, because small details have great impact, even when it comes to products used every day.
