How to Choose the Right Tissue Paper Weight: A Complete GSM Guide
When ordering custom printed tissue paper, one of the first decisions you will face is choosing the right weight. Tissue paper weight is measured in GSM (grams per square metre), and it has a significant impact on the look, feel, and functionality of your packaging.
Choosing the wrong weight can mean tissue that tears too easily, feels flimsy, or adds unnecessary cost. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about tissue paper GSM so you can make the right choice for your brand.
What Does GSM Mean?
GSM stands for grams per square metre. It is the standard measurement for paper weight across the printing industry. The higher the GSM number, the thicker and heavier the paper.
For tissue paper, the most common weights are:
- 17gsm — Classic lightweight tissue
- 30gsm — Mid-weight tissue with more substance
- 40gsm — Heavy-weight, often used for food-safe applications
Each weight has distinct characteristics that make it better suited to different applications.
17gsm Tissue Paper: The Classic Choice
17gsm is the most popular weight for custom printed tissue paper, and for good reason. It is the tissue paper weight most people think of when they picture tissue — light, delicate, and elegant.
Best Uses for 17gsm
- Fashion and clothing: Wrapping garments in lightweight tissue adds a luxury feel without adding bulk to packaging
- Gift wrapping: The translucent quality of 17gsm tissue creates a beautiful layered effect
- Shoe stuffing and protection: Light enough to crumple easily for filling shoes and protecting delicate items
- General product wrapping: Perfect for wrapping most retail products before placing them in bags or boxes
Advantages
- Most cost-effective option per sheet
- Lightweight, so it does not add to shipping costs
- Available in the widest range of colours
- Creates a soft, luxurious unboxing experience
- Ideal for spot colour printing with 1-2 colours
Considerations
- Can tear more easily than heavier weights
- Less suitable for products that need robust protection
- Printed designs may show through more due to translucency
30gsm Tissue Paper: The Premium Middle Ground
30gsm tissue paper offers a noticeable step up in quality and substance. It feels more premium in the hand and provides better coverage for printed designs.
Best Uses for 30gsm
- High-end retail: Luxury brands often prefer the added weight for a more premium feel
- Full colour CMYK printing: The heavier weight provides a better surface for detailed, photographic-quality prints
- Product protection: Offers more cushioning than 17gsm for fragile items
- Subscription boxes: The sturdier feel enhances the unboxing experience
Advantages
- More durable and tear-resistant than 17gsm
- Superior print quality, especially for complex designs
- Feels noticeably more premium
- Better opacity for vibrant colour reproduction
- Excellent for CMYK digital printing
Considerations
- Higher cost per sheet than 17gsm
- Slightly heavier, which may affect shipping costs for high-volume orders
- Less flexible for crumpling and stuffing
40gsm Tissue Paper: The Heavy-Duty Option
40gsm tissue paper is the heaviest option in our range. It is a robust, substantial paper that bridges the gap between tissue and wrapping paper.
Best Uses for 40gsm
- Food wrapping: 40gsm greaseproof tissue is ideal for bakeries, delis, and food retailers
- High-value products: Jewellery, watches, and premium cosmetics benefit from the luxurious weight
- Counter wrapping: Sturdy enough for wrapping products at the point of sale
- Protective packaging: Provides genuine cushioning for fragile items
Advantages
- Most durable and tear-resistant option
- Available in food-safe greaseproof varieties
- Exceptional print quality
- Feels genuinely premium and substantial
- Best protection for products
Considerations
- Highest cost per sheet
- Heaviest option, which affects shipping
- Less suitable for applications requiring flexibility
- Minimum order quantities may be higher
How to Choose: A Quick Decision Framework
Selecting the right GSM comes down to three factors:
1. What Are You Wrapping?
| Product Type | Recommended GSM | |---|---| | Clothing and fashion | 17gsm | | General retail products | 17gsm | | Luxury goods | 30gsm | | Products needing CMYK prints | 30gsm | | Food items | 40gsm greaseproof | | Fragile or high-value items | 30-40gsm |
2. What Printing Do You Need?
- 1-2 spot colours (logo repeat): 17gsm is perfect and most cost-effective
- Full colour CMYK (photographic): 30gsm gives the best results
- Simple branding on food wrap: 40gsm greaseproof
3. What Is Your Budget?
If budget is your primary concern, 17gsm offers the best value. For brands where packaging is a key differentiator, investing in 30gsm pays dividends in customer perception.
Order Samples Before Committing
We always recommend requesting samples before placing a large order. Feeling the different weights in your hands and seeing how they work with your products makes the decision much easier.
Most packaging suppliers, including us, are happy to send sample packs so you can compare 17gsm, 30gsm, and 40gsm side by side.
Summary
Choosing the right tissue paper weight is a balance between aesthetics, functionality, and budget. 17gsm remains the most popular choice for good reason — it is versatile, cost-effective, and looks beautiful. But for brands wanting to make an extra impression, 30gsm and 40gsm offer premium options that customers will notice and appreciate.
Whatever weight you choose, custom printed tissue paper is one of the most impactful packaging upgrades you can make. Get in touch for a free quote and we will help you find the perfect tissue for your brand.
Not sure which weight is right for you? Our materials guide breaks down each GSM option in detail. For the technical side of paper weights and how they're measured, Two Sides has a good explainer on paper grading standards.