What Does GSM Mean in Kraft Paper?

GSM stands for Grams per Square Meter. In simple terms, it is a measure of how much a square meter of paper weighs. This number gives you a good idea of the paper’s thickness, durability, and intended use.

For kraft paper, the GSM can range from very light (50 GSM) to extremely thick (350 GSM). A higher GSM generally indicates a denser, more rigid sheet, while a lower GSM points to a lighter, more flexible paper. For example:

 • 50–80 GSM kraft paper is thin and pliable, used for wrapping or lining.
 • 100–180 GSM is stronger and more versatile, perfect for packaging and printing.
 • 250–350 GSM offers strong support, ideal for rigid boxes or industrial packaging.

Understanding GSM helps manufacturers and consumers choose the right paper for the job—whether it’s protecting a delicate product or creating a premium-looking kraft bag.

Factors Affecting GSM in Kraft Paper

Several variables can influence the GSM of kraft paper:

• Pulp Quality: Virgin kraft paper made from pure wood fibers tends to be stronger and more consistent in grammage than recycled kraft paper.
• Paper Machine Settings: During production, machine speed, drying temperature, and pressing pressure can all affect the final thickness and density of the paper.
• Coating and Finishing: Some kraft papers are wax-coated or PE-laminated for water resistance. These layers increase the GSM, even if the base paper is thin.
• Moisture Content: Higher humidity can make kraft paper feel thicker, but its actual dry GSM remains unchanged.

By understanding these variables, businesses can select kraft paper that not only has the desired GSM but also meets other critical performance standards like tear resistance, folding endurance, and printability.

50 GSM Kraft Paper
✅ Features:
Extremely thin and light (50 grams per square meter).
Soft and easy to fold, with flexible operation.
Low - cost, suitable for large - volume use.
Usually uncoated, in its natural kraft color.
✅ Main Uses:
Food packaging: such as wrapping paper for bread, pastries, sandwiches.
Interlayer paper: used for buffer protection between products.
Paper box lining: used as an inner cushion for packaging.
Eco - friendly gift packaging: used for simple packaging in a natural style.

60 GSM Kraft Paper
✅ Features:
Slightly thicker and more durable than 50 GSM.
Lightweight yet stronger for better protection.
Easy to fold and print on.
Typically available in brown or white finishes.

✅ Common Applications:
Bakery and Takeout Bags: Ideal for small paper bags used in bakeries and cafes.
Inner Garment Wrapping: Used by clothing brands for wrapping delicate items like shirts or scarves.
Tissue Paper Alternative: Acts as a stronger, eco-friendly substitute for traditional tissue.
Product Inserts: Can be printed and used inside boxes for branding or instructions.

80 GSM Kraft Paper
✅ Features:
Mid-weight kraft paper, offering a good balance between flexibility and strength.
Durable and tear-resistant for everyday packaging use.
Smooth surface suitable for printing, stamping, or branding.
Available in natural brown and bleached white versions.

✅ Common Applications:
Envelopes and Mailers: Used for eco-friendly document envelopes and protective sleeves.
Retail and Grocery Bags: Strong enough to carry light-to-medium weight items.
Protective Wrapping: Wraps products like books, gifts, or small electronics.
Craft Projects: A favorite for schools and artists due to its sturdiness and printability.

100 GSM Kraft Paper
✅ Features:
Stronger and stiffer than 80 GSM, yet still flexible
Offers high print quality—great for detailed designs and logos
Durable enough for light structural support in packaging
Professional appearance with premium texture

✅ Common Applications:
Branded Packaging Wraps: Used by premium brands to wrap garments, gifts, or accessories with printed logos.
Paper Bags: Ideal for boutique or shopping bags that require elegance and durability.
Product Inserts and Manuals: Often used for instructions or promotional flyers inside packaging.
Filing and Office Use: Suitable for covers, folders, and dividers with a natural look.

120 GSM Kraft Paper
✅ Features:
Durable and sturdy, yet maintains some flexibility.
Ideal for applications requiring both strength and appearance.
Supports sharp printing, embossing, and folding.
Has a premium, textured feel often favored in retail.

✅ Common Applications:
Shopping Bags: Widely used in fashion and lifestyle retail stores for medium-weight product bags.
Product Wrapping: Great for wrapping fragile or branded items in a visually appealing way.
Luxury Gift Packaging: Adds structure and a premium touch to boxes or pouches.
Corporate Folders and Presentations: Used in high-quality folders, inserts, and promotional kits.

150 GSM Kraft Paper
✅ Features:
Thicker and more rigid than lower GSM grades.
Provides excellent strength and tear resistance.
Suitable for die-cutting, scoring, and structural folding.
Maintains a smooth surface for high-quality printing and branding.

✅ Common Applications:
Boutique and Luxury Paper Bags: Strong enough to carry heavier retail items like shoes or boxed goods.
Folders and Packaging Sleeves: Used for durable presentation folders and custom product wraps.
Eco-Friendly Packaging Boxes: Great for compact rigid boxes or mailer sleeves.
Craft and DIY Projects: Ideal for projects needing extra stiffness and shape retention.

180 GSM Kraft Paper
✅ Features:
Significantly thicker and more rigid than 150 GSM.
Offers superior durability and structural support.
Maintains form and shape, even under stress or folding.
Suitable for premium packaging and protective layers.

✅ Common Applications:
Rigid Packaging Boxes: Ideal for box exteriors or inner support walls.
Protective Pads and Layers: Used between stacked items or within cartons to prevent damage.
High-End Product Sleeves: Provides stiffness and strength while supporting premium visuals.
Reusable Kraft Bags: Durable enough for repeat use, especially in eco-conscious retail.

250 GSM Kraft Paper
✅ Features:
Thick and very rigid, approaching cardboard strength.
Excellent tear resistance and dimensional stability.
Supports high-quality printing, embossing, and finishing.
Provides strong protection with a natural kraft texture.

✅ Common Applications:
Card Packaging: Used for product cards, tags, and inserts requiring sturdiness.
Industrial Protection: Protective sheets and pads for heavy goods during transport.
Premium Rigid Boxes: Ideal for luxury product packaging where firmness is essential.
Craft and Art Projects: Favored for sturdy models, displays, and custom structures.

300 GSM Kraft Paper
✅ Features:
Extra thick and very stiff, similar to lightweight cardboard.
Superior rigidity and durability for demanding packaging needs.
Holds shape well under pressure, resistant to bending and tearing.
Suitable for a wide range of finishing options including lamination and coating.

✅ Common Applications:
Premium Rigid Boxes: Used for high-end packaging requiring durability and luxury feel.
Shipping Inserts and Dividers: Protects fragile items inside larger cartons.
Craft and Industrial Use: Ideal for structural craft models, signage, and protective panels.
Presentation and Display Boards: Supports quality print and decorative finishes.

350 GSM Kraft Paper
✅ Features:
Extra heavy-duty kraft board, very thick and rigid.
Provides maximum structural support with excellent tear and crush resistance.
Ideal for high-impact packaging and durable craft applications.
Can be coated or laminated for added protection and aesthetics.

✅ Common Applications:
Hardcover Packaging: Used for rigid book covers, premium box lids, and packaging shells.
Structural Packaging Components: Inserts, dividers, and reinforcement panels.
Reusable and Long-lasting Bags: Strong enough for heavy loads and repeated use.
Specialty Craft and Industrial Products: Supports complex shapes and designs needing firm support.

How to Choose the Right Kraft Paper GSM?

Choosing the right kraft paper grammage (GSM) is crucial to balance durability, cost, and appearance based on your specific application. Here are key considerations:

1. Understand Your Product Weight and Fragility
Lightweight products (e.g., bakery items) can use lower GSM (50–80 GSM) for flexible wrapping.
Heavier or fragile products require higher GSM (150 GSM and above) to protect against damage.

2. Consider the Packaging Purpose
For simple wrapping or interleaving, lighter kraft paper suffices.
For bags, folders, or boxes that carry weight or require rigidity, choose medium to heavy GSM (100–350 GSM).

3. Evaluate Printing and Branding Needs
Higher GSM papers offer better print quality and finishing options, ideal for premium branding.
Lower GSM papers are more economical but may limit printing clarity and durability.

4. Eco-Friendly and Recycling Goals
Kraft paper is naturally biodegradable, but thinner papers reduce material use and waste.
Heavier GSM papers provide durability for reuse, reducing single-use waste.

5. Cost and Supply Factors
Higher GSM kraft paper costs more per square meter and may increase shipping weight.
Balance quality with budget, considering the value added by stronger or more premium packaging.