Some consumer products seldom get thought of for a makeover. There are paper products on the shelves whose main function is to wipe up things. Considerations for buying these products usually center around strength, softness, and price. Kimberly-Clark, according to USA Today (October 27, 2010), is about to roll out a toilet paper product without the wasteful tubes.
History of Toilet Paper
Toilet paper may not be a product many consumers think about except that it costs too much. There are some very interesting toilet paper facts including its relatively short history:
- Toilet paper was first introduced in China in 1391.
- Scott Paper Company first introduced toilet paper in Philadelphia, PA in 1871.
- The first perforated toilet paper was introduced in 1871 by Zeth Wheeler.
- Walter Alcock created the first toilet paper on a roll in 1879.
- In 1973, America experienced a toilet paper shortage.
- Over 70% of the world’s population does not use toilet paper.
- Some people don’t use toilet paper because of a shortage of trees or because it is so expensive.
- Water is the solvent product in toilet paper.
- The average roll of toilet paper lasts five days in an average household.
For more fun facts and historical notes about toilet paper, visit toiletpaperhistory.net and ideafinder.com.
Toilet Paper Makeover
Toilet paper has been the same basic product for decades. Some producers have added scents or layers of softness. Nonetheless, the product itself has remained the same. With the new, greener world we live in today, it was time to update this centuries old product.
USA Today reported, “Suddenly, there’s news in the $9 billion – but stagnant – toilet paper market. More important, it’s got a “green” halo.”
What is the update? Kimberly-Clark has developed a tubeless roll. Reportedly, there are 17 billion toilet paper tubes produced annually in the United States alone resulting in 160 million pounds of trash. The new design will make every last piece of toilet paper usable.
Green Marketing
This is one of those remade consumer products that can really use the green marketing machine to revive sales. If the Kimberly-Clark product is successful and consumers accept it, the company will lead the way for other paper product producers to get greener.
Millions of consumers use paper products such as toilet paper, tissues, and paper towels by the millions of pounds' worth every day. It makes perfect sense that producers take a look at ways to improve the products to reduce their effect on the environment.
