TISSUE PRODUCT AND METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING SAME

Abstract

A tissue product with at least four plies made of tissue paper base sheet or nonwoven that includes: a first outer ply and a second outer ply and at least two inner plies between the first outer ply and the second outer ply, wherein at least one of the inner plies is un-embossed; at least one of the outer plies includes a décor embossing pattern; wherein the absorbency of the tissue product is between 7 g/g and 15 g/g.

Claims

1-40. (canceled)

41. A tissue product with at least four plies made of tissue paper base sheet or nonwoven, comprising: a first outer ply and a second outer ply and at least two inner plies between the first outer ply and the second outer ply, wherein only one of the inner plies is an un-embossed play; at least the first outer ply comprises a décor embossing region; the absorbency of the tissue product is between 7 g/g and 15 g/g; a considerable portion of the outwardly facing main surface of the first outer ply is provided with at most three soft regions surrounded by the décor embossing region, respectively; each soft region is provided with first microembossed protrusions; the décor embossing region comprises first embossed décor protrusions; and the first micro-embossed protrusions are essentially not adhesively bonded to an inner ply adjacent to the first outer ply.

42. The tissue product according to claim 41, wherein the absorbency of the tissue product is between 8 g/g and 11 g/g.

43. The tissue product according to claim 41, wherein the maximum number of plies is eight.

44. The tissue product according to claim 41, wherein at least one inner ply is a micro-embossed ply.

45. The tissue product according to claim 44, wherein at least two adjacent inner plies comprise the un-embossed inner ply and one micro-embossed inner ply.

46. The tissue product according to claim 41, wherein the application of glue is restricted to an overall surface fraction of equal or less than 12% of the tissue product.

47. The tissue product according to claim 41, the tissue product either comprising a stack of individual sheets or a roll with transversely extending weakening lines to subdivide the web into individual sheets.

48. The tissue product according to claim 47, wherein each sheet has a width between 100 mm and 130 mm, and a length between 145 mm and 210 mm; and each sheet has a sheet area between 116 cm.sup.2 and 225 cm.sup.2.

49. The tissue product according to claim 41, wherein the outer plies comprise a micro-embossing pattern, wherein the density of the micro-embossed protrusions of a micro-embossed inner ply is different to the density of embossed protrusions of the micro-embossing pattern of the outer ply which is adjacent to the micro-embossed inner ply.

50. The tissue product according to claim 41, wherein at least one of the embossed plies comprises a double layer or plural layers.

51. The tissue product according to claim 48, wherein a portion of the outwardly facing main surface of the first outer ply of each sheet is provided with at most three soft regions.

52. The tissue product according to claim 51, wherein the first micro-embossed protrusions of the first outer ply and/or the embossed protrusions of the micro-embossing pattern of the micro-embossed inner ply and/or the protrusions of a second micro-embossing pattern of the second outer ply are arranged in a density from 30 to 200 dots/cm.sup.2.

53. The tissue product according to claim 51, wherein a middle ply adjacent to first outer ply is provided with a décor embossing region with further embossed décor protrusions which are in register with the first embossed décor protrusions, wherein the density of the embossed protrusions of a micro-embossing pattern of the inner ply is different to the density of the protrusions of a second micro-embossing pattern of the second outer ply, wherein the soft region or soft regions surrounded by the décor embossing region cover between 30% and 60% of the outwardly facing main surface of the first outer ply.

54. The tissue product according to claim 51, wherein the décor embossing region of the first outer ply further comprises second embossed décor protrusions with a smaller height than the height of the first embossed décor protrusions.

55. The tissue product according to claim 41, wherein the un-embossed inner ply is adjacent to the first outer ply or second outer ply.

56. The tissue product according to claim 41, wherein at least three inner plies are provided and a first inner ply not adjacent to the first outer ply or second outer ply is provided with a micro-embossing pattern; and a second inner ply between the first inner ply and either the first outer ply or second outer ply is the un-embossed play.

57. The tissue product according to claim 50, wherein the micro-embossing pattern of the first inner ply extends essentially all over the surface of the first inner ply.

58. The tissue product according to claim 41, wherein less than 0.5% of the number of first micro-embossed protrusions are adhesively bonded to an inner ply adjacent to the first outer ply.

59. The tissue product according to claim 48, wherein the embossing is in register with the dimensions of the individual sheets of the tissue product.

60. A device for manufacturing a tissue product according to claim 41, the device comprising: a first engraved roll running against a first anvil roll, wherein the first engraved roll is configured to emboss the first outer ply; a glue application device adjacent to the first engraved roll; a marrying roll cooperating with the first engraved roll; a second engraved roll running against a second anvil roll, wherein the second engraved roll is configured to emboss the second outer ply; a third engraved roll running against a third anvil roll, wherein the third engraved roll is configured to emboss one of the inner plies; wherein the device further comprises means to direct at least one un-embossed inner ply towards the first engraved roll downstream of the nip between the first engraved roll and the first anvil roll.

61. The device according to claim 60, wherein the first engraved roll has a repeating pattern of embossing protrusions with décor embossing regions surrounding regions provided with micro-embossing protrusions, further comprising an additional embossing roll and a cooperating anvil roll for embossing one of the inner plies, further comprising a perforating device to generate transversely extending weakening lines to subdivide the web into individual sheets.

62. A method for manufacturing a tissue product according to claim 41, the method comprising the steps: (a) directing a first outer ply into the nip between a first engraved roll running against a first anvil roll; (b) directing an inner ply into the nip between a third engraved roll running against a third anvil roll to form an embossed inner ply; (c) feeding the embossed inner ply and an un-embossed inner ply towards the first engraved roll downstream of the first anvil roll, wherein either the un-embossed inner ply or the embossed inner ply comes into contact with the embossed first outer ply; (d) directing a second outer ply into the nip between a second engraved roll running against a second anvil roll to form an embossed bottom ply; (e) feeding the embossed second outer ply towards the first engraved roll upstream of the marrying roll; and (f) joining the plies in the nip between the first engraved roll and the marrying roll.

63. The method according to claim 62, wherein an un-embossed ply is brought in direct contact with the embossed first outer ply or second outer ply, further comprising the additional step of directing a second inner ply into the nip between a fourth engraved roll running against a fourth anvil roll, wherein in step (a) either two first outer plies or two second outer plies are embossed together, wherein in step (a) and/or step (d) the outer ply is embossed in two separate steps which is a first pre-embossing step to provide the micro-embossing pattern followed by a second décor embossing step to provide the décor embossing.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0111] In the drawings, some embodiments are shown.

[0112] FIG. 1 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a first product;

[0113] FIG. 2 schematically shows a top view of a product according to the present disclosure;

[0114] FIG. 3 schematically shows a process for manufacturing a product according to FIG. 1;

[0115] FIG. 4 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a third product;

[0116] FIG. 5 schematically shows a process for manufacturing a product according to FIG. 6;

[0117] FIG. 6 schematically shows a process for manufacturing a further alternative product;

[0118] FIG. 7 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a fourth product; and

[0119] FIG. 8 schematically shows a process for manufacturing a product according to FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0120] In the following description of exemplary, preferred embodiments, the same reference numerals will be used for the same or similar elements.

[0121] FIG. 1 shows an example of a multi-ply tissue product according to the present disclosure. The tissue product 1 has a first outer ply 4 which is a top ply, and a second outer ply 2 which is a bottom ply. In the following, reference will be made to top ply and bottom ply, respectively, although there is no definition as to which of the outer plies is supposed to be the top ply.

[0122] The top ply 4 and the bottom ply 2 are both provided with an embossing pattern including micro-embossed protrusions 8. However, it is also possible to provide the top ply and/or the bottom ply as so-called structured plies, for example manufactured by means of a Through Air Drying Process.

[0123] In the example according to FIG. 1, two inner plies 17, 18 are provided. The second inner ply 18 adjacent to the bottom ply 2 is un-embossed which means that the second inner ply 18 is not embossed by means of a contact with an embossing roll before it is fed to the final ply-bonding.

[0124] The first inner ply 17 between the second inner ply 18 and the top ply 4 is micro-embossed in order to increase the bulk of the tissue product 1.

[0125] The height h3 of the embossed protrusions 8a of the top ply 4 can be different to the height h1 of the embossed protrusions 8b of the bottom ply 2. Further décor embossed protrusions 9 are provided in the top ply 4. At the décor embossed protrusions 9 with a higher height h2, the ply bonding between the top ply 4 and the second middle ply 17 is generated by means of glue which is applied towards the top surfaces of the décor embossed protrusions. Typical depths of the engraved embossing patterns are between 0.4 mm and 2.0 mm. Since the application of glue is restricted to an overall surface fraction of less than 12%, preferably less than 2.5% of the tissue product, the softness of the product can be increased.

[0126] The application of glue can also be performed on the flat ply.

[0127] The absorbency of the tissue product is between 7 g/g and 15 g/g.

[0128] Both the top ply 4 and the bottom ply 2 can consist of more than one single layer of tissue web material, for example of a double layer of tissue material.

[0129] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the embossed protrusions 19 of the first middle ply 17 and the embossed protrusions of the adjacent top ply 4 are not in register with one another. This increases the bulk and absorbency of the tissue product 1 because the protrusions 19, 8a cannot nest one into the other which would reduce the thickness of the tissue product.

[0130] Also the provision of different densities of the embossed protrusions 19 of the inner ply 17 and the embossed protrusions 8a of the adjacent outer ply 4 avoid the nesting of the embossed protrusions which increases the bulk and the absorbency of the tissue product.

[0131] In FIG. 2, a top view of a single sheet 20 of the tissue product 1 is shown. The sheet 20 according to FIG. 2 has a soft region 22 with an overall oval shape. Such a shape essentially harmonizes with the rectangular shape of individual sheets so that a relatively large surface area of each sheet can be covered by the soft region. However, the soft region can be circular or rectangular as well. The soft region 22 covers at least 25% and up to 90% of the surface area of the sheet 22.

[0132] Each sheet 20 has a width of between 80 m and 130 mm, preferably between 100 mm and 120 mm, and most preferably around 108 mm. The length of each sheet is between 145 mm and 210 mm and preferably around 176 mm. Such a size is a novel feature in case of a product which is designed to be a bathroom tissue. The area of each sheet ranges between 116 cm.sup.2 and 225 cm.sup.2, and preferably between 155 cm.sup.2 and 225 cm.sup.2.

[0133] Preferably, each sheet has a width of around 108 mm and a length of around 176 mm, and the absorbency of each sheet is preferably between 15 g/sheet and 16 g/sheet.

[0134] For an example sheet 20 with a width of around 108 mm and a length of around 176 mm, the absorbency of the sheet is more than 15 g/sheet both for a 4-ply product and a 5-ply product.

[0135] Further, a décor embossing region 24 is provided which comprises embossed décor protrusions 26. The embossed décor protrusions can be provided with different shapes, and especially different heights. Besides the embossed décor protrusions 26, second embossed décor protrusions 28 can be provided with a smaller height than the height of the first embossed décor protrusions 26.

[0136] When the embossing is in register with the dimensions of the individual sheets of the tissue product, this has the advantage that each sheet has exactly the same embossing pattern. The soft region can be arranged centered on each individual sheet, and the individual embossing patterns can be arranged such that an undesired nesting of adjacent plies can be prevented.

[0137] The soft region 22 is provided with micro-embossed protrusions 23 which are essentially not adhesively bonded to an inner ply adjacent to the top ply.

[0138] A density of such micro-embossed protrusions 8a (see FIG. 1) above 100 dots/cm.sup.2 and even up to 200 dots/cm.sup.2 has not been feasible for a long time. Only with the option to manufacture embossing rolls using 3D-printing, it has become possible to generate embossing rolls with such a high density of embossing projections on its circumferential surface.

[0139] The claimed technology works for any densities of the embossed protrusions but it is more efficient if the density is high. It has been found that a higher density of the embossed protrusions contributes to the perceived softness of the product.

[0140] FIG. 3 schematically shows the device for manufacturing a product according to FIG. 1. The top ply 4, bottom ply 2, first inner ply 17 and the second inner ply 18 are directed into the device 30. As an alternative, instead of a single top ply 4, two top plies 4 can be jointly processed leading to a 5-ply product 1.

[0141] The central element of the device 30 is the embossing roll 51 which is an engraved steel roll. The top ply 4 which can also be provided as a double layer is directed into the nip between the embossing roll 51 and a counter roll 32 in order to emboss the top ply or top plies 4. After having been embossed, the first middle ply 17 joins the top ply. Before joining the top ply 4 at the embossing roll 51, the first middle ply 17 is micro-embossed in the nip between the engraved steel embossing roll S3 and the counter roll 34.

[0142] After the top ply top plies 4 and the first middle ply 17 have been joined at the embossing roll 51, glue is applied towards the first middle ply 17 by means of a glue application device 36. Since the embossing roll 51 has micro-embossing protrusions of a smaller height and décor embossing protrusions of a higher height, the glue is only applied towards the first middle ply 17 at the décor embossing protrusions with the higher height.

[0143] The second middle ply 18 is un-embossed and fed towards the embossing roll 51 downstream of the glue application device 36. The second middle ply 18 is directed into the gap between the embossing roll 51 and a second embossing roll S2 which also runs against the counter roll 38. The second embossing roll S2 is also an engraved steel roll with a micro-embossing pattern. In the nip between the second embossing roll S2 and the counter roll 38, the bottom ply 2 is embossed. However, the embossing roll S2 can additionally also be provided with décor embossing protrusions. The second middle ply 18 joins first middle ply 17 and the bottom ply 2 and becomes sandwiched between these two.

[0144] After leaving the gap between the embossing roll 51 and the second embossing roll S2, the multi-ply structure is directed into the nip between the embossing roll 51 and an either driven or not driven marrying roll M1 where the final ply bonding takes place.

[0145] Downstream of the marrying roll M1, the multi-ply tissue product 1 according to the present disclosure can be directed to a perforating unit 40 at which the tissue product 1 receives perforation lines which are provided at regular intervals in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multi-ply tissue product 1.

[0146] Downstream of the perforating unit 40, the tissue product 1 can either be wound to a roll or folded to become a stack of individual sheets.

[0147] The embodiment according to FIG. 4 is very similar to that according to FIG. 1. As will be appreciated, the position of the inner plies 17 and 18 between the top ply and the bottom ply is reversed to that according to FIG. 1. The corresponding device 30 according to figure distinguishes over that according to FIG. 3 in that the position where the un-embossed middle ply 18 is directed toward the embossing roll 51 is different to that according to FIG. 3. In the device 30 according to FIG. 5, the un-embossed middle ply 18 is directed towards the embossing roll 51 downstream of the nip between the embossing roll 51 and the counter roll 32 in which the top ply 4 is embossed, but upstream before the micro-embossed middle ply 17 is joined. The application of glue at the glue application device 36 is towards the embossed middle ply 17. As in the preceding examples of FIGS. 3 and 5, the bottom ply 2 joins the other plies downstream of the glue application device 36 and runs through the nip between the embossing roll S2 and the counter roll 38, and the gap between the embossing roll 51 and the embossing roll S2. The ply bonding of all plies is carried out like in the devices as discussed above in the nip between the embossing roll 51 and the marrying roll M1.

[0148] A further possible process is shown with reference to the device 30 according to FIG. 6.

[0149] In the device 30 according to FIG. 6, the embossed middle ply 17 consists of two layers which are embossed together in the nip between the embossing roll S3 and the counter roll 34. Between the embossed middle plies 17 and the top ply 4, the un-embossed middle ply 18 is provided. Accordingly, like in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the un-embossed middle ply 18 is directed toward the embossing roll 51 downstream of the nip between the embossing roll 51 and the counter roll 32 in which the top ply 4 is embossed, but upstream of the position at which the micro-embossed middle plies 17 are joined. The application of glue at the glue application device 36 is towards the embossed middle plies 17. As in the preceding examples of FIGS. 3 and 5, the bottom ply 2 joins the other plies downstream of the glue application device 36 and runs through the gap between the embossing roll 51 and the second embossing roll S2. The ply bonding is carried out like in the devices as discussed above in the nip between the embossing roll 51 and the either driven or not driven marrying roll M1.

[0150] FIG. 7 shows another product according to the present disclosure with four plies. The top ply 4 can be embossed as in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2. The décor embossed protrusions 9 have a height which is used to achieve ply-bonding of all four plies. The two middle plies are un-embossed plies. The two un-embossed middle plies can be structured plies produced by a TAD-process. The bottom ply is like that as described above with reference to FIG. 1. Thus, the product is a hybrid product with two outer CWP-plies and two inner TAD-plies.

[0151] The device and its related process for manufacturing the product according to FIG. 7 is shown in FIG. 8.

[0152] In the device 30 according to FIG. 8, the first un-embossed middle ply 17 joins the top ply 4 downstream the position at which the top ply 4 is embossed in the nip between the embossing roll 51 and the counter roll 32 but upstream the position of the glue application device 36.

[0153] The second un-embossed middle ply 18 joins the top ply 4 and the first un-embossed middle ply 17 downstream of the glue application device 36 and is directed into the gap between the embossing roll 51 and the second embossing roll S2.

[0154] The embossing roll S2 together with its co-operating counter roll 38 is used to emboss the bottom ply 2. Thus, the bottom ply 2 joins the top ply 4 and the two un-embossed middle plies 17, 18 in the gap between the embossing roll 51 and the embossing roll S2.

[0155] Finally, the four plies 4, 17, 18, 2 are bonded together. The ply bonding is carried out like in the devices as discussed in the previous embodiments in the nip between the embossing roll 51 and the driven marrying roll M1. As in the previous embodiments, the combined ply 1 can be either folded or perforated in a further device downstream of the marrying roll M1.

[0156] All products according to the present disclosure have in common that they have an improved caliper, strength and softness. In the four-ply product, at least one single middle ply is un-embossed. This provides a high bulk to the resulting product and leads to a product with improved caliper, strength and softness. The advantageous provision of a micro-embossed soft region on the top ply can further make the product both aesthetically pleasing and soft.

EXAMPLES

[0157] A 5-ply product was manufactured using the device according to FIG. 3. The product with a basis weight of 94 g/m.sup.2 was provided with perforations to define individual sheets of bathroom tissue. The 5-ply product was produced from conventional wet crepe tissue with a CWT process. The top ply was provided with a central soft region with an area of 86 cm.sup.2 which corresponds to 45% of the sheet area of 190 cm.sup.2 based on a sheet length of 17.6 cm and a sheet width of 10.8 cm. The thickness of the product was 0.82 mm. The absorption per sheet was determined to 15.2 g/sheet. The absorption values of the central soft region and the remaining region of the sheet were determined separately. The absorption value in the soft region was 8.9 g/g, whereas the absorption value in the remaining region of the tissue product was 7.7 g/g. These absorption values are higher than those of comparable products on the market.

[0158] Despite of an excellent water dispersibility observed, a high strength could be observed. The product had a comparably low stiffness and is perceived as a very soft product.

[0159] A 4-ply product was manufactured using the device according to FIG. 7. The product with a basis weight of 82 g/m.sup.2 was provided with perforations to define individual sheets of bathroom tissue. Both inner plies were TAD-plies, whereas the other plies were produced as a conventional wet crepe tissue with a CWT process. The top ply was provided with a central soft region with an area of 86 cm.sup.2 which corresponds to 45% of the sheet area of 190 cm.sup.2 based on a sheet length of 17.6 cm and a sheet width of 10.8 cm. The thickness of the product was 0.82 mm. The absorption per sheet was determined to 15.7 g/sheet. The absorption values of the central soft region and the remaining region of the sheet were determined separately. The absorption value in the soft region was 10.1 g/g, whereas the absorption value in the remaining region of the tissue product was 9.3 g/g. These absorption values are by far higher than those of comparable products on the market.

[0160] Surprisingly, a high strength could be observed, although the product had a comparably low stiffness and was perceived as a very soft product.

Test Method Used

[0161] In the following, the test method used for determining the absorption capacity, basis weight and thickness will be explained.

Test Method—Absorption Capacity

[0162] The absorption measurements were carried out using the basket immersion method. A test sample of defined width and total mass is placed in a cylindrical basket which is dropped from a defined height over a water surface with deionized water in accordance with ISO 14487 (conductivity 0.25 mS/m at 25 C). The time was measured from that at which the basket was dropped until the test piece had been fully wetted. The average time is the water absorption time. The amount of absorbed water is determined from the dry and wet weight of the test piece. Previous to the measurement, the test samples were conditioned a sufficient time under 23° C. and 50% relative humidity (see ISO 187-standard atmosphere for conditioning and testing tissue). The resulting water absorption capacity was reported in grams water per gram test piece to the nearest 0.1 g/g. The method was carried out in accordance with ISO 12625-8:2011 (water-absorption time and water-absorption capacity, basket-immersion test method).

Test Method—Basis Weight

[0163] The basis weight (grammage) can be determined by a test method following the principles as set forth in standard EN ISO 12625-6:2016 for determining the basis weight. Test pieces of 50 cm2 are punched from the sample sheet. Test pieces are chosen randomly from the entire sample and should be free of folds, wrinkles and any other deviating distortions. The pieces are conditioned at 23° C., 50% RH (Relative Humidity) for at least 2 hours. A pile of 20 pieces is weighed on a calibrated balance. The basis weight (grammage) is the weighed mass divided by the total area 1000 cm.sup.2 (20×50 cm.sup.2) and recorded as mean value with standard deviations.

Test Method—Thickness

[0164] The thickness of each sheet tested can be obtained in accordance with European standard EN 12625-3 using the Frank Thickness Gauge equipment (Model 16502) or the like. The pieces are conditioned at 23° C., 50% RH (Relative Humidity) for at least 2 hours. During measurement a sample piece is placed between a fixed bottom plate and a pressure foot. The pressure foot is then lowered at a speed of 2.0 mm/s. The thickness value for the sheet is then read after the pressure value is stabilized. The diameter of the pressure foot is 35.7 mm. The lower plate dimension is 20% bigger. The pressure applied is 2.0 kPa during the measurement. The measurements are carried out on the central part, i.e. a soft region.

FURTHER EMBODIMENTS OR ALTERNATIVES

[0165] The present disclosure also relates to further alternatives or embodiments according the clauses below.

Clauses

[0166] 1. Tissue product with at least four plies made of tissue paper base sheet or nonwoven, comprising: [0167] a first outer ply and a second outer ply and at least two inner plies between the first outer ply and the second outer ply, wherein [0168] only one of the inner plies is un-embossed; [0169] at least one of the outer plies comprises a décor embossing pattern; and [0170] at least two adjacent inner plies comprise the un-embossed inner ply and one micro-embossed inner ply. [0171] 2. Tissue product according to clause 1, wherein the outer plies comprise a micro-embossing pattern, wherein the density of the micro-embossed protrusions of the micro-embossed inner ply is different to the density of embossed protrusions of the micro-embossing pattern of the outer ply which is adjacent to the micro-embossed inner ply. [0172] 3. Tissue product according to clause 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the embossed plies comprises a double layer or plural layers. [0173] 4. Tissue product according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein [0174] a considerable portion of the outwardly facing main surface of the first outer ply is provided with a soft region surrounded by a décor embossing region; [0175] the soft region is provided with first micro-embossed protrusions; and [0176] the décor embossing region comprises first embossed décor protrusions; wherein [0177] the first micro-embossed protrusions are essentially not adhesively bonded to an inner ply adjacent to the top ply. [0178] 5. Tissue product according to any of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the density of the embossed protrusions of the micro-embossing pattern of the inner ply is different to the density of the protrusions of the second micro-embossing pattern of the second outer ply, preferably smaller than the density of the protrusions of the second micro-embossing pattern of the second outer ply. [0179] 6. Tissue product according to clause 4, characterized in that the first micro-embossed protrusions of the first outer ply and/or the embossed protrusions of the micro-embossing pattern of the micro-embossed inner ply and/or the protrusions of a second micro-embossing pattern of the second outer ply are arranged in a density from 30 to 200 dots/cm.sup.2. [0180] 7. Tissue product according to clause 4 or 5, wherein a middle ply adjacent to first outer ply is provided with a décor embossing region with further embossed décor protrusions which are in register with the first embossed décor protrusions. [0181] 8. Tissue product according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the un-embossed inner ply is adjacent to the first outer ply or second outer ply. [0182] 9. Tissue product according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least three inner plies are provided and [0183] a first inner ply not adjacent to the first outer ply or second outer ply is provided with a micro-embossing pattern; and [0184] a second inner ply between the first inner ply and either the first outer ply or second outer ply is un-embossed. [0185] 10. Tissue product according to clause 8 or 9, wherein the micro-embossing pattern of the first inner ply extends essentially all over the surface of the first inner ply. [0186] 11. Tissue product according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein less than 0.5% of the first micro-embossed protrusions are adhesively bonded to an inner ply adjacent to the first outer ply. [0187] 12. Tissue product according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the soft region surrounded by the décor embossing region covers between 25% and 90%, preferably between 30% and 80%, more preferably between 35% and 50%, and most preferably around 45% of the outwardly facing main surface of the first outer ply. [0188] 13. Tissue product according to any of the preceding clauses, the tissue product either comprising a stack of individual sheets or a roll with transversely extending weakening lines to subdivide the web into individual sheets. [0189] 14. Tissue product according to clause 13, wherein the embossing is in register with the dimensions of the individual sheets of the tissue product. [0190] 15. Tissue product according to any of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the application of glue is restricted to an overall surface fraction of less than 12%, preferably less than 2.5% of the tissue product. [0191] 16. Tissue product according to any of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the soft region has an overall oval shape. [0192] 17. Tissue product according to any of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the décor embossing region of the first outer ply further comprises second embossed décor protrusions with a smaller height than the height of the first embossed décor protrusions. [0193] 18. Device for manufacturing a tissue product according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising: [0194] a first engraved roll running against a first anvil roll, wherein the first engraved roll is designed to emboss the first outer ply; [0195] a glue application device adjacent to the first engraved roll, and [0196] a marrying roll cooperating with the first engraved roll; [0197] a second engraved roll running against a second anvil roll, wherein the second engraved roll is arranged and designed to emboss the second outer ply; [0198] a third engraved roll running against a third anvil roll, wherein the third engraved roll is arranged to emboss one of the inner plies; wherein [0199] the device further comprises means to direct at least one un-embossed inner ply towards the first engraved roll downstream of the nip between the first engraved roll and the marrying roll. [0200] 19. Device according to clause 18, wherein the first engraved roll has a repeating pattern of embossing protrusions with décor embossing regions surrounding regions provided with micro-embossing protrusions. [0201] 20. Device according to clause 18 or 19, further comprising an additional embossing roll and a cooperating anvil roll for embossing one of the inner plies. [0202] 21. Device according to any of the clauses 18 to 20, further comprising a perforating device to generate transversely extending weakening lines to subdivide the web into individual sheets. [0203] 22. Device according to any of the clauses 18 to 21, further comprising a stacking device to form stacks of individual sheets of the tissue product. [0204] 23. Device according to any of the clauses 18 to 21, further comprising a winding device to form rolls of the perforated or un-perforated tissue product. [0205] 24. Method for manufacturing a tissue product according to one of the clauses 1 to 16 comprising the steps: [0206] (a) directing a first outer ply into the nip between a first engraved roll running against a first anvil roll; [0207] (b) directing an inner ply into the nip between a third engraved roll running against a third anvil roll to form an embossed inner ply; [0208] (c) feeding the embossed inner ply and an un-embossed inner ply towards the first engraved roll downstream of the first anvil roll, wherein either the un-embossed inner ply or the embossed inner ply comes into contact with the embossed first outer ply; [0209] (d) directing a second outer ply into the nip between a second engraved roll running against a second anvil roll to form an embossed bottom ply; [0210] (e) feeding the embossed second outer ply towards the first engraved roll upstream of the marrying roll; and [0211] (f) joining the plies in the nip between the first engraved roll and the marrying roll. [0212] 25. Method according to clause 24, wherein an un-embossed ply is brought in direct contact with the embossed first outer ply or second outer ply. [0213] 26. Method according to clause 24 or 25, further comprising the additional step of directing a second inner ply into the nip between a fourth roll running against a fourth anvil roll. [0214] 27. Method according to any of the clauses 24 to 26, wherein in step (a) either two first outer plies or two second outer plies are embossed together. [0215] 28. Method according to any of the clauses 24 to 27, wherein in step (a) and/or step (d) the outer ply is embossed in two separate steps which is a first pre-embossing step to provide the micro-embossing pattern followed by a second décor embossing step to provide the décor embossing.