GSM or Grams per Square Meter is a measurement that measures paper weight. When it comes to packaging you will have come across the term and will be wondering what is GSM paper. This measures the weight and thickness of paper. This is important in packaging as it will determine how strong the box is and whether it can protect the product during transportation, handling, and storage. The strength of paper will even impact the quality of print.
Therefore a brand needs to know which strength paper to get according to the needs of the product and the values the brand wants to convey to its consumer base.
The following looks at why GSM paper weight and thickness matter when it comes to packaging:
Determines packaging durability
A brand must get strong and durable packaging that will immediately convey an image of quality to the consumer base. If the box is not strong it cannot protect the product in it and customers are likely to receive it broken. This will not impress people.
Thicker and higher GSM materials are strong and provide superior compression, impact, as well as tear resistance. This is important when it comes to transporting and shipping heavy and fragile products so that no harm occurs to them.
A brand will choose what GSM paper to get according to its values. For instance if the business is a luxury one it will want rigid boxes that have a higher GSM compared to an eco-friendly brand that will be looking for strong and sustainable materials.
| GSM Range | Type of Box | Used for |
| 200-300 GSM | Lightweight retail cartons | Day-to-day display boxes |
| 700-2000+ GSM | Rigid boxes | Packaging high-end, luxury, and fragile products |
| 120-450+ GSM | Eco-friendly packaging | Paper bags, eco-boxes, food packaging, etc. |
The right thickness ensures the box holds its shape when it is being transported, handled, and stored on a store shelf. It will not fold under its own weight and give a negative impression to people.
Print quality
Brands need to ensure the packaging is printed effectively so it conveys the brand’s values and makes the business be known in the competitive market as a professional brand to buy from. Choosing the right thickness matters for machine compatibility.
The paper will be able to absorb ink properly allowing a brand to end up with sharp graphics. It will even fold cleanly without cracking.
Higher GSM will result in thicker and more substantial paper. This paper will prevent ink bleed-through. It will give sharper images that are vibrant as well. The printing results will look more professional.
Low-GSM paper tends to be transparent. If a brand needs to do double-sided printing on this paper, the text will show through the back.
Determines packaging cost
A brand needs to get the right packaging which will not cost it too much. A business must get profits from selling the products and if the packaging is too expensive, this is unlikely to occur.
A brand needs to consider what it is packaging and choose the right GSM paper for this. Lighter papers tend to be cheaper to ship and need less raw materials. Employing the lowest effective GSM limits waste whilst ensuring the packaging is eco-friendly.
However a brand needs to make sure the packaging is the right strength and weight to hold the product safely when it is being transported and stored. The cost of replacing damaged goods is higher and gives a negative impression to the consumer base.
Conveys brand values
If a brand wants to convey its values to the consumer base it needs to keep in mind GSM meaning paper. The business will get the right GSM paper suited to the image it wants people to have of itself and the type of products it is selling.
Heavier and thicker materials feel more substantial as well as luxurious. High-end businesses will therefore choose them to immediately convey the product is a premium one in the box. A business selling normal everyday products will choose paper with a lower GSM that is cost-effective and will keep the product secure in the box.
GSM Paper is important for packaging as it directly impacts how strong and durable the box will be. It also determines the print quality a brand will end up with. A brand chooses what GSM paper to get according to the image it wants the target audience to have. The needs of the product must be kept in mind as well. For instance heavier products will need paper with a higher GSM which can hold the item securely. The right GSM paper will help a brand promote its products and ensure they remain protected.
If you are looking for efficient and high-quality printing and packaging, feel free to contact EZ Custom Boxes.
EZ Custom Boxes gives clients:
● Durable and sturdy packaging materials
● Professional advice on choosing the right paper GSM for your needs and requirements.
● Wholesale packaging
Contact Details:
● Email: support@ezcustomboxes.com
● Phone: +1-888-515-1263
Leave a Reply