Tissue products contribute to improved hygiene, comfort, and convenience in our society.
Our industry uses wood that is unsuitable for building materials and recycled paper to make tissue products.
More than 90% of U.S. tissue manufacturers use recycled paper to make their products.
In 2023, tissue producers used about 3.9 million tons of recycled paper.
1/3 of the U.S. is forested, totaling nearly 766 million acres.
Examples of Tissue Products
Tissue products are soft, thin, flexible, and absorbent. Tissue products include:
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Napkins
- Facial tissues
- Decorative tissue paper
- Crepe paper
How are Tissue Products Made
Our industry uses wood that is unsuitable for building materials and recycled paper to make tissue products.
Making tissue products that achieve different qualities like absorbent and strong is like following a recipe. That's one of the reasons why U.S. tissue manufacturers need to balance using fresh wood pulp and recycled paper.
Can You Use Only Recycled Paper to Make Tissue Products?
U.S. tissue producers need to balance using fresh wood pulp and recycled paper. Learn why.
Embracing Sustainable Tissue Production
Procter & Gamble's certified forester gave insights on how they approach manufacturing.
Discover How Toilet Paper is Made with an AF&PA Member
Watch a behind-the-scenes look at the toilet paper production process with Georgia-Pacific.
Did You Know
Learn More About Forest ManagementThe U.S. pulp and paper industry, including tissue producers, is not linked to global deforestation. On managed forests, trees are replanted to continue the cycle of growing.
Tissue Products are Vital to Health and Hygiene
Tissue products provide hygiene and cleaning benefits. Disposable tissue products help reduce the spread of bacteria and communicable diseases like the common cold, Flu and COVID-19.
Multiple studies have reviewed the effectiveness of air dryers and paper towels in reducing bacteria on hands. The Mayo Clinic reviewed 12 studies and most said paper towels were more effective at:
- Drying hands efficiency
- Removing bacteria effectively
- Causing less contamination
They recommended using paper towels where hygiene is the most important consideration, which included healthcare settings.
Did You Know
View the StudyUser preference is an important consideration when deciding to use paper towels. 62% of users prefer paper towels for hand drying.
Resources
Facts About Tissue Bleaching Agents
Have you ever wondered what makes your tissue soft and white? Download our fact sheet about the modern bleaching process.
Paper Towels and Hand Drying Infographic
View and download our infographic on why paper towels are preferred for hand drying.