Ssangyong C&B Cuts Tissue Manufacturing Costs by Up to 30% Through Recycled Materials

South Korean tissue manufacturer Ssangyong C&B is reducing manufacturing costs by approximately 20% to 30% compared with virgin pulp by using recycled materials, including discarded milk cartons and waste corrugated cardboard. Recycled-content products account for 50% to 55% of the company's total output, while annual paper carton recycling exceeds 3,000 metric tons.

The company is also expanding its export capabilities following the 2024 acquisition of its parent company, MSS Holdings, by Indonesia-based Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) for approximately 400 billion won ($299.6 million). The acquisition, which gave APP full ownership of MSS Holdings, brought Ssangyong C&B and tissue company Monalisa into the Indonesian group's portfolio.

Under the resulting vertically integrated structure, Ssangyong C&B sources pulp from APP's Indonesian mills, manufactures parent rolls and finished tissue products in South Korea, and exports through APP's international sales network. The arrangement also enables the company to share product development expertise across overseas operations.

Paseo tissue products destined for Thailand feature the South Korean flag and “Made in Korea” labeling. The company is increasing production to address demand in Southeast Asia for Korean-made goods.

Sejong Plant Produces 200 Tissue SKUs

Ssangyong C&B's Sejong Plant manufactures approximately 200 stock-keeping units (SKUs) across three main categories: toilet paper, facial tissue and kitchen towels. Raw material processing, parent roll production, converting and packaging take place at the same facility.

Product differentiation relies on raw material combinations, parent roll strength and embossing techniques. The company uses cotton fiber to improve softness, applies loess to selected products, and employs two lotion application systems to enhance surface feel. Heating equipment has also been installed to support the even application of high-viscosity lotion.

Production teams conduct repeated trials to refine products developed by the company's research and development institute. Bang, a company representative quoted in the source material, said tissue manufacturers must balance softness with tear resistance, as increasing strength can make the product stiff.

Recycling and Premium Products Support Strategy

Ssangyong C&B operates brands including Cody, Bepis, Onyx and Keepers. The company is pursuing recycled-material utilization alongside differentiated tissue products, while APP's international network provides a route for further export development.

The company is also reviewing the potential domestic application of antibacterial tissue technology after receiving product development information from Livi, a brand launched in Taiwan.