If you have ever ordered paper bags, flyers, or even packaging boxes, you have probably come across the term GSM. People throw it around like it is common knowledge, but if you are not in printing or packaging, you might be wondering—what exactly does it mean? And more importantly, how does it affect the bags you use for your brand?
GSM stands for grams per square meter, and it tells you how heavy and thick a sheet of paper is. But it is not just a number—it is a key factor that decides whether your paper bag feels flimsy or sturdy, whether your packaging looks eco-friendly or luxurious, and whether it holds up in real-world use.
Since we manufacture paper bags every day, we get tons of questions from customers about GSM. Should I go with 120 GSM kraft paper for takeaway bags? Is 200 GSM strong enough for retail shopping bags? Do I need 300 GSM for premium gift packaging? This guide will answer all those questions. By the end, you will know exactly how to choose the right GSM for your bags and packaging.
What Does GSM Mean in Paper Weight?
Let’s keep it simple. GSM means grams per square meter. It is a measurement of weight: if you took one sheet of paper that is exactly one meter by one meter, how many grams would it weigh? That number is the GSM.
- Low GSM means lighter, thinner paper.
- High GSM means heavier, thicker paper.
This system is universal, so whether you are in the US, Europe, or Asia, GSM always refers to the same thing. That is why professional printers and bag manufacturers like us prefer GSM over vague terms like “thick paper” or “thin stock.”
Think of GSM as a quick way to understand how sturdy your bag or packaging will feel. For example, 80 GSM is similar to regular office paper, while 200 GSM feels like strong card stock.
Why GSM Matters in Packaging and Bags
Now you might be thinking: does the number really matter that much? The answer is yes. GSM has a huge impact on how your paper bag performs.
- Strength and durability: Higher GSM bags can carry heavier items without tearing.
- Look and feel: Thick paper feels premium, while lighter paper feels simple and eco-friendly.
- Customer perception: People associate heavy paper bags with quality brands.
- Printing quality: More GSM means smoother printing surfaces for bold logos, metallic foils, and lamination.
Imagine handing a flimsy 80 GSM bag to a customer buying luxury cosmetics—it would feel cheap and unprofessional. On the other hand, giving out a 250 GSM matte laminated bag makes a statement about your brand’s quality.
This is why GSM is one of the first things we discuss with clients when designing a new bag.
Common GSM Ranges in Paper
To make things clearer, let’s break down the common GSM ranges you will see:
Low GSM (35–90 GSM)
This is very light paper, like newspaper, tissue paper, or wrapping sheets. It is flexible but not durable. You will not find it used for shopping bags, but it works well for protective wrapping inside packaging.
Medium GSM (100–170 GSM)
This range is stronger and can be used for lightweight shopping bags or food takeaway bags. Think bakery bags, sandwich bags, or small gift bags. It strikes a balance between affordability and function.
High GSM (180–300 GSM)
This is where most retail shopping bags and boutique bags fall. At 200 GSM and above, the bags feel substantial, durable, and stylish. Clothing stores, shoe shops, and events often choose this range.
Extra Heavy GSM (300+ GSM)
At this point, the material feels closer to cardboard. It is stiff, very strong, and often used for luxury packaging, rigid gift bags, and premium boxes.
Table 1: Common GSM Ranges and Their Uses
| GSM Range | Typical Use | Strength | Example Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35–90 GSM | Newspaper, tissue, wrapping | Very light | Wrapping inside boxes |
| 100–170 GSM | Flyers, brochures, food bags | Light to medium | Bakery or takeout bag |
| 180–300 GSM | Shopping bags, covers, packaging | Strong | Retail paper bag |
| 300+ GSM | Boxes, rigid bags, luxury gift | Very strong | Premium gift bag |
GSM in Paper Bags: Choosing the Right Weight
Since we are a paper bag manufacturer, let’s talk about how GSM applies directly to bags. This is where most customers get confused, but once you see the pattern, it is straightforward.
- 100–120 GSM: Great for lightweight kraft paper bags used in bakeries, coffee shops, and takeout food packaging. They are eco-friendly and affordable but not designed for heavy loads.
- 150–200 GSM: A popular choice for retail shopping bags. They are sturdy enough to carry clothing, books, or daily retail products.
- 200–250 GSM: The go-to range for premium shopping bags used in boutiques, trade shows, and events. They feel stronger and look stylish.
- 300+ GSM: Reserved for luxury gift bags where presentation matters. Perfect for jewelry, cosmetics, and high-end retail.
Table 2: Paper Bag GSM Selection Guide
| GSM | Bag Type | Typical Use | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100–120 GSM | Kraft paper bag | Takeaway, bakery, coffee | Lightweight, eco-friendly, low cost |
| 150–200 GSM | Standard shopping bag | Clothing, retail stores | Balanced strength and affordability |
| 200–250 GSM | Premium paper bag | Boutique, events | Strong, stylish, durable |
| 300+ GSM | Luxury gift bag | Jewelry, cosmetics | Premium, rigid, high-end look |
GSM vs Thickness: What’s the Difference?
Here is a mistake many people make: they assume higher GSM always means thicker paper. Not exactly.
Thickness depends on how the paper is made. Some papers are denser, so they weigh more (higher GSM) without looking very thick. Others are fluffier, so they look thick but may weigh less.
That is why we always use GSM as the standard measure—it gives a consistent picture of weight and durability, while thickness alone can be misleading.
How to Choose the Right GSM for Your Paper Bags
So how do you know which GSM to choose? Here are some practical steps:
- Think about what the bag will carry. For pastries or small items, 120 GSM is fine. For clothing, aim for 180–200 GSM. For luxury items, go 250 GSM and above.
- Consider your brand image. If you want to project eco-friendly simplicity, kraft bags around 120–150 GSM work great. If you want luxury, choose 250–300 GSM with lamination or special finishes.
- Match your printing needs. High GSM paper works better with techniques like hot stamping, UV spot printing, and lamination. Lower GSM handles simple logo printing well.
- Ask your manufacturer (that’s us!). We guide clients every day to pick the GSM that matches their budget, design, and brand.
GSM and Sustainability
Many people assume high GSM means less eco-friendly, but that is not always the case. Paper sustainability depends more on sourcing and recycling than just weight.
- Recycled kraft paper at 120–150 GSM is widely used for eco-friendly retail bags.
- FSC-certified paper ensures responsible forestry practices, even at high GSM.
- Heavier GSM can actually reduce waste, because bags last longer and can be reused multiple times.
So, whether you need light takeaway bags or heavy luxury gift bags, you can always choose eco-friendly options.
FAQs
What GSM paper is best for paper bags?
For everyday shopping bags, 150–200 GSM is ideal. For luxury bags, go for 250–300 GSM. For lightweight food bags, 100–120 GSM works well.
Is higher GSM always stronger?
Usually yes, but strength also depends on the paper type. A 200 GSM recycled kraft bag can be stronger than a 220 GSM coated paper bag, depending on density and finish.
What GSM is used for luxury packaging?
Most luxury bags use 250–350 GSM, often with lamination, embossing, or foil stamping to add a premium feel.
What GSM is good for printing flyers vs bags?
Flyers and brochures usually use 90–170 GSM, while paper bags require 150 GSM and above to handle weight.
Can recycled kraft paper have high GSM?
Yes. Recycled kraft paper is available up to 250 GSM and beyond, making it suitable for sturdy shopping bags and eco-friendly premium packaging.
Conclusion
So, what is GSM in paper weight? It is simply a way of measuring how heavy and strong paper is. But in practice, it tells you how durable your bag will be, how it feels in your customer’s hands, and how your brand is perceived.
- Light GSM (100–120) → food bags and takeout.
- Medium GSM (150–200) → retail shopping bags.
- High GSM (200–250) → premium boutique bags.
- Extra high GSM (300+) → luxury gift packaging.
At Initi, we manufacture paper bags across all GSM ranges. Whether you need eco-friendly kraft bags for coffee shops, durable shopping bags for retail stores, or premium laminated bags for luxury brands, we have you covered. We offer OEM, ODM, private labeling, and wholesale services to make sure your bags match your brand perfectly.
