Paper towels are one of the few things specifically made for clumsy people. Whether it's red wine on your shirt, soda on the keyboard, or pasta sauce on the new white carpet (oops!, paper towels are always there to save the day. They're versatile, effective and seriously underrated.
We’ve explored the history of toilet paper, and now, it's time to dig even deeper into this household hero. Spoiler alert: there were a few spills along the way.
Pre-Paper Towel Era
Before the advent of paper towels, people relied on shared cloth towels to dry their hands and clean up their messes. The idea for paper towels actually originated in 1879 with the Scott brothers. They made a thinner version of the towel we know and love today. It was first used for medical reasons as a lightweight toilet tissue.
The Tissue Issue and a Brilliant Solution
Fast forward to 1907, Edward Irvin Scott's son Arthur Scott had an issue – a tissue issue, if you will. A truckload of toilet paper tissue arrived at his factory, which was way too thick for the delicate product they’d become known for. Instead of sending it back and wasting the product, Arthur found another use for the tissue. He’d heard about a local teacher who gave sick children paper to dry their hands, avoiding communal washroom cloth towels (that’s a smart lady). Inspired, Arthur transformed the thick tissue into towel-sized sheets, creating the first disposable paper towels. This accidental invention was a medical breakthrough! It would help stop the spread of colds and diseases. No more communal cloth towels contaminated with teeny tiny germs.
The first paper towels, branded as Sani-Towel, were initially sold to restaurants, hotels and railroad stations. These early adopters placed them in their washrooms, or as you fancy folk call them: “lavatories”.
Paper Towels in the Kitchen
In 1931, Arthur had another lightbulb idea. He introduced the Sani-Towel to the kitchen, which was when the concept of paper towel rolls (as we know them) came to life. At first, people were hesitant to use this unfamiliar product. It took years for behaviors to change and for paper towels to be accepted with open arms.
Eco-Friendly Evolution
As the paper towel industry grew, so did concern for their environmental impact. The use of virgin trees and plastic packaging became a pressing issue. Enter Who Gives A Crap, the eco-friendly alternatives to traditional kitchen paper companies. We introduced two sustainable options for your kitchen: our paper towels and Dream Cloths, a reusable paper towel alternative. No more choosing between germ-free kitchen counters and the planet! Cleaning up has (probably) never been more sustainable or hygienic.
Conclusion: The Next Chapter is Yours!
From an accidental invention to a household essential, paper towels have been there to save us from countless kitchen spills and messes. What began as a clever solution has evolved into a staple of modern living, blending convenience and hygiene. As we embrace more sustainable options, paper towels continue to play a crucial role in our daily lives. Subscribe to get our paper towels delivered to your door and let’s make Mama Earth proud with every mess we make.