History of Paper Towels
Paper towels were invented in 1907 by Arthur Scott from a cartload of rejected toilet paper. He marketed them as 'Sani-Towels' for the prevention of colds from cloth towels in restrooms.
The Production Process
Paper towels are made from pulp, which comes from trees or recycled paper. The pulp is dried into sheets, embossed for absorbency, and perforated. They're then rolled and packaged for consumer use.
Absorbency Science
The secret behind a paper towel's absorbency lies in its loosely woven fibers. Capillary action causes liquid to spread between these fibers, allowing the towel to soak up spills efficiently.
Environmental Impact
Producing paper towels contributes to deforestation and water pollution. They are also single-use items, leading to significant waste. Composting or using cloth towels can be more eco-friendly alternatives.
Recycling Limitations
Most used paper towels cannot be recycled due to food residues, grease, or cleaning chemicals contamination. They often end up in landfills or are incinerated.
Innovative Uses
Beyond cleaning, paper towels can keep vegetables fresh by absorbing excess moisture, act as a coffee filter in a pinch, or even be used for seed germination.
Global Consumption
The United States leads in paper towel use, with an average person using over 3,000 towels annually. This reflects cultural habits and the availability of alternatives.Paper from Pineapple Leaves
In some regions, paper towels are made from pineapple leaves, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional wood pulp.
Who invented paper towels?
George Washington Carver
Arthur Scott
Thomas Edison
Company
