What does GSM mean? Is a higher number always better?

The main differences come from five areas: 1) pulp type (virgin vs recycled, imported vs domestic), 2) whether the actual GSM matches the stated GSM, 3) equipment and process level, which affects yield and consistency, 4) the grade of packaging material, and 5) hidden costs such as plate-making, inspection or documentation fees. When comparing quotations, ask each supplier for a full specification sheet with a committed GSM and request samples for physical testing, rather than comparing a single number.

A jumbo roll is the large base-paper reel taken directly off the paper machine, without slitting, embossing or packaging - a semi-finished product. Buyers of jumbo rolls usually have their own converting lines and can slit and pack according to local demand, which gives flexibility and a lower freight cost per unit because the density and container load are higher. Finished tissue is a retail-ready product. If you have local converting capacity, sourcing jumbo rolls is usually more cost-effective overall.

Dry paper products (toilet tissue, facial tissue, kitchen towel) can normally be stored for 3years in sealed packaging in a dry, ventilated environment; the main risks are moisture and odour absorption.

Comparing unit prices alone can be misleading. The correct approach is to convert to a price per tonne or price per gram of paper. Formula: theoretical weight per roll = sheet area (m2) x GSM per ply x number of plies x number of sheets. Dividing the unit price by this weight lets you compare the real material content across suppliers. Many low quotations are achieved by reducing sheet size, sheet count or GSM rather than by a genuinely lower cost base.

Common requirements include: 1) labelling and material requirements under the Single-Use Plastics (SUP) Directive, relevant to wet wipes containing plastic, 2) Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) registration and packaging recovery reporting, 3) traceability of wood pulp origin under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and 4) compliance with Cosmetic Regulation EC 1223/2009 for cosmetic-type products such as makeup remover wipes. The exact scope depends on the current implementing rules in your member state; we can support you with product composition and raw material origin documentation.

Roll diameter determines how much paper is on each roll and how many rolls fit into a container: a larger diameter means more paper per roll but fewer rolls per 40HQ, raising the freight cost per roll. Core diameter determines compatibility with local dispensers, which matters particularly for commercial hand towel and jumbo roll products. For commercial channels in Europe and the US, always confirm the core specification of the customer existing dispensers first to avoid a fitment problem.