Background
- A tissue paper mill in Kenya manufactures toilet tissue papers from recycled fibre.
- They have been using OBA (Optical Brightness Agent) to enhance whiteness of the tissues, but it has not achieved the desired level of whiteness and appearance.
- Improving the tissue’s whiteness and appearance is challenging due to the uncertain composition in the recycled fibre.
- As a result, they were seeking a customized, effective solution to address this challenge.
Solution
- Alps Chemicals conducted extensive laboratory evaluations to identify the right solution for the customer.
- After multiple sampling and dosage experiments, Alps Chemicals suggested the precise dosage and recipe using VELLATYNT (Tinting Dyes) to improve the whiteness of the tissue paper.
Results Achieved
- The customer’s tissue paper initially had a whiteness level of 62, which increased to 71.4 with the application of VELLATYNT (Tinting Dyes) (tested as per ASTM method).
- A 15% improvement in whiteness was achieved by using just 66 grams of VELLATYNT (Tinting Dyes) per metric ton of tissue paper, with negligible impact on production costs.
- No changes in production process.
- No additional waste water treatment.
Actual Benefit
- Achieved 15% improvement in the whiteness of tissue paper produced from recycled fibre.
- Negligible increment in the production cost or back water treatment cost.
- Improvement in whiteness without disturbing brightness.
- High performance despite the challenges of inconsistent pulp composition of recycled fibre.
- Improved market competitiveness with access to greater number of customers.
Customer Testimonial
“Thanks to Alps Chemicals and their product – VELLATYNT (Tinting Dyes), we could improve the level of whiteness of our tissue paper. Alps’ deep knowledge of the paper industry and their experience in dyes and colourants, gave us confidence in their solution. This solution not only met our quality goals but also strengthened our brand reputation.”
