History of Pocket Tissue Advertising

In 1924 - The first tissue paper was manufactured by Kimberly-Clark Corporation (U.S.A.) known as Kleenex
In 1964 - Kleenex pocket packing was introduced by Kimberly-Clark Corporation.
In 1968 - Pocket tissues used for advertising in its current style was introduced by Meisei Sansho Company in Japan and since that time it became a popular advertising and promotional medium in Japan.

There are no accurate statistics for production, however according to the industry about 2-3 billion tissue packages are distributed per year in Japan. “That is about 20 packages for every one person in Japan per year”.  One company alone has distributed over 300 million tissue packages. (Consumer Loan Company “Takefuji”) (Nihon Keizai Shimbun, November 16, 2003)

As much as 20 billion yen or $250 million Canadian dollars are spent on pocket tissue advertising sales each year in Japan.  The largest company selling pocket tissue advertisements has sales annually of about CA$85 million.

Recently “Pocket Tissue Advertising” has taken off in the UK. Companies such as Virgin Atlantic, Time Warner, Motorola and Procter and Gamble use this form of advertising to market their products and services. 

This product is now available in Canada! Recently Media Now Inc. provided “Toronto Public Health” with Pocket Tissue Ads to promote the “Sneeze Sleeve” campaign. Tissue packs were given to each person once receiving a flu shot. Since this time many more companies and organizations in Canada have seen the benefit of using this form of advertising.

What are “Pocket Tissue Advertisements”?

It is small package of six, 2-ply tissues with an enclosed custom designed colour advertisement. The size of the package is approximately 2 7/8”(H) x 4 1/4” (L). The advertisements are printed in full colour on glossy card stock.

Why is it an effective way to promote your company’s product or service?

1. It is New to Canada! This unique form of advertising is a powerful way to catch your audience’s attention.
2. Repeated Use- People receiving them often keep them in their purse, pocket and or car
3. Inexpensive- Less expensive than colour flyers.
4. Incentives- Attract customers to your business by using the advertisements as coupons offering specials, discounts or free items

Ways to distribute “Pocket Tissue Advertisements”

• Give them directly to customers: This is a great way to say “thank you” for your business and give customers an incentive to return by offering specials and discounts.
• Distribute pocket tissues advertisements to people passing by your business. This new and interesting item will definitely catch people’s attention.
• Have other companies distribute the pocket tissue advertisement. For example, have the local grocery store distribute the pocket tissue advertisements for you by placing them in the customer bag at the register.
• A great giveaway item at trade shows- Instead of giving common items such as flyers, pens, mouse pads and magnets give them something they will really notice! This unique item is new to Canada!
• Mail – This small and lightweight package can easily be mailed. We offer a full mailing service.
• We can distribute it for you on the street- Media Now can arrange to have people distribute the pocket tissue advertisement for you. The customer specifies the time and place and we will arrange staff to distribute the pocket tissues.