What is gsm (Paper Weight)?

How do feel, durability and cost change across the 70–140 gsm range?

What is gsm?

gsm means grams per square metre. It expresses the weight of one square metre of paper. A common misconception: gsm is a measure of weight, not thickness. Two papers can have the same gsm and different thickness.

What does gsm change?

As gsm increases, the feel in hand, tear resistance and print sharpness improve; flexibility and shipping efficiency decrease, and unit cost rises.

Wet wipe paper families

Paper familyWeightCharacter

White Metalized Triplex70–95 gsmMost used, economical

White Alu Triplex100–130 gsmStrong moisture barrier

Gloss coated alu triplex100–140 gsmGlossy surface, vivid print

Matte coated alu triplex100–140 gsmMatte, premium look

Kraft alu triplex90–140 gsmNatural look

What do Triplex and Alu mean?

Triplex means the packaging has three layers. The Alu (aluminium) layer keeps the wet wipe's moisture inside; without it the wipe dries out over time. In metalized paper, aluminium is vapour-deposited as a very thin layer (economical), while Alu triplex has genuine aluminium foil lamination (a stronger barrier).

Practical advice

Choose gsm not by your budget but by how long the guest will hold the pack. In a fast-turnover service, 75 gsm is more than enough.