In today’s hygiene-conscious world, the demand for high-quality facial tissue continues to rise—driven by population growth, improved living standards, and the expansion of hospitality, healthcare, and retail sectors. Whether it’s for personal use at home, professional settings, or branded tissue in hotels and restaurants, consumers now expect tissue products that are soft, absorbent, attractively packaged, and reliable.
For manufacturers, meeting this demand means having the right equipment in place. But with so many machine models, specifications, and configurations on the market, choosing the right facial tissue paper machine is not just about upfront cost. It’s about striking the right balance between:
This guide is designed for:
Whether you’re buying your first line or planning to scale your production, this guide will help you navigate the technical and strategic decisions involved in selecting the ideal facial tissue paper machine for your business.
A facial tissue paper machine is an integrated system designed to convert jumbo parent rolls of raw tissue into neatly folded, counted, and packaged facial tissues—ready for consumer or commercial use. These machines form the core of tissue converting operations, streamlining every step from material preparation to final packaging.
The process typically involves the following automated sequence:
Jumbo Roll → Printing (optional) → Embossing → Folding → Counting → Stacking → Packaging
Let’s break this down:
Unwinding: Raw tissue jumbo rolls are fed into the line under controlled tension.
Printing (Optional): Flexographic printing units apply branding, patterns, or logos directly onto the tissue.
Embossing: Enhances texture and absorption while also adding visual appeal or custom logos.
Folding: Tissue is interfolded (commonly V-fold or N-fold) into sheet stacks using air-fold or mechanical systems.
Counting & Stacking: Finished tissues are automatically counted and stacked into preset quantities.
Packaging: Stacks are packed into soft plastic bags or fed into carton box packing machines, depending on market format.
The goal is to produce uniform, hygienic, high-quality tissue products at scale—with minimal manual handling.
Facial tissue production lines can be tailored to produce various output formats depending on market demand and packaging requirements:
1. Interfolded Facial Tissues
Most common output for household and commercial facial tissues.
Sheets are interlocked to allow for smooth, one-at-a-time dispensing.
Typically packed in soft plastic wrap or carton boxes with pop-up openings.
2. Wallet Pack Tissues
Compact, travel-sized interfold tissues commonly used in cars, purses, and hospitality kits.
Require optional folding/stacking configurations and dedicated mini soft-pack machines.
3. Soft Pack vs Box Pack Formats
Soft pack: Economical, flexible plastic pouches ideal for retail.
Box pack: Rigid packaging with high-end presentation, suitable for premium or branded products.
Many machines can be configured to support both packing types through compatible downstream modules.
By understanding the full range of functions and outputs your facial tissue paper machine must deliver, you can make informed decisions about the configuration, automation level, and packaging compatibility needed for your factory.
Before selecting a facial tissue paper machine, it’s essential to evaluate your factory’s specific production needs. The ideal machine should not only meet your current output targets but also align with your product specifications, raw material sourcing, and market flexibility.
One of the most important factors in choosing a tissue converting machine is its production capacity. This is typically measured by:
Sheets per minute per lane
Number of production lanes
High-Speed Production Lines
Designed for large-scale converters and export-driven manufacturers.
Operate at speeds ranging from 600 to 1000 sheets per minute per lane.
Multi-lane machines (e.g., 5 or 10 lanes) exponentially increase total output.
Ideal for facilities serving multiple private label or OEM clients.
Low-to-Mid Speed Lines
Suitable for smaller operations or factories focused on a limited number of SKUs.
Speeds typically range from 200 to 500 sheets per minute per lane.
Available in 2-lane or 3-lane configurations, making them cost-effective and space-saving.
Easier to maintain and operate, especially for new entrants.
Choosing the right speed and lane count depends on your target market volume, available labour, and factory space.
Your machine should support the product formats demanded by your customers. Different markets and regions may have specific preferences for sheet size, folding style, and ply count.
Fold Types
V-Fold (Half Fold): Common for soft packs.
N-Fold (Nested Fold): Popular for dispenser boxes.
Interfold: Ensures one-sheet-at-a-time dispensing—standard for most facial tissue products.
Sheet Size Options
Customisable sheet lengths and widths, including:
180 × 200 mm
200 × 210 mm
Other regional formats as required
Advanced systems may allow for automatic or tool-free format changes, supporting multiple SKUs on the same line.
Number of Plies
Most machines support:
1-ply (economy)
2-ply (standard)
3-ply (premium, higher absorbency)
Multi-ply machines require adjustable tension and lamination systems for ply bonding and consistent stacking.
Efficient production begins with matching your machine to the right base paper. Understanding the machine’s flexibility with raw materials ensures minimal waste, stable operation, and consistent product quality.
GSM Range
Machines should support a grammage range of approx. 13–18 GSM, depending on the desired softness and strength.
Thinner paper requires more delicate tension and feed control.
Coreless or Plastic Core Options
While facial tissues are generally coreless, certain folding and stacking systems may support plastic core rolls for specialty products.
Ensure your chosen system aligns with your roll preparation and unwind setup.
By clearly defining your production goals—including speed, format flexibility, and raw material specs—you’ll be better equipped to select a facial tissue paper machine that fits your factory’s needs today while supporting future expansion.
Once you’ve defined your production goals, the next step is to select a machine configuration that meets your performance, branding, and packaging needs. Whether you’re building a high-volume, fully automated line or a lean entry-level setup, the configuration of your facial tissue paper machine will determine your production efficiency, operating costs, and long-term scalability.
Facial tissue lines come in both fully automatic and semi-automatic configurations. The difference lies in the level of automation across key processes such as folding, counting, transferring, and packaging.
Fully Automatic Machines
Best for large-scale or export-focused operations
Integrates all core processes:
Automatic unwinding
Folding (typically interfold or V-fold)
Counting & stacking
Automated transfer to packaging unit
Sealed or boxed packaging
Benefits:
Consistent product quality
Minimal manual labour
High throughput (ideal for private label & branded products)
Semi-Automatic Machines
Suitable for smaller factories or low-investment startups
Some manual intervention is required in counting, transferring, or packing
When does semi-auto make sense?
Pilot projects or test markets
Limited labour cost concerns
Slower production cycles or niche product formats
Tip: Semi-auto lines are often upgradeable. You can start small and automate progressively as your business scales.
Tissue branding has become increasingly important in competitive markets. If your products are private label, corporate-branded, or retail-ready, adding printing and embossing modules to your line offers strong differentiation.
Inline Flexographic Printing
Allows real-time printing of logos, patterns, or messages directly on the tissue
Supports 1 to 4 colour stations
Ideal for:
Promotional tissues
Hotel and airline branding
Retail shelf appeal
Embossing Modules
Two main types of rollers:
Steel-to-paper: Softer, lighter textures—ideal for facial tissues
Steel-to-steel: Creates deeper, more prominent emboss for premium feel
Benefits:
Enhances absorbency and softness
Enables visual/textural branding (e.g., logos or decorative patterns)
Embossing and printing combined turn basic tissue products into value-added, premium items—often commanding higher retail prices and increasing brand loyalty.
Tissue is not finished until it’s packed. Choosing the right packaging integration ensures that your finished products match market expectations—whether in soft pouches or rigid cartons.
Soft-Pack Machines
Packs stacked tissues into polybags or film wrap
Common for economy and mid-tier products
Options for auto sealing, label sticking, and handle punching
Carton Box Packers
Places facial tissues into preformed or auto-folded cardboard boxes
Ideal for premium products and high-end branding
Compatible with top-opening (pop-up) and bottom-opening box formats
Optional Shrink Wrap or Banding Units
Final-stage automation for wrapping multipacks or bulk cartons
Useful for warehouse distribution and export packaging
Integration Tip: DeChangYu offers modular packaging systems that can be paired with folding and embossing lines—ensuring smooth product transfer and synchronised speeds across the entire production line.
Choosing the right configuration—from automation level to branding tools and packaging methods—is key to building a competitive, efficient, and scalable facial tissue production line.
Beyond configuration and output speed, the reliability, safety, and usability of your facial tissue paper machine depend heavily on its engineering quality and control systems. Investing in a machine built to industrial-grade standards ensures not only product consistency but also reduced downtime and safer long-term operation.
A modern tissue converting line should be equipped with a PLC-based (Programmable Logic Controller) control system paired with an HMI (Human-Machine Interface)—typically a touchscreen control panel.
Key Control Features to Expect:
Touchscreen HMI for real-time monitoring and user-friendly parameter adjustment
Servo motors for precise folding, cutting, and stacking operations
Maintain accuracy even at high speeds
Improve repeatability across long production runs
Automated tension control and print registration systems (if applicable)
Remote diagnostics and support via internet connectivity (available in advanced models)
These digital control systems reduce operator training time, support process stability, and make it easy to change formats or adjust production settings.
Safety is paramount in tissue production, especially when operating at high speeds or integrating multiple modules such as embossers, folders, and packaging units.
Required Safety Features:
Emergency stop buttons in strategic positions across the machine
Enclosed guard covers with interlock switches to prevent access during operation
Overload protection systems to safeguard motors and components
Low-voltage controls for operator safety
Industry Compliance:
Ensure the machine is certified to meet international safety and quality standards, such as:
CE Certification – Required for European markets, confirming electrical and mechanical safety
ISO 9001:2015 – Quality management system certification that demonstrates consistent manufacturing practices and product quality
Machines that meet these certifications are not only safer but also more attractive for international buyers and brand partners.
To minimise operating costs and ensure long-term ROI, your facial tissue machine must be structurally robust and easy to maintain.
Build & Component Quality:
High-grade steel frame with anti-corrosion coating
Industrial bearings and gears sourced from reputable suppliers
Precision-machined parts to reduce vibration and wear
Maintenance & Spares:
Quick-change systems for blades, folding plates, or embossing rollers
Easy-access panels for routine maintenance and cleaning
Long-term availability of wear parts (e.g., knives, belts, sensors)
Manufacturer support for tool kits, manuals, and maintenance schedules
DeChangYu machines are engineered with lean maintenance and uptime in mind, offering both structural integrity and smart servicing features to keep your line running smoothly.
Choosing a facial tissue paper machine with strong control systems, proven certifications, and industrial-grade durability is critical to achieving operational efficiency, product consistency, and workplace safety.
When choosing a facial tissue paper machine, it’s not just about the equipment itself—it’s also about the manufacturer’s ability to tailor the solution to your facility and support your team beyond installation. A reliable supplier provides more than a product; they offer a partnership that ensures operational success, from setup to long-term maintenance.
Every production environment is different. Whether you’re upgrading an existing line or building a new plant from the ground up, a reputable supplier should offer custom machine layout services to match your space, workflow, and capacity targets.
What to Expect:
Flexible machine footprint design to optimise available factory space
Left-hand / right-hand orientation options for line configuration
Integration with:
Upstream equipment (e.g., jumbo roll unwinders, slitting machines)
Downstream modules (e.g., automatic packers, palletisers)
Utility planning: power, air, and material flow recommendations
Custom layouts not only improve space utilisation but also minimise bottlenecks and enhance operational efficiency.
A machine is only as effective as the team operating it. That’s why it’s essential to choose a supplier that offers comprehensive overseas installation and hands-on training—either on-site or remotely, depending on your location and operational needs.
What a Professional Supplier Provides:
On-site mechanical and electrical installation support
Step-by-step commissioning assistance
Operator and technician training, covering:
Machine start-up and shutdown procedures
Format changes and product adjustments
Routine maintenance and troubleshooting
For international buyers, remote installation via video guidance or live support can also be arranged when travel is restricted—ensuring you're never left unsupported during the setup phase.
Post-installation service is where many suppliers fall short—but not DeChangYu. Choosing a manufacturer with strong after-sales support ensures your line continues to perform at peak efficiency with minimal downtime.
Essential Support Services Include:
24/7 remote troubleshooting via phone, email, or video
Remote diagnostic systems (optional in high-end models)
Preventive maintenance programs to identify issues before they lead to downtime
Fast parts dispatch for wear items like blades, belts, sensors, and electronics
You should also expect:
A complete spare parts list and user manual
Easy access to parts for 5–10 years after purchase
Support for future upgrades or line extensions
Partnering with a supplier that offers end-to-end technical support is key to reducing your total cost of ownership and keeping your production running smoothly.
Selecting the right machine is important—but choosing the right partner is what makes your investment truly successful. With over three decades of experience in the tissue converting industry, Foshan DeChangYu Paper Machinery Manufacture Co., Ltd. has earned its place as a trusted supplier for global manufacturers looking to scale operations, enhance product quality, and streamline production.
Here’s why leading factories in 160+ countries choose DeChangYu:
Founded in the 1980s, DeChangYu has over 30 years of technical experience in the design, development, and manufacturing of tissue converting equipment.
Our machines are successfully running in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North and South America—adapted to diverse standards, languages, and production needs.
From compact operations to multi-line factory setups, we’ve supported customers of all sizes with tailor-made converting solutions.
All DeChangYu machines are built to rigorous global standards:
CE-certified for compliance with European safety and machinery directives
ISO 9001:2015 certified for quality management
Our company holds 60+ national patents, including innovations in glue-free sealing, intelligent automation, embossing, and energy-efficient controls.
Every machine is tested under real production conditions before delivery.
Unlike suppliers who only focus on one piece of the puzzle, DeChangYu offers complete tissue production lines, including:
Facial tissue converting machines (folding, counting, embossing)
Inline flexographic printing units (1–4 colour options)
Packaging systems for soft packs, wallet packs, or carton boxes
Log saws, slitting machines, tail sealers, and more
This all-in-one integration improves synchronisation, reduces downtime, and eliminates the need to source from multiple vendors.
Every production environment is different. That’s why we offer:
Custom-designed layouts based on your floor space, utilities, and production goals
Installation and operator training, either on-site or remote
Long-term technical support, spare parts supply, and upgrade paths
Whether you’re launching a new facility, expanding capacity, or upgrading legacy equipment, DeChangYu is committed to being your long-term partner in tissue manufacturing success.
Get in touch today to request a quote, technical consultation, or machine brochure—and discover how DeChangYu can power your production with precision, reliability, and innovation.
