Adhesives are commonly used in manufacturing applications like the construction of the cardboard core tube, tissue/paper layer laminating, securing laminated materials to the core, and sealing the roll tail to the roll. Consider this the next time you reach for that roll of paper towelling or toilet tissue.
The international tissue manufacturing industry gather at Tissue World every year for three days of trading, learning, and networking. It unites experts, supplies, and industry professionals from around the world to learn about the latest technological advances, discuss new business strategies, source products and make business connections. The event helps connect industry professionals and products, from paper converting and tissue packaging machinery to stock preparation, chemical solutions, and sanitary product OEM manufacturers. This March, Adam Brennan, H.B. Fuller Global Business Manager – Tissue & Towel, attended the event held in Dusseldorf.
Market Trends
Demand for tissue and towel products has been unprecedented in recent years as these markets have experienced unpredictable growth patterns during and following COVID. Most particularly has been the consumption rate shifts for consumers and facilities that have instituted health and hygiene cleaning efforts. This trend alone leads to several small, sub-trends including a focus on overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
With the high demand, it is important to make the most out of available equipment resources, while investigating and committing to additional and innovative equipment acquisitions. As a result, many manufacturers are looking for raw materials that reduce downtime, decrease scrap, and increase production speeds. H.B. Fuller is poised to help with adhesive solutions that can support manufacturer’s OEE initiatives. In addition, this market continues to focus on more premium offerings based on consumer at-home preferences. New demand for premium offerings has sparked an increase in premium tissue components like Through Air Dried “TAD” materials, new packaging solutions, core material innovations, and the selection of adhesive over other forms of mechanical lamination. And last, but certainly not least, is the new frontier of sustainability.
Tissue and Towel Sustainability Trends
As we know, consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their daily activities, with many adopting green practices, such as reducing the use of plastic. Further, there is an ever-growing number of consumers willing to pay for eco-conscious products and brands with certain eco-friendly features. Consequently, brands are working to align with the shifting consumer perspective and seeking new and alternative raw materials. The retail segment, predominately in developing regions, will be the propagators of long-term growth of sustainable solutions.
Here are just a few of the sustainability trends that are driving the green conversation in the Tissue and Towel market today. First, we are seeing an explosion in market interest for alternative fibres that can be sustainably sourced to produce the tissue and towelling laminating components. To be sure, manufacturers are seeking out alternative feedstock sources that steer away from virgin timber. New feedstocks and substrates mean that manufacturers will need to identify compatible adhesive selections that work for bonding new materials while still maintaining top OEE performance. Additionally, there has been a focus on non-recycled plastic reduction in the product packaging. Finally, this industry is seeking for components that support bio-based or compostable practices. H.B. Fuller is supporting innovations in the adhesive industry aligned with these sustainability trends. We seek to equip the manufacturers with adhesives that drive CO2 reductions by leveraging bio-based, compostable, and concentrated offerings to enable environmental improvements.
Unfortunately, sustainable innovations, while gaining traction, are still widely underdeveloped. Why? It is generally accepted that the adoption of sustainable products will be overshadowed by “standard,” non-sustainable products for the foreseeable future. This is due predominately to the higher purchase price of sustainable solutions when compared to non-sustainable equivalents. But the innovations and changes must be chased and implemented now, as increasing consumer interests and governmental pressures will most likely demand those in the future.
We, at H.B. Fuller, look forward to being part of sustainability solutions. We recognize the need to improve has never been greater as expectations of achieving positive change are increasing, especially when it comes to reducing the carbon footprint.
This article was originally published on the H.B. Fuller website.
