Types of Tissue Paper: A Practical Buying Guide for Distributors

Introduction

If you're sourcing tissue paper products for your business—whether for supermarkets, hotels, restaurant chains, office buildings, or public facilities like airports—understanding the different types of tissue paper and their applications is essential. Variations in raw material, basis weight, number of plies, and paper processing all have a direct impact on product performance, customer experience, and operational cost. This guide outlines the four major types of tissue paper to help you make informed and efficient purchasing decisions.

Common Types of Tissue Paper and How to Choose

Tissue paper is typically made from virgin wood pulp, recycled pulp, or a mix of both. Known for being soft, absorbent, disposable, and lightweight, these papers are essential in both household and commercial settings. Depending on your target use, market positioning, and budget, you can choose the most suitable grade and specifications. Here are the four most widely used types of tissue paper and some practical suggestions for buyers.

Toilet Tissue Paper

When sourcing toilet tissue for retail, hotels, office buildings, or public restrooms, the key factors to consider are ply count, basis weight (typically 15–20 gsm per ply), and roll format. Options include standard household rolls, mini jumbo rolls, and jumbo rolls—each designed for different traffic levels.

For household and retail markets, we recommend 2-ply or 3-ply virgin pulp toilet paper for better softness and comfort. For high-traffic public places like airports or malls, 1-ply or 2-ply jumbo rolls are a more cost-effective choice and reduce the frequency of refills. If your customers care about premium quality or branding, consider scented toilet paper, embossed textures, or added skincare ingredients such as aloe vera. These value-added features can help elevate brand perception.

Facial Tissue Paper

Facial tissue is commonly used in households, offices, hotel rooms, clinics, and beauty salons. It is soft, skin-friendly, and available in 1 to 3-ply formats with a basis weight between 13 and 17 gsm per ply. Typical packaging includes box-packed tissues, soft packs, and travel-size mini pouches.

If your customers expect high-end quality, choose 100% virgin wood pulp for a smoother and cleaner finish. Custom-printed boxes or multilingual packaging can help you access premium retail channels. For price-sensitive markets, recycled or blended pulp offers a competitive option while maintaining basic comfort. Brand owners can also enhance product appeal through printed logos or promotional messages on packaging.

Hand Towels

Hand towel paper is widely used in restrooms of offices, restaurants, hospitals, and industrial facilities. It requires high absorbency and wet strength. Available formats include C-fold, Z-fold, V-fold, and roll-type dispensers. Most hand towels are 1 or 2-ply with a basis weight between 22 and 26 gsm per ply.

You should choose hand towel formats based on end-use scenarios. For offices and schools, folded paper towels are recommended for easy dispensing and portion control. In high-traffic environments such as shopping malls or airports, roll hand towels offer longer usage per refill and lower maintenance. If your clients prioritize sustainability, recommend unbleached kraft towels or 100% recycled paper to align with green procurement goals.

Napkin Paper

Napkin paper is used extensively in restaurants, fast food chains, cafés, catering services, and banquet events. It serves both functional and promotional purposes. Napkins come in 1 to 4-ply versions, with a basis weight of around 16–19 gsm per ply. Common sizes include 24×24 cm, 33×33 cm, and 40×40 cm, with standard folding styles such as 1/4, 1/6, or customized folds.

For quick-service restaurants and takeout packaging, low-cost single or double-ply napkins are ideal. For upscale dining venues or event settings, consider premium options with embossed patterns, full-color printing, or branded packaging. For takeaway orders, you can offer compact small packs with multi-sheet configurations to ensure convenience and cost control.

Conclusion

As a tissue paper buyer, your goal is to balance product quality, cost-efficiency, and end-user satisfaction. Selecting the right type of tissue paper helps streamline your supply chain while boosting customer loyalty. At Golden Paper, we provide a full range of tissue paper products—including toilet tissue, facial tissue, hand towels, and napkin paper—tailored for export markets and bulk buyers. Contact us today to request free samples, a product specification sheet, or a customized quote. Let us help you source tissue paper more efficiently—with better quality and stronger margins.