Tissue paper logistics looks simple until you’re dealing with high-volume, low-density stock arriving in containers, especially large rolls and “torpedo-loaded” reels that must be unloaded without tearing, crushing, or moisture damage.

At CCW Services, we support importers, converters, and distributors with specialist paper logistics across the UK, including transportation, devanning, warehousing, careful handling, and distribution.

This post explains the practical challenges of transporting and storing tissue paper and the methods we use to keep rolls protected from the container to the warehouse.

If you’re looking for an overview of our dedicated service, see our Paper Logistics service page.

Why tissue paper requires specialist logistics

Tissue paper presents a unique combination of risks:

Easily damaged surfaces: Tears, dents, and edge-crush can make rolls unusable.
High cube, low density: Containers can be packed to maximise space, making unloading more complex.
Moisture sensitivity: Tissue is highly hygroscopic (it absorbs moisture), so even small exposure can cause expansion, deformation, or mould.
Handling constraints: Standard forks can puncture rolls or deform the outer layers.

That’s why tissue paper logistics needs the right equipment, trained operators, and a warehouse environment designed for dry storage.

Devanning tissue paper from containers (including “torpedo-loaded” rolls)

Devanning tissue paper from shipping containers is a specialised task, particularly when handling “torpedo-loaded” rolls.

What does “torpedo-loaded” mean?

“Torpedo loading” is the process of laying industrial tissue reels horizontally along the length of the container to maximise space. It’s an efficient way to ship high volumes, but it creates a handling challenge: you can’t safely remove these rolls with standard forks.

Essential devanning equipment CCW uses

To unload tissue paper safely, CCW uses equipment that balances lifting power with extreme delicacy:

Counterbalance forklifts

These are the primary workhorses for ground-level devanning. Their weight distribution allows them to handle front-end bulk loads without additional stabilisers, while remaining agile enough for container entry.

Mobile yard ramps

These ramps create a smooth bridge for forklifts moving from ground level or warehouse floor height into and out of the container, reducing jolts and impact that can damage rolls.

Handling torpedo-loaded rolls: from horizontal to vertical

When rolls are loaded on their sides, the goal is to remove them without puncturing the paper and, where required, to transition them into a vertical orientation for safe storage.

Paper roll clamps

Paper roll clamps are specialist forklift attachments with curved, rubber-coated arms. They apply uniform pressure to grip the roll securely without:

crushing the outer layers
damaging the surface
unreeling the core

Rotating attachments (torpedo to chimney)

For torpedo-loaded stock, CCW can use rotating clamp attachments that allow 360-degree rotation.

In practice, this means:

The forklift enters the container
The clamp grips the horizontal roll
The roll is rotated 90 degrees to vertical
The forklift exits with the roll in a safer position for storage

This is the key step in transitioning torpedo-loaded rolls into a format suitable for chimney-style storage.

Reel tines (booms)

For rolls with sturdy central cores, CCW can also use reel tines (booms), a carriage-mounted paper reel tine inserted directly into the core to lift and pull the roll out.

Chimney-style storage in dry, odour-free warehouses

Once removed and rotated upright, the tissue rolls are moved to a dry warehouse for chimney-style storage.

What is chimney-style storage?

Chimney-style storage is where rolls are:

stored vertically on their circular ends
stacked vertically (where appropriate) using high-reach equipment

This orientation helps prevent flat-spotting — a deformation that occurs when heavy rolls are left on their sides for too long.

Maximising height without damaging stock

Using high-reach forklifts and correct handling procedures, rolls can be stacked to maximise warehouse capacity. The structural integrity of the paper cores enables multi-level stacking, provided the rolls are handled correctly.

Why dry storage matters for tissue paper

Tissue paper is highly hygroscopic, so storage conditions are critical. CCW stores tissue paper in warehouses that are:

watertight
odour-free
managed to remain bone-dry to reduce moisture absorption risk

Transporting tissue paper: reducing damage in transit

Even after safe devanning and storage, tissue paper can be damaged during transport if loads aren’t stabilised or if handling is rushed. CCW’s approach focuses on:

correct handling equipment for rolls
careful loading/unloading procedures
planning deliveries to reduce unnecessary re-handling
keeping stock protected between the warehouse and the final destination

If your tissue paper supply chain includes devanning, storage, and onward distribution, it’s often more reliable (and more cost-effective) to manage it as a joined-up 3PL workflow rather than use multiple suppliers.

Tissue paper roll handling & storage FAQs

We use paper roll clamps and rounded forklift extensions to safely and easily move paper rolls of all types.
Yes. We use specialised forklift attachments, including rotating clamps where required, to safely handle and manoeuvre paper rolls.
Yes. Torpedo-loaded rolls require specialist handling to avoid punctures and surface damage. We use the correct attachments and procedures for safe devanning.
Yes. We can combine devanning, warehousing, rework, and distribution into a joined-up 3PL workflow. Find out more about our Paper Logistics service.
Yes. Our storage is watertight and odour-free, and it remains bone-dry to help prevent moisture absorption.
Storing rolls vertically helps prevent flat-spotting and supports safer stacking and handling.
At our Southampton facilities, we can handle rolls up to 2.7m in diameter and up to 2.5 tonnes in weight.
Yes. We provide onward distribution as part of our paper logistics and 3PL services.

Need specialist tissue paper logistics support in the UK?

If you’re importing tissue paper or moving large rolls within the UK, CCW can support your operation with devanning, specialist roll handling, dry warehousing, and distribution. Learn more about our dedicated Paper Logistics service or contact CCW Services to discuss your requirements and get a quote.