The general answer to the question “Can you recycle tissue paper?” is that no, tissue paper is generally not recyclable. The main reason is that these are made from short paper fibers during the last manufacturing process, so they can’t be further recycled. Many people mistakenly throw these tissue papers into the blue bin, which can lead to recycling contamination. However, there are different answers to this question, as recycling also depends on different types of tissue paper. In this blog, you will learn about different types of tissue papers, their manufacturing, and their recyclability.
Is tissue paper recyclable in Canada?
This is the question that is asked by business operators or eco-conscious shoppers and buyers. The recyclability of the tissue papers in Canada depends on the area in which you live. At the municipal level, different technologies are used to sort the final product.
Blue bin policy:
In cities like Toronto and Vancouver, the used and solid tissue papers are prohibited from being put into the blue bins. People are asked to put these into green bins.
Green bin:
Some authorities recommend putting unlined wrapping papers into green bins along with organic waste. This can then be turned into nutrient-rich compost for soil.
Glitter tissue paper:
All over Canada, the tissue paper that has glitter is advised to be strictly thrown into the garbage bins, as no Canadian municipality will accept this.
Understanding the manufacturing process
In order to understand why some tissue papers are recyclable and can be converted into compost while others just go to the bin, it highly depends on the type and process of how tissue paper is made. Mostly, these tissue papers are made from the last very thin fibers that can’t be further made into other products. They might clog the machinery if they are recycled again. Another issue is the contamination due to the hygiene measures used. Napkins and used hygienic tissue papers have bodily fluids, grease, and liquids. Since oils can’t be dissolved in water, these used products can ruin the whole batch. Let’s see the making of different types of tissue papers and understand them in more detail:
Wrapping papers:
These papers are made by mixing wood pulp with water and pouring it into a moving mesh screen to drain. This wet sheet passes over a large hot steam roller that dries the paper sheet in seconds.
Colored papers:
For colored tissue papers, the brand-based theme color is mixed directly into wet wood pulp. Many factories use soy-based inks for colored tissue papers that are recyclable.
Hygiene paper:
These papers are softer compared to the wrapping papers. To make these papers softer, a metal blade scrapes the paper and creates thousands of tiny holes in the paper. Some factories also add special chemicals.
Different types of tissue papers and their recyclability
There are different types of tissue papers, and their recyclability also differs. The following are the main types of tissue papers and their recyclable natures:
| Type | Uses | Recyclability | Disposal method |
| Gifting and wrapping tissue paper | For the packaging of high-end brands, and used as wrapping for custom gift boxes | Some recyclers accept them, but only those without any color or branding, while most reject them | Some people resume it, but ultimately, you have to discard this green bin if this is a synthetic, additive-free product |
| Colored tissue paper | Brands use themed and branded color papers for packaging | No, because the color usually seeps into the recycling water | Usually thrown into the garbage bins, but those using soy-based inks can be thrown into green bins |
| Glitter-based tissue paper | Mostly for festive edition products | No, because the glitter can’t be separated from the paper fibers | These are thrown into garbage bins |
| Hygiene tissues | For daily personal use for strict sanitary purposes | No, because they have wet-strength resins | Throw the used papers into the garbage bins |
Why choose eco-friendly tissue papers
Now choosing the environment-friendly material is not a choice; it is because it is a business need because of increasing awareness of consumers. People now have more knowledge about the hazardous effects of the toxic material used for making regular papers on the environment. They choose the brands that use alternatives to those toxic materials. Here is the comparison to help you understand why these eco-friendly options are more convenient.
| Feature | Regular tissue paper | Environment-friendly alternative |
| Material | Low-grade wood pulp | FSC-certified wood pulp |
| Ink type | Petroleum-based | Plant and soy-based |
| Manufacturing process | Acid and chemical-based | Acid-free |
| Disposal method | Landfill dump | Compostable and biodegradable |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Key features of sustainable tissue paper
When you are looking for wrapping tissue paper, a recyclable option, whether it is for packing your products in your custom product boxes or for hygiene purposes, you should check that it fulfills the following points:
- FSC-certified
- Acid-free manufacturing
- Plant-based inks
How to use wrapping paper again
The industrial process works on a large scale, but you can definitely use some of the DIY techniques to reuse the wrapping paper. These not only help you erase the papers but also give you a creative edge. The following are the ways in which you can reuse the wrapping papers:
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Reuse for gift wrapping:
Gift wrapping paper is recyclable by reusing it for wrapping other gifts, so you don’t have to buy more paper. This is mostly used by elders and is a useful technique
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Box fillers:
You can shred the custom tissue paper packaging from your packaging into small pieces, which can be used to store delicate products in a box and also give an aesthetic look to the overall presentation.
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DIY projects:
You can use these papers in different home and school projects, in which you can create a colorful background by pasting different colored wrapping papers.
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Moisture absorber:
These can be used to wrap and store electric appliances, shoes, or jewelry so they don’t get ruined because of the moisture.
Elevate your brand with custom wrapping papers
Some brands don’t choose custom wrapping paper because the traditional version is not degradable. However, you can choose eco-friendly options such as those that use plant and soy-based inks and have an acid-free manufacturing process. You can choose menial designs that can be converted into compost. At Custom Boxes Market, you can have a wide variety. We offer free design support and free shipping on bulk orders. Explore our website, or you can ask us directly through email at sales@customboxesmarket.ca.