The softer, the better!

Since softness is a key consumer purchasing characteristic of value-added tissue products, the challenge has always been how to measure it. To answer this, we need to understand what we mean by hand-feel. It’s a combination of multiple elements such as real softness, smoothness, stiffness, and compressibility.
In the past an assessment of softness used to be determined by an experienced panel of people. This test was time-consuming, and the results could be highly subjective. Over time, progress has been made and advanced new monitoring instruments have given us the ability to quantify tissue softness quickly, accurately, and cheaply. The results correlate closely to human testing and provide numerical data for QC and Marketing use. Factors such as culture, personal preferences, and personality can now be eliminated. However, it’s clear that Softness panels and HUT (home user tests) will always remain. Consumers are human after all and not machines.

Your challenges, our mission

The perceived softness of the tissue is controlled by many factors including fibre selection, formation and creping, as well as the external use of chemicals (e.g. surface conditioners) to enhance quality. The secret lies in the correct combination of chemistries, in the right place in the process and complemented by advanced analytical techniques. With our unique knowledge of pulp, papermaking and converting, BIM is the perfect partner in developing sustainable tissue solutions.

Adding value from Papermaking to Tissue converting

For almost half a century BIM has been committed to supporting continuation of success of our customers through innovation, fast response, working partnerships and developing speciality solutions. BIM has enhanced its strong presence in Tissue Manufacturing, especially in value-added applications through our extensive range of lotions and balms. All our products are manufactured in the U.K. and we pride ourselves in responsible raw material sourcing, sustainability, supply chain security and the highest standards of manufacture.

Uniquely BIM is able to tailor make solutions that best meet our customers’ processes, base-sheets and marketing requirements. This is achieved through our knowledge, expertise and experience in both papermaking and converting processes and our specialised way of working.
The BIM Way of Working allows us to provide our customers with comprehensive advice and support in how to achieve desired properties and performance throughout the whole chain.

Our golden rule is confidentiality – You can trust us to make your high value products even better.
Benefits of using BIM tissue solutions for lotion and balms:

• Cosmetically approved manufacturing facility.
• Custom made products to meet the requirements of your customers.
• Containing dermatologically approved materials from Cosmetics Directive.
• Assessed by independent cosmetics specialist for skin sensitisation.
• RSPO certification.
• Unlimited development potential, e.g., free from palm oil, silicones, fluoro-compounds etc.

With close cooperation with both OEMs and customers, BIM can provide lotion and balm solutions that match or exceed local market needs, whether for brands or private label.
A good example is our long-term association with WEKO, which became a market leader in lotion application systems globally during our collaboration.
Examples of joint BIM/WEKO applications include:

• Tissue lotions – for smoothness – dermatologically approved – silicone and non-silicone-based – 100% sustainable options – marketing additives.
• Tissue balms – for skin transfer – containing emollients – dermatologically approved – 100% sustainable options ­ marketing additives.
• Tissue converting adhesives ­ enhanced with fragrance and marketing additives
• Tissue laminating adhesives.
• Fragrances (Customised scent – Allergen-free – Microencapsulated options for longevity).

Experience based knowledge

We are also able to carry out detailed softness analysis and make further recommendations on how you wish your finished products to perform. If you want to add marketing benefits such as extracts or fragrances, we can adjust our formulation accordingly.
The only limit is your imagination.
At BIM, we are with you every step of the way.