Link: http://www.inspiredprotagonist.com/blog/greenpeace_to_kleenex_blow_on_this

Greenpeace has been going after Kimberly Clark’s Kleenex for its use of Virgin tissue in both the tissue and the box it comes in.

Purely Cotton is made from 100% pure cotton utilizing the cotton linter, a recovered resource off the cotton seed during the ginning process.

Here’s to Tree Free tissues!!!

More information can be found at Kleercut.net.

Link: http://purelycotton.com

For your benefit, we have put together a frequently asked question list regarding the Purely Cotton tissue products.

Is Purely Cotton really made from 100% pure cotton?

Yes, Purely Cotton is made from cotton linters, the small, silky fibers attached to the cottonseed after the ginning process.

Cotton is actually two different, distinct crops, fiber and seed. Fiber is used in the textile industry to make your clothing and other material we associate cotton with. The cottonseed, a raw agricultural product which was once largely wasted, is now processed into livestock feed, food for human consumption, fertilizer, furniture stuffing and cellulose that is used for anything from explosives to computer chip boards.

Purely Cotton is always being asked the question, “Is your product made from organic cotton?”

Purely Cotton is made from cotton linters, which the EPA considers to be recycled fibers because they are a byproduct of the processing of cottonseed into oil. The fact that the linter would otherwise end up as waste has a positive environmental benefit.

Purely Cotton is a recycled, renewable resource that is Tree Free.

What is Recycled Cotton?

Recycled Cotton is cotton that is recovered during the spinning, weaving or cutting process. The trade name for recycled cotton is Eco Fibre. There are no harsh chemicals used in the processing of the recycled cotton.

Is Cotton the most pesticide-dependent crop in the world?

Cotton accounts for 25% of all pesticide use. Every t-shirt made of cotton fiber requires 1/4 pound of harmful chemicals. Purely Cotton utilizes the cottonseed linters not the actual cotton fiber.

What is Organic Cotton?

Organically raised cotton is grown without the use of toxins or synthetic fertilizers. Organic cotton is produced without the use of harsh chemical bleaches or dyes and is allergy free. The cotton is grown through the use of natural fertilizers, compost and soil amendments. The focus with organic cotton is on the cotton fiber side not the cottonseed linter.

What is a Cotton Linter?

Cotton linters are fine, less than 1/8 inch long, silky fibers attached to the cottonseed after ginning. After the ginning process the cottonseed is turned into cottonseed oil with the left over hulls being converted into cottonseed meal for livestock.

There are typically two types of cotton linters. First cuts consist of the longer, more resilient fibers while the second cuts are made up “fuzz". Purely Cotton utilizes the “fuzz". Typically, the first cuts are turned into medical pads, gauze and twine. The second cuts are made into a pulp and used in food, ammunition, rocket propellant, photographic film, plastics, lacquers, high grade bond paper, sausage casings, fingernail polishes, laminates, filters, circuit boards and, now, toilet and facial tissue!
Why is Purely Cotton not made with Organic Cotton?

Linter pulp has a much higher price than competing products but it is preferred because of its superior quality and performance. In order to make the cotton tissues, Purely Cotton has to utilize certain grades of cotton pulp based on strength, color, and softness. If the correct grades are not available then Purely Cotton could not be made.

Currently there are no sources of Organic Cotton linters available that would allow Purely Cotton to make the cotton tissue at an affordable price to you. It our hope that Purely Cotton continues to grow through your support and the Organic Cotton trade market continues to grow, that we will be able to start implementing a grade of organic cotton linter pulp much like the paper tissue industry started doing with recycled fibers and now with post and pre-consumer waste.

Remember, many pounds of manufacturing waste are created for a pound of consumer product. That manufacturing waste needs to be used, too. And paper fibers do deteriorate after many recyclings, so there will always be a need for virgin stock. Hopefully, in the future, virgin pulp will come from sustainable managed forests instead of clear cuts just like we hope cotton linter pulp can come from organic cotton instead of chemically treated plants. Until then, Purely Cotton is proud to say we are a true “Tree Free” product that utilizes a renewable and recovered resource that is medically beneficial and comfortable to use.

Is recycled tissue better than cotton tissue?

Recycled tissue is an excellent choice for tissues, towels and napkins over virgin pulp paper products. Purely Cotton is also a recycled product. However, Purely Cotton is naturally gentle, virtually lint free, hypo-allergenic and a “Tree Free” product. Recycled tissues are not. Purely Cotton does not contain inks, dyes or perfumes. Also, it is whitened without chlorine bleach. Many tissue products are chemically treated for a softer feel.

Who owns Purely Cotton?

Purely Cotton owned by Nature’s Way Tissue, an American Indian owned company in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

What are personal care products made from?

Most personal care products are made from rayon, polyester or polypropylene. Although they may look like cotton, many consumers that purchase products such as swabs, cosmetic puffs, rounds or wipes are surprised to learn they are not made of cotton. Synthetic materials do not perform as well as cotton products do. Cotton has a superior absorbency and a natural textured surface that makes it an effective product. Purely Cotton tissues are virtually lint free, naturally gentle, hypo-allergenic and truly “Tree Free". Most synthetic products are often treated to make the fiber suitable for processing. Cotton is generally “finish free". Allergy sufferers and those that suffer from sensitive skin are much better off sticking with cotton product such as Purely Cotton.

What is Post-consumer waste (PCW)?
Material collected mainly from municipal and office recycling programs.

What is Pre-consumer waste?
Material collected mainly from paper manufacturers, printers and converters.