Understanding GSM and Burst Factor: A Buyer's Guide

Decoding Paper Specifications

When ordering paper bags in bulk, you will hear two terms thrown around constantly: GSM and BF. Understanding these is critical to ensuring you don't overpay for unnecessary strength or under-spec for your needs.

What is GSM?

GSM stands for Grams per Square Meter. It basically tells you how heavy (and often how thick) the paper is.

• 60-80 GSM: ideal for light pharmaceutical bags or small bakery items.
• 80-100 GSM: The standard for most grocery and retail shopping bags.
• 120+ GSM: Used for luxury boutiques and heavy-duty carry bags.

What is Burst Factor (BF)?

While GSM is about weight, BF is about strength. It measures how much pressure the paper can take before it bursts. A higher BF means a stronger bag, even at a lower GSM.

Finding the Sweet Spot

The art of manufacturing cost-effective bags lies in balancing these two. At Gargi PaperKraft, we help you engineer the perfect ratio—giving you a bag that is tough enough for the job but optimized for cost.