Buying TAD parent reels is not only a price-per-ton decision. The paper must run on the converter’s equipment, meet the intended finished-product target and arrive without edge, moisture or handling damage. A clear approval specification reduces risk for both buyer and supplier.
1. Define the end product first
State whether the reel will be converted into kitchen towel, toilet tissue or another product. The finished product determines which combination of basis weight, bulk, absorbency, strength and softness matters most. Also share the converting process, ply construction and embossing or lamination arrangement when relevant.
Avoid requesting ‘standard TAD’ without an application. TAD tissue can cover different property profiles, and a reel suitable for one converting program may not be the best choice for another.
2. Align units and test methods
Property numbers are only comparable when units, conditioning and test methods are understood. Basis weight, caliper, tensile, stretch, absorbency and moisture can be reported using different standards or specimen directions. Ask the supplier to identify the method used and confirm which values are targets, typical readings or acceptance limits.
For tensile data, distinguish machine direction and cross direction. For thickness, clarify whether the value is measured on a single sheet, multiple plies or a stack. This avoids apparent differences created by reporting format rather than paper performance.
- Basis weight and tolerance
- Caliper or bulk and test method
- MD/CD dry and wet tensile where required
- Stretch, absorbency and moisture
- Brightness or colour requirement if applicable
3. Confirm reel dimensions and converter limits
Provide reel width, maximum outer diameter, core inside diameter, core material and acceptable reel weight. Confirm the converter’s unwind stand, lifting method and maximum load. Reel width tolerance, edge condition and splice policy should also be agreed.
If the buyer needs trial material, choose a trial reel size that can be safely handled and run on the actual converter. A small laboratory sample helps with touch and basic testing, but it cannot fully demonstrate unwind stability or high-speed converting performance.
4. Use a staged qualification process
A practical qualification sequence is document review, representative sample review, trial reel, converter trial and written approval of the final supply specification. Record any agreed changes after the trial. The purchase specification should identify which measurements will be used for routine release.
When reviewing data, separate measured current readings from guaranteed values. Production data is useful evidence, but final commercial acceptance limits should be agreed explicitly between buyer and supplier.
- Review technical data and test methods
- Evaluate samples
- Run a trial reel on the intended converter
- Approve the final specification in writing
5. Specify packing and shipment protection
Export reels need moisture protection, clean wrapping, protected edges, stable supports and a handling plan. Confirm whether reels ship standing or lying, how they will be secured and which lifting tools are permitted. Container loading should protect the reel face and prevent movement during transport.
Agree the marks required on each reel and packing unit, including grade, reel number, dimensions and gross or net weight. Good identification supports receiving inspection and traceability at the converter.
Information to include in an RFQ
The fastest route to a useful offer is a converter-specific request rather than a general request for jumbo rolls.
- End product and ply configuration
- Target property sheet with units and methods
- Reel width, diameter, core and weight limits
- Trial quantity and expected annual or monthly demand
- Destination port and preferred shipping terms
- Required documents, labels and packing method
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions buyers often ask
Is a data sheet enough to approve TAD parent reels?
A data sheet is the first step. Converter qualification should normally include samples and a trial reel because unwind and converting behaviour cannot be confirmed from laboratory data alone.
Why must test methods be stated?
Different methods, conditioning and specimen preparation can produce different results. A method reference makes buyer and supplier data comparable.
What reel details are essential?
Confirm width, outer diameter, core inside diameter, core material, reel weight limit, edge condition, splice policy and handling orientation.