Tissue Softener - Tissue Application

How It Helps

Softeners are typically used to give added value to the tissue products by providing additional qualities such as softness, fragrance and anti-bacterial properties. These properties can be generated during manufacture or applied during conversion. (see Lotions and Balms). Softeners are used in several ways depending on the sheet produced.

Stock or wet-end softeners are applied to increase bulk softness and drape so that when the tissue is bunched together, it has crumpling softness. Softeners are, therefore, primarily added to the wet end to reduce the cross-directional strength though they can also give some surface softness.

Some softness does not reduce the strength as much but imparts a surface softness to the sheet; these can also be added to the wet end or sprayed separately onto the wet fibre web through an additional spray bar. AmiSoft series comprises a range of softeners and lotions for producing bulk and surface softness tissue grades which can be added to the wet end of the tissue machine or sprayed onto the tissue during production. This range includes softeners and lotions applied during conversion for enhanced properties such as anti-bacterial, emollient and fragrance effects. Our team of professionals will work with you to select the most appropriate products to meet your specific needs.

Application Areas

Lotions & Balms

The primary purpose of the lotion is to soften and impart a lubricious feeling to the surface of the tissue. At the same time, balms are designed to leave microfilm of protective product on the skin, providing a moisturizing and soothing effect. For tissue producers, facial grades, in particular, there is a strong need to differentiate their products in the marketplace. The topical treatment of tissue during the converting process impacts hand-feel properties or imparts emollient effects and becomes an increasingly desirable method of differentiation.

Lotions and balms are applied as received to the dry tissue during the converting operation, add on is dependent upon the desired effect but generally 0.5 – 2 gsm.

The following application options are available:

Flexographic printing - offset printing process where the print blanket has a fine overall pattern to provide good product coverage.
Rotary spray - neat lotion is pumped into the centre of rapidly rotating rotor plates and dispersed by centrifugal force. The dispersed lotion is sprayed onto the tissue web in a fan shape through openings in the rotor carrier.
Hydraulic spray - neat lotion is pumped through carefully selected nozzle heads to ensure even distribution across the tissue web.
Electrostatic application - This is our preferred application method. The chemical is applied to a knife edge at a high voltage which electrostatically generates tiny droplets which migrate onto the sheet in a controlled way.

In Asia, lotion and balm products are usually applied at room temperature. The products can be customized by adding essential oils, fragrances, vitamins and anti-bacterial agents. Amazon Papyrus has a range of lotions and balms. Our team of professionals will work with you to select the most appropriate products to meet your specific needs.