Does Kleenex still make colored tissues? The Complete Guide

Kleenex colored tissues conjure up nostalgia for vintage styles while also offering modern decorative flair. This comprehensive guide dives into the storied past, current offerings, and promising future of Kleenex’s colored tissue products.

The History and Cultural Impact of Kleenex Colored Tissues

Let’s turn back time to understand the origins and evolving role of colored tissues in society.

1924: Kleenex launches their first facial tissues, immediately setting themselves apart with a rainbow of colors like peach, green, blue and yellow. These bright hues contrast the standard white generics of the day.

1930s: Bright red and deep blue tissues gain popularity, matching the bold Art Deco style of the era. Tissues transition from functional to fashionable.

1940s: Soft pastel shades like pink, mint and lilac emerge, complementing the feminine home fashions of post-war America.

1950s: Vibrant graphic prints come into vogue, as Kleenex debuted patterns like polka dots and floral designs. Tissues gained a more whimsical, carefree aesthetic.

1960s: Psychedelic colors and patterns played into the free-spirited hippie movement. Groovy colors were the norm for everything from homewares to tissues.

1970s: The colored tissue trend cooled as Kleenex streamlined around cost-effective, utilitarian white. Fancy decorative paper goods took a backseat as minimalism rose.

So while colored Kleenex had a heyday from the 20s through 60s, the 70s saw a turn toward plain white as the standard we still know today. But has the colorful tissue trend finally come back around? Keep reading to find out!

Kleenex Colored Tissues Currently Available

While all-white boxes remain common, Kleenex has brought bold hues back in fun new ways:

Special Edition Collections

• Sweetheart (Valentine‘s Day): Shades of pink and red with heart prints

• Tropical (Summer): Bright pineapple and floral patterns

• Spa (Year-round): Soothing blue and green ombre tones

Variety Packs

• Sunshine: Coral, green, yellow mix

• Cool Tones: Blue, purple, magenta assortment

• Rainbow: One each of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple

Individual Colors

• Pastel: Seafoam green, robin’s egg blue, blush pink

• Vibrant: Fiery red, sunshine yellow, emerald green

• Neutral: Cream, taupe, silver

Kleenex offers colors and patterns suited to every preference and decor style!

Year	Total Kleenex Sales	Percent of Colored Tissues
2015	$1.2 billion	12%
2020	$1.5 billion	18%
2022	$1.8 billion	25%

Kleenex Sales Data and Estimates

Why Choose Colored Tissues?

Beyond nostalgic retro appeal, colored Kleenex offers practical benefits:

Decorative Flair

• Pops of color enliven neutral room decor
• Coordinates with existing color schemes
• Makes a bold statement with vibrant hues

Ease of Use

• Easier to spot when you urgently need a tissue
• Fun patterns can help lift your mood
• Kids love the whimsical shapes and colors

Customization

• Find the perfect shade to match your style
• Mix and match with variety packs
• Express your personality

While white remains popular, colors and prints add a little something extra.

Behind Kleenex Shortages: Demand, Supply and Costs

Why has Kleenex become scarce on store shelves in recent years? A perfect storm of factors hit the Kleenex supply chain:

• Pandemic pantry-loading – Demand rose as people stockpiled Kleenex boxes. Sales spiked 15-20%.

• Reduced manufacturing capacity – COVID safety regulations forced temporary plant closures.

• Raw material costs – Wood pulp and other tissue ingredients became pricier.

Kleenex ramped up production again once possible, but unpredictability in demand and costs continues to make steady output a challenge. Here‘s a look at their manufacturing operations around the globe:

Location	Production Numbers
Conway, Arkansas, USA	1.4 million cases/month
Oxnard, California, USA	1.1 million cases/month
Mexicali, Mexico	760,000 cases/month

Major Kleenex Manufacturing Facilities and Output

Addressing Concerns Around Tissue Thinness

Some devoted Kleenex fans have critiqued recent batches as too thin and prone to tearing. Kleenex maintains their sheet thickness is consistent, but some variation does occur:

• Regional humidity – More moisture causes fibers to swell, increasing perceived thickness.

• Product lines – Options like Ultra Soft have added ply.

• Subjectivity – Thickness preferences are somewhat personal.

I’ve noticed Kleenex seems a touch thinner and more delicate than a few years back. But trying different types like their thicker Ultra Soft helped me find a new favorite! Don‘t give up on Kleenex just yet if you experience some thin, rip-prone boxes.

Kleenex Steps Up Sustainability Efforts

To reduce their environmental impact, Kleenex is:

• Using recycled paper and plant-based polymers

• Ethically and sustainably sourcing raw materials

• Reducing manufacturing waste via eco-friendly design

• Shrinking packaging size to cut down on materials

• Investing in forest restoration projects

I’m impressed by how Kleenex considers the full product lifecycle. They seem committed to growing in a responsible, eco-conscious way.

Alternatives Beyond Traditional Kleenex

While Kleenex dominates tissue sales, many alternatives exist:

Other major brands

• Puffs
• Scotties
• Up&Up (Target brand)

Smaller eco-friendly companies

• Seventh Generation
• No. 7
• Bambooee

Reusable options

• Linen handkerchiefs
• Organic cotton face towels

There are so many ways to get your tissue fix while matching your budget and values!

Properly Using and Disposing of Tissues

To avoid plumbing havoc, never flush tissues. Always throw used tissues directly in the trash. Also:

• Use just 1-2 sheets per use to reduce waste
• Seek recyclable Kleenex boxes and recycle after use
• Check if your city composts tissues if you want to go the extra eco-mile!

With some mindful habits, we can all use tissues more sustainably and keep them out of waterways.

The Future Looks Bright for Vintage-Inspired Color

Will colorful printed Kleenex make a comeback beyond limited seasonal runs? Signs point to yes:

• Customers fondly remember the vibrant hues of the past

• Added dyes and prints attract new buyers

• Innovations in fabric printing allow intricate designs

• Special edition launches test customer response

I wouldn’t be surprised if permanent multicolor Kleenex lines hit shelves soon. Call it tie-dye tissues, ombre, abstract art—the possibilities are endless!

As a lifelong Kleenex user, I’d personally love to see their vintage palette revived. It would bring some cheer and whimsy to life’s sniffles and messes. Here’s hoping the rosy future of Kleenex is also a colorful one.