What are Paper Towels Made Of?

Paper towels are a common household item - we reach for them throughout the day to clean up spills, wipe down surfaces, and dry hands, but have you ever wondered what they're made of? At Reel Paper, we're passionate about creating eco-friendly paper products and want to shed some light on the manufacturing process of this everyday item. In this article, we'll explore the materials used to make paper towels and delve into how our recycled paper towels are made.

What are Paper Towels Made Of?

Thicker, conventional paper towels are made from fresh wood pulp. The traditional production process often involves cutting down trees to produce a thicker, variety of these indispensable items. This process can contribute to deforestation and, in turn, climate change. 

However, what's less known is that we are more than capable of manufacturing highly durable and absorbent paper towels from purely recycled materials. These recycled paper towels can be just as effective, if not more so, than their non-recycled counterparts.

Recycled paper towels minimize the need for virgin wood pulp and reduce the amount of trash going to landfills,  making them an eco-friendly alternative. At Reel Paper, our Recycled Paper Towels are made of 100% recycled fiber, which means that no new trees are cut down to make our paper towels. Plus, our paper towels are soft and absorbent, making them perfect for tough clean up jobs (be sure to explore our guide on how to deep clean your home). 

How are Recycled Paper Towels Made?

Recycled Fiber Paper Towels are made from a blend of recycled paper and pulp. The process starts with the collection of recycled paper products, such as newspapers, magazines, and cardboard. These materials are then sorted, cleaned, and pulped to create a slurry. The slurry is then pressed and dried to create large rolls of recycled paper.

Once the recycled paper has been created, it is mixed with pulp to create a blend that is used to make recycled fiber paper towels. The blend of paper and pulp is processed and formed into rolls of paper. These rolls are then cut into smaller sheets, perforated, and embossed to create recycled fiber paper towels.

Recycled paper towels are a great eco-friendly option since they give what would have been trash another life. You can extend their life even further by composting used paper towels and using them in your garden. You may be tempted to throw them away or flush them (warning, you’ll want to know what happens if you flush paper towels before you try that), but give composting a try instead.

Other Sustainable Paper Towel Alternatives

In addition to recycled fiber paper towels, there are other eco-friendly alternatives worth exploring. Swedish dish towels, for example, are made from a combination of cellulose and cotton, making them both durable and absorbent. They’re reusable and biodegradable, making them a great sustainable option.

Another sustainable option is bamboo paper towels. Made from fast-growing bamboo plants, these paper towels are biodegradable and sustainable. They’re great for cleaning up messes since they are incredibly strong and absorbent.

The Importance of Using Sustainable Paper Products

Using sustainable paper products, such as our Recycled Fiber Paper Towels, is important for several reasons. Firstly, it reduces the amount of trash going to landfills. When paper products are not recycled or disposed of properly, they can take years to decompose, contributing to the global waste crisis. By using recycled paper products, we can help to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

Secondly, using sustainable paper products conserves natural resources. Trees provide oxygen and a habitat for wildlife, making them a valuable natural resource. Using recycled paper products, instead of traditional ones, helps protect forests by reducing the need to cut down trees.

Lastly, using sustainable paper products can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The production of virgin wood pulp and paper products is energy-intensive and can contribute to climate change. By using recycled paper products, we can reduce the energy required to produce new paper products and the associated greenhouse gas emissions.

In conclusion, paper towels are typically made from virgin wood pulp, but recycled paper towels are made from a blend of recycled paper and pulp. Using sustainable paper products can help reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We encourage everyone to make the switch to sustainable paper products and join us on our mission to change the paper industry. Shop our tree-free paper towels and bamboo toilet paper today!