1. Pulping
The first process in the tissue production process is Pulping. Pulping is the process of making raw materials from the tissue itself, namely pulp. Pulp can be made from 100% natural fibers (wood fibres), a mixture of natural and recycled fibres, or using 100% recycled fibres. Different fibers used will require different production processes and produce different quality tissue depending on needs. Both natural fiber and recycled fiber will be collected into one big pile and physically cleaned. The collected fibers will be put into a mixing tank and added with water to soften the texture of pulp. Then added conditioner and some chemicals such as sodium sulfide, limestone, etc. to soften, strengthen or color the pulp.
2. Pressing
The second process in the tissue production process is Pressing. Pressing is a further processing of the pulp that has been prepared in the previous stage. The prepared pulp is then dried by pouring it over a fast moving belt, which is made of a highly porous material and driven over a large steam-heated drum. All the water contained in the pulp will escape through the pores, leaving only the fibers on the belt in the form of a fine cloth. After that, the fine fabric is placed in a large heated roller (Yankee) whose heat can dry the fabric almost instantly. The fine cloth will then be rolled back with a large diameter roll and form a jumbo roll tissue. Until this stage, tissue paper has been made successfully and ready to be cut in the converting process.
3. Converting
The third process in the tissue production process is Converting. Converting is the process of cutting jumbo roll tissue into smaller tissue sizes such as facial tissue, bath tissue, and paper towels that can be used for daily needs. The essence of this process is to do the cutting in stages, until you get the desired size. The cutting method is carried out differently depending on the type of tissue to be made, as well as its thickness. The types of tissue currently sold in the market are facial tissue, toilet tissue, kitchen tissue, hand towel tissue, napkins tissue, and travel tissue. Each type of tissue can have a different thickness, there are facial tissue with a thickness of 1 ply, 2 ply, and 3 ply, as well as toilet tissue, kitchen tissue, and other tissues.
4. Packaging
The fourth and final process in the tissue production process is Packaging. Packaging is a packaging process from tissue that has been cut at the Converting stage. Tissue that has been cut will be moved using a conveyor belt and put into plastic packaging. After the tissue has been inserted, the end of the plastic packaging will be heated until the packaging is neatly closed and airtight. Tissue that has been packaged in plastic will be put into a larger package, namely a box or carton. One carton package will contain several of the same type of tissue, for example 1 carton of facial tissue, 1 carton of toilet tissue, and others. This is the end of the tissue paper production process, after which the tissue will be sent to the warehouse and distributed to the public.
