Tissue paper is a very thin and delicate type of paper, characterized by its lightweight and translucent nature. The thinness of tissue paper is measured by its grammage, which indicates its weight in grams per square meter (GSM).
Understanding Tissue Paper Thickness
Based on the provided reference, tissue paper typically falls within a grammage range:
- Range: 17 to 40 GSM.
What Does GSM Mean?
GSM stands for "grams per square meter." It's a standard way to measure the density of paper. A lower GSM number indicates a thinner and lighter paper, while a higher GSM means a thicker and heavier paper. For example, standard printer paper is typically around 75-90 GSM, making tissue paper significantly thinner.
Tissue Paper Characteristics Based on GSM
The GSM of tissue paper affects its characteristics:
| Characteristic | Lower GSM (e.g., 17-20 GSM) | Higher GSM (e.g., 35-40 GSM) |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | Very Thin | Slightly Thicker |
| Translucency | More Translucent | Less Translucent |
| Feel | Softer, More Delicate | Stiffer, More Robust |
| Durability | Less Durable | More Durable |
Types of Tissue Paper and Their Uses
Different types of tissue paper within the 17-40 GSM range exist, each tailored to specific uses:
- Wrapping Tissue Paper: Often used for packaging delicate items, typically in the lower end of the range (e.g., 17-25 GSM) due to its lightweight nature.
- Facial Tissue: Thicker and more absorbent, sometimes at the higher end of the range (e.g., 25-40 GSM) for improved durability.
- Craft Tissue Paper: Can vary in GSM depending on the desired effect, often around the mid-range (e.g., 20-30 GSM) to balance thinness and strength.
Key Takeaway
The thinness of tissue paper, measured by its GSM, generally ranges from 17 to 40 GSM. This range allows for variations in feel, durability, and use cases, making tissue paper suitable for a variety of applications.
