The document describes an experiment comparing two types of paper towels from Coles: a 100% recycled paper towel and an Ultra Super Absorbent paper towel. Key points: 1) Both towels were visually similar in size, shape, texture and color. 2) 20mL of water was added to each towel and the Ultra towel absorbed the water more evenly while the recycled towel concentrated moisture in the center. 3) A 95g tin was placed on each towel, and the recycled towel tore within 5 seconds while the Ultra towel held the weight for over 4 minutes. 4) The experiment supported the marketing claim that the Ultra towel is stronger when wet.

1. Assessment Task One
Sara Khomenko (q9900797)

3. Similarities
• Size and shape of paper towel
portion almost identical –
roughly 22.5 x 21cm
• Both have a textured surface
• Colour is the same
• Both 2 Ply
Differences
Coles 100% Recycled Coles Ultra Super Absorbent
More dots per cm, however these dots Less dots per cm however they are
are less pronounced more pronounced
Dots in a tight uniform pattern Dots arranged to create a series of
diamond shapes increasing in size.
Made from recycled paper Not made from recycled paper

4. I think that the Coles ULTRA Super Absorbent Paper Towel will be the
strongest when wet. It will hold the weight longer than the Coles
greenchoice 100% recycled paper towel.
The packaging claims that the Coles ULTRA super absorbent paper
towel is stronger when wet. The channels made with the dots will
create strength.

5. Step 1: Prepare
Place a piece of each paper
towel over identical glass
bowls, secure each piece to
the bowl using an elastic
band.

6. Step 2: Add Liquid
I slowly poured 20mls of
water into each bowl through
the paper towel. I observed
that the water seemed to pass
through the recycled paper
whilst the Ultra towel
appeared to absorb and
disperse the water. Both
samples were left to sit for 1
minute.

7. Step 3: Observe
After 1 minute had passed I
visually observed each of the
samples. The Ultra towel
looked stronger and drier
(the liquid was dispersed
more evenly) compared to
the recycled paper towel
which looked wet and fragile
(moisture concentrated to
centre of towel).

8. Step 4: Testing
weight resistance
Next I placed two identical
95g tins of tuna into the
centre of each of the samples
and set the timer. The Coles
recycled paper towel
immediately began to tear
and within 5 seconds the tin
had broken through the
paper and fallen in the bowl.

9. Step 5: Result
The Coles ULTRA super
absorbent paper towel
sample continued to hold the
95g tin. I left the sample for
a further 4 minutes at the
end of which the paper towel
was still holding the weight.

10. The marketing was correct the ULTRA was the strongest paper towel when wet.
Proving why, is a difficult task. Neither paper towel listed ingredients used to
manufacture the product so whilst the paper may look the same we are not able to
distinguish if it is identical. I also predicted that the pattern may strengthen the
paper towel however this is also difficult to prove without identical paper towel
with different patterns.