Thinking different: Class 12 student from Kashmir sets up paper tissue factory

17 July 2024

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Srinagar, July 17: Farzan Mohi Ud Din isn’t your average 12th grader. While his peers slog through the usual teenage pursuits and academics, this young man from Pampore, Kashmir, has become a local pioneer of sorts by establishing his own paper tissue factory – the first-ever in the area.

This isn’t just a backyard operation; Farzan’s vision is big. With a single production unit already humming and a team of four employees, he is driven to meet the high demand for tissue paper in Jammu & Kashmir. Remarkably, he has achieved this feat entirely without a bank loan, demonstrating impressive entrepreneurial spirit and resourcefulness.

Local Production, Global Impact

Tissue paper is a household essential, and in Kashmir, it is traditionally been imported from outside the state. Farzan’s initiative changes that game. By producing locally, he is not only creating jobs and boosting the local economy, but also reducing reliance on transportation heavy external suppy system.

There is an even bigger environmental benefit. Tissue paper is biodegradable, unlike its more harmful plastic counterparts. Farzan’s venture has the potential to discourage plastic use and promote eco-friendly practices in the region.

Inspiration for new generation

Farzan’s story is more than a business success; it is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring young minds. He proves that age is no barrier to pursuing entrepreneurial dreams. His journey encourages other youngsters to look beyond conventional career paths and explore the possibilities of self-employment.

A look ahead: Setting bigger ambition

Farzan’s ambition doesn’t stop at one unit. Buoyed by the positive response, he has already set his sights on expanding production.

The making of Paper Tissue

The production of paper tissue involves several steps, each critical to ensuring the final product is soft, absorbent, and biodegradable. Here’s a detailed look at the process:

1. Raw Material Preparation

The primary raw material for making paper tissue is wood pulp, though recycled paper can also be used. The wood pulp is sourced from sustainably managed forests or recycled paper materials, emphasizing the importance of eco-friendly practices.

2. Pulping Process

The wood pulp is mixed with water to create a slurry. This mixture is then subjected to mechanical and chemical processes to break down the fibers, creating a uniform pulp. The pulping process can vary slightly depending on whether the pulp is made from virgin wood fibers or recycled materials.

3. Refining the Pulp

The pulp is further refined to improve the quality of the fibers. This involves passing the pulp through refiners that cut and fibrillate the fibers, making them more flexible and capable of bonding together more effectively. This step is crucial for achieving the desired softness and absorbency of the tissue.

4. Adding Additives

Various additives can be mixed into the pulp to enhance the tissue’s properties. These may include softening agents, binding agents, and chemicals that improve the tissue’s strength and absorbency. The precise combination of additives depends on the specific requirements of the final product.

5. Sheet Formation

The refined pulp is then spread onto a moving mesh screen, allowing the water to drain away, leaving behind a mat of fibers. This process, known as the wet end, forms the initial sheet of paper. The sheet is then pressed to remove more water and improve its density.

6. Drying

The damp sheet of paper is passed through a series of heated rollers or dryers. This step removes any remaining moisture, resulting in a dry, continuous sheet of tissue paper. The drying process is carefully controlled to prevent the sheet from becoming too brittle.

7. Creping

One of the most important steps in tissue production is creping. The dried sheet is scraped off a large drying cylinder (Yankee dryer) with a metal blade, causing it to crinkle and develop a soft, pliable texture. Creping increases the surface area of the tissue, enhancing its softness and absorbency.

Farhan’s unit, as of now, relies on ready-made paper rolls, which thereafter gets into conversion into various products.

8. Converting

The large rolls of creped tissue paper are then sent to the converting section, where they are cut and shaped into the desired products. This involves unwinding the rolls, embossing patterns onto the tissue for added texture, and cutting them into individual sheets or rolls.

9. Packaging

Finally, the finished tissue products are packaged for distribution. Packaging can vary from simple plastic wraps to more elaborate boxes or dispensers, depending on the intended market and usage.