Business opportunity in the production of toilet paper
The toilet paper roll is a soft tissue paper that is used in homes, offices, schools, hotels, etc. to maintain personal hygiene after human laxatives or other organic processes. However, it can also be used for other purposes, such as absorbing spills and decorative purposes. The product differs in texture from other fabrics and is formulated to break down in septic tanks, whereas other facial and bath fabrics do not.
THE OPPORTUNITIES
To promote local production of the product and create much-needed employment.
The Nigerian federal government banned the import of finished toilet paper, towels and facial tissues in 2004. Although local production has started a long time ago, demand remains very high, outpacing supply by a wide margin.
Nigerians need about 800 million units of the product annually, of which local production can only cover about 105 million units. This wide margin in offering provides an investment opportunity for savvy investors like you and me to take advantage of.
There are also opportunities for the export of the local finished product to other countries. However, money can also be made by recycling used paper in giant reels that are used as a raw material for the production of toilet paper rolls.
THE PRODUCTION PROCESS
Wood pulp and stain
The first step in the tissue papermaking process is to create paper pulp, which can be generated from recycled or new materials. Once the fibers are mixed with the wood pulp, they are bleached and then washed. The fiber is then placed in a mixing tank where the manufacturer adds any components that may be necessary, such as dye. Tissue paper used in the home is typically dyed white, while decorative paper can be mixed with a variety of dyes.
Pressing
Once the pulp is ready, it is pressed through two pressure rollers to squeeze out most of the moisture. Sometimes the pulp can be pressed only between two rolls for thicker paper, and other times it can be pressed between several rolls for thinner paper. This leaves the pulp with a manageable consistency for the next step, which will completely dry it and scrape it down into a thin sheet.
Progressive
The pulp is processed with a Yankee dryer, a steam heated drying cylinder. This dryer subjects the pulp to a process called creping; hence the term “crepe paper”. The hood on the roller dries the pulp with strong heat while the roller rotates and a thin blade scrapes the fabric to the desired smooth thickness. The fabric is not completely scraped off, because the roller is first sprayed with adhesives.
Winding and cutting
The length of the paper is rolled and cut with a machine, such as Advantage Soft Reel, into the proper lengths and sections after it dries and thins. Throughout the soft tissue papermaking process, there are times when the fibers are exposed to extreme heat. To prevent fibers from igniting, technology like Metso’s Advantage Wet Dust is used to remove dust from the area and keep tissue machines clean.
THE PRODUCTION PLANT
The toilet paper roll production plant is stationary and sourced locally. The plant is composed of the core cutting machine, the core gluing machine, the giant spool winding machine and the band saw cutting machine.
The plant would be sourced from an experienced plant manufacturer in Nigeria, therefore the durability of the plant and spare parts would not be an issue.