Tissue Paper - What are the options?
Get the look that's right for you: Metallic, Plain, Printed or Recycled
Using tissue paper, adds a luxury feel, almost by definition. Yet when it comes to looking at the options, they are endless: different finishes - MF/Machine finished) or MG/Machine glazed; Colours - standard or Pantone matched; from Recycled content vs. Recyclable (which the majority of tissue paper is); minimum order quantities; sheet sizes, pack sizes, delivery costs; and lead times (the time between when you order and when you receive your delivery). I'm sorry that last sentence was so long - there really are a lot of options.
We thought we'd put together a quick overview to distil the best and guide you through the options that are available.
Updated November 2021
WHAT IS MF TISSUE?
MF Tissue is "machine-finished" - has a Luxury matt look and feel to both sides. It is unglazed, semi-transparent, and crisp to feel.
WHAT IS MG TISSUE?
MG tissue is "machine-glazed" often comes in a heavier-grade, and has a shiny side to the sheet. Slightly softer to feel.
WHAT IS ACID-FREE TISSUE PAPER AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Acid-free Tissue paper has been made and processed to remove any acidic agents. In technical terms, the tissue paper's pH value is 7.0 or higher. In times past the manufacturing process included these acidic nasties and this meant that over time there was damage to items left wrapped for a prolonged period of time.
Nowadays, a lot more tissue paper is Acid-free, as it's still important. Retailers and luxury brands don't want to be blamed for wrapping with a tissue paper that isn't Acid Free - especially now it's been proven that if tissue does contain acid then long-term wrapping of antiques or garments (for example) will mean discolouring.
WHAT IS CAP TISSUE?
This is very basic tissue paper, slightly scratchy, erring on protective over presentation. In a department store it's used to wrap bowls and plates.
WHAT IS THE LIMP TISSUE PAPER THAT I MIGHT HAVE BOUGHT IN ERROR?
What makes a tissue paper cheap and flimsy could be the weight of the tissue - it would be as well to check this (especially if it's not stated in the description). Past that, it could be to do with where the paper has originated from and the quality of the fibres used.
WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT EXTRA SCRUNCHY TISSUE?
Tissue that has a "scrunch" or rustle sound to it, is deemed to be more luxurious. It's possible to get a 19gsm that does scrunch, and a 19gsm that doesn't, so it isn't about the weight. It is sometimes the difference between MF and MG: MF being unglazed, semi-transparent, is the crisper vs. MG being glazed one side is softer.
Generally it is thought to be about where the paper is manufactured and the fibre quality. In short, the "crispier" the paper, the better quality.
WHAT IS FSC TISSUE?
Tissue that is "FSC" (usually with a small Tick tree logo next to it) means that the tissue is "FSC approved". The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification and approval shows that the tissue has been sourced responsibly from forests that are managed, and not illegally harvested.
Forests provide economic benefits to communities that harvest them, and the FSC has been set up to provide the criteria around deforestation globally and to ensure forests are managed responsibly and continue to remain a source of income to the economies that rely on them.
COLOURED TISSUE PAPER
A range of tried and tested coloured tissue papers - supplied in easy under counter packs - where you can purchase just 1 ream of 480 sheets. This is economical when you're adding it to the rest of your gift packaging requirements, especially as it's easy to get over carriage paid.
MF grade, Acid-free (meaning it's safe to wrap fabrics) and weight 17gsm
We can also supply CAP tissue, which is a thinner alternative, with less credentials, for volume packing over presentation.
BESPOKE COLOURS
It's very possible that you'll find that no one offers the exact colour you're looking for. In any case it's difficult to check against colours onscreen. We offer to source alternative colours, and send samples, but the minimum will be 2400 sheets (5 reams of 480 sheets/ream).
If the exact Pantone colour that you're looking for is not in any standard ranges then it is possible to Print it. There are at least two ways to achieve this, with very different minimums and outcomes.
The first suggestion would always be to try and find it as a standard colour - even if it could potentially mean having a premium / basic feel to the tissue.
If we print your colour it would be to White tissue (as the base material) with 100% flood-wash colour to 1 side. If you are trying to achieve a Dark colour then this will have a white tinge to the reverse. We would always run your ideas past our production teams.
A second suggestion would be to use a base that is Eco-friendly recycled plain natural brown kraft colour where the reverse would not show dramatically.
A third suggestion would be to print both sides of tissue paper, which gives a matt, chalky feel to the paper. Very luxurious in the outcome but with high minimum order quantities.
A fourth option would be to dye the base colour tissue paper material in the correct colour but this would potentially incur a massive commitment in terms of volume, and perhaps a costly and long process to set up.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR SPECIAL COLOURS
TIMELESS TISSUE
There are some colours that are simply timeless: Black and White. Really and truly any business worth it's website has got a packet of White tissue somewhere in the warehouse.
MF grade, Acid-free (meaning it's safe to wrap fabrics) and weight 17gsm
Another timeless option is coming up: RECYCLED
RECYCLED TISSUE PAPER
Eco tissue made from recycled content, and 100% recyclable. This is also Acid free (meaning you can wrap fashion in it, and it doesn't rub off and damage fabric).
If it's important to you, we can also offer to certify your batch if you tell us when you place your order.
PRINTED RECYCLED TISSUE PAPER
We also offer to print on Recycled tissue paper, which carries the same credentials as the above plain recycled, only there are minimums.
Then there is the option to have 3 base colours, that are all sourced from recycled content: White, Ivory Cream or most popular, Natural. Other colours are coming: Pink and Black!
MG grade, Acid free, and 100% recyclable.
METALLICS RANGE
The Metallic tissue paper comes in Gold and Silver, printed one side, top end luxury without the minimums (you can purchase just 1 ream).
VIEW METALLIC GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE
MF grade, Acid-free (meaning it's safe to wrap fabrics) and weight 20gsm
DESIGNER PRINTED
Printed tissue paper, without the minimums (you can purchase just 1 ream).
SEE ALL DESIGNER PRINTED TISSUE PAPER
MG grade, Acid-free (safe to wrap fabrics) and weight 20gsm
FOOD GRADE GLASSINE, GREASEPROOF AND TISSUE
We recommend greaseproof/waxed paper for direct food contact - being 40gsm it is like a thick tissue paper (so hence people look for Food Grade Tissue paper). We do not recommend "tissue" as food safe as you get fibres from the tissue.
The Greaseproof we supply comes in cut sheets (or we can provide rolls) and is food safe, however we don't stock it. We print and cut from bulk rolls, and minimums apply. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
- Wrap suitable for direct contact with food - for example for fish, cheese or chocolate
- Factory certified food safe
- FSC Certified - Virgin fibres originated from sustainable certified forests
- 100% Recyclable
- Option to be manufactured using Recycled material
- Deep dyed, acid free, bleed free
CONTACT US TO DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS
BESPOKE PRINTED
When it comes to printing a completely bespoke and top-end luxury tissue paper the options are completely endless, from a basic 1-colour black repeating logo to a tissue that's been printed in a bespoke colour, perhaps both sides, with a logo that glistens, overprinted in UV, cut to a special size, however, to print economically there are minimums.
Sorry, this last sentence was too long, as aforementioned; the range of options is massive.
Contact Kudos Giftwrap Today
At Kudos Giftwrap, we work proactively with retailers to create memorable packaging solutions that improve brand engagement and increase customer loyalty. Please get in touch today on 01923 954933 or request a free quotation online.
