The moment a customer opens a gift box, the first thing they see is the tissue paper. That rustle of paper, the color, the brand logo printed on a thin sheet — it sets the emotional tone before they even reach the product.
Custom tissue paper is a thin, lightweight paper printed with brand colors, logos, or patterns. Used as an inner layer in gift boxes and retail packaging, it protects products from dust and scratches while adding a premium unboxing moment that costs pennies per sheet.
For brands that want a complete packaging experience, custom tissue paper is the finishing touch that ties everything together. It works alongside rigid gift boxes, folding cartons, and paper bags to create a cohesive brand presentation. This guide covers paper types, printing methods, sizing, and how to choose the right tissue paper for your packaging.
What Is Custom Tissue Paper and Why Use It?
Custom tissue paper is a thin, lightweight paper sheet printed with a brand design. It is placed inside boxes, wrapping, or bags to protect the product and create a premium unboxing experience.
Tissue paper serves both practical and emotional purposes:
| Purpose | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Protection | Prevents dust, scratches, and light surface contact during storage |
| Presentation | Creates a layered unboxing experience — the customer unwraps the product |
| Branding | A printed logo or pattern reinforces brand identity at the moment of opening |
| Perceived value | Tissue paper signals care and attention that plain boxes lack |
| Color coordination | Matches or contrasts with the box and product for a designed look |
The cost per sheet is low — often under $0.10 at volume — making custom tissue paper one of the most cost-effective packaging upgrades available.
Tissue Paper Types: White, Kraft, Metallic, and Recycled
The paper type affects the look, feel, and print quality of your custom tissue paper.
| Type | Appearance | Strength | Print Quality | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White tissue | Bright white, clean, neutral | Standard | Excellent — colors show true | Most brands, full-color printing | Low |
| Kraft tissue | Natural brown, earthy | Standard | Moderate — limited contrast | Eco-friendly brands, organic products | Low |
| White kraft | Bright white, higher strength | Strong | Excellent | Heavy items, products needing stronger wrap | Low–Moderate |
| Metallic tissue | Shiny metallic sheen | Standard | Moderate — ink adheres differently | Luxury gifts, holiday packaging | Moderate |
| Recycled tissue | Speckled grey-white, eco | Standard | Good | Sustainable brands, eco-conscious | Low |
| Colored tissue | Dyed throughout in custom color | Standard | N/A (no print needed) | Simple branding with color only | Low–Moderate |
White Tissue Paper
White tissue paper is the most popular choice. It provides a clean, neutral background that makes printed logos and patterns stand out clearly. White tissue works with any box color and any printing method.
For most brands, standard white tissue paper with a single-color logo or full-color print is the right starting point.
Kraft Tissue Paper
Kraft tissue paper has a natural brown color from unbleached pulp. It is popular for eco-friendly packaging and brands that want a natural, organic look. The brown background limits print contrast — white or light-colored inks may not show clearly. Dark inks work best on kraft.
Kraft tissue pairs well with kraft boxes and natural-fiber packaging materials.
Metallic Tissue Paper
Metallic tissue paper has a foil coating that creates a shiny, reflective surface. It is used for luxury gifts, holiday packaging, and special occasions. Metallic tissue is more expensive and less eco-friendly than standard paper due to the foil coating.
Recycled Tissue Paper
Recycled tissue paper is made from post-consumer waste fiber. It has a slightly speckled appearance and may be less consistent in color than virgin white tissue. For brands with sustainability goals, recycled tissue is an excellent choice.
Tissue Paper Weight and Thickness Guide
Tissue paper weight is measured in grams per square meter (GSM). The standard range is 12–30 GSM, with 17–20 GSM being the most common for gift packaging.
| GSM | Thickness | Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12–14 GSM | Very thin, translucent | Delicate, inexpensive feel | Budget packaging, filler paper |
| 17–20 GSM | Standard tissue | Soft, quality feel | Most gift boxes, retail packaging |
| 22–25 GSM | Medium weight | Substantial, sturdy | Heavy items, premium presentation |
| 28–30 GSM | Heavy weight | Almost like lightweight paper | Luxury packaging, single-sheet wrapping |
For most applications, 17–20 GSM tissue paper is the best choice. It provides a quality feel without being too heavy or too flimsy. For luxury presentation where the tissue is the primary wrapping, 22–25 GSM creates a thicker, more substantial feel.
Printing Methods for Custom Tissue Paper
Tissue paper is harder to print than paperboard because it is thin and delicate. The printing method must work with the paper's flexibility.
| Method | Colors | Detail | MOQ | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flexographic | 1–4 spot colors | Good | 1,000+ sheets | Low | Simple logos, text, solid shapes |
| Offset | CMYK + Pantone | Excellent | 2,000+ sheets | Moderate | Full-color designs, gradients |
| Digital | Full CMYK | Very good | 100+ sheets | Higher | Small runs, custom designs |
Flexographic Printing
Flexo is the most common method for custom tissue paper. It uses rubber plates and fast-drying inks to print on the thin paper without tearing. Flexo works best with simple logo designs and 1–3 spot colors. Setup cost is low compared to offset, making it economical for mid-volume orders.
Offset Printing
Offset printing produces the highest detail and color accuracy on tissue paper. It can reproduce full-color artwork with gradients and photographic elements. Offset requires higher MOQs and setup time but delivers the best per-unit cost at volume.
Digital Printing
Digital printing is the best option for small quantities. There are no plate costs and no minimum order commitments. Digital tissue paper printing produces full-color results with quick turnaround. The per-sheet cost is higher than flexo or offset, but the flexibility to order small runs makes it ideal for test campaigns or limited-edition packaging.
Standard Tissue Paper Sizes
Tissue paper is available in standard sheet sizes, custom dimensions, and roll formats.
| Sheet Size | Best For | Typical Fold |
|---|---|---|
| 50 × 70 cm | Small gift boxes, jewelry boxes | Quarter-fold to fit |
| 60 × 90 cm | Standard gift boxes, retail bags | Half or quarter fold |
| 70 × 100 cm | Large boxes, clothing, apparel | Single sheet wrap |
| Custom size | Brand-specific box dimensions | Matches box interior |
Fold Styles
| Fold | How It Works | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Single sheet | One sheet placed on top of the product | Simple protection |
| Wrap fold | Product is wrapped in the tissue like a gift | Premium reveal |
| Layered | Multiple sheets layered between products | Separates items |
| Crinkle | Tissue is crumpled loosely as filler | Casual, protective |
How Much Does Custom Tissue Paper Cost?
Custom tissue paper is one of the most affordable branded packaging items available.
| Paper Type | 500 Sheets | 1,000 Sheets | 5,000 Sheets | 10,000 Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White, 1-color flexo | $0.12–$0.20 | $0.08–$0.14 | $0.04–$0.08 | $0.03–$0.06 |
| White, full-color offset | $0.20–$0.35 | $0.14–$0.25 | $0.08–$0.15 | $0.05–$0.10 |
| Kraft, 1-color flexo | $0.10–$0.18 | $0.07–$0.12 | $0.04–$0.07 | $0.03–$0.05 |
| Metallic, 1-color flexo | $0.20–$0.35 | $0.15–$0.25 | $0.08–$0.16 | $0.06–$0.12 |
| Recycled, 1-color flexo | $0.10–$0.18 | $0.07–$0.12 | $0.04–$0.07 | $0.03–$0.05 |
Additional Costs
| Cost Item | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Flexo plate (per color, one-time) | $20–$50 |
| Cutting/packaging fee | $10–$30 per order |
Custom tissue paper is so affordable that upgrading from plain white to branded tissue typically adds less than $0.10 per box — a tiny investment for a significant improvement in unboxing experience.
MOQ and Ordering Guide
| Printing Method | Minimum Order | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|
| Digital | 100 sheets | 5–8 business days |
| Flexo (1–2 colors) | 1,000 sheets | 10–15 business days |
| Flexo (3–4 colors) | 2,000 sheets | 12–18 business days |
| Offset | 2,000 sheets | 15–20 business days |
Ordering Checklist
When ordering custom tissue paper, specify:
- Paper type (white, kraft, metallic, recycled)
- GSM weight (17–20 GSM is standard)
- Sheet size (width × height)
- Number of colors and print design
- Print method (flexo, offset, or digital)
- Total quantity and packaging (bulk pack vs retail-ready bundles)
For a quote on your custom tissue paper, contact a tissue paper manufacturer with your specifications.
FAQ
What is custom tissue paper?
Custom tissue paper is thin, lightweight paper printed with a brand logo, pattern, or design. It is used inside gift boxes and packaging to protect products and create a premium unboxing experience.
What is the best paper type for printed tissue paper?
White tissue paper is the best all-around choice. It provides a clean background for printing and works with any box color. For eco-friendly branding, kraft or recycled tissue is a good alternative.
What GSM tissue paper should I use?
17–20 GSM is standard for most gift box applications. For a more substantial feel, choose 22–25 GSM. For budget packaging, 12–14 GSM is acceptable but feels thin.
Can I print full-color artwork on tissue paper?
Yes. Offset printing produces full-color CMYK results on tissue paper. Digital printing is available for smaller quantities. Flexo printing is best for 1–4 spot colors.
What is the minimum order for custom tissue paper?
Digital printing allows runs as small as 100 sheets. Flexo printing requires 1,000+ sheets. Offset printing requires 2,000+ sheets.
How much does custom tissue paper cost per sheet?
Cost ranges from $0.03 to $0.35 per sheet depending on paper type, print method, and quantity. At higher volumes, branded tissue paper adds less than $0.10 per box.
Is tissue paper recyclable?
Yes. Plain and printed tissue paper is recyclable if it is made from standard paper fibers. Metallic and heavily laminated tissue paper may not be recyclable. Check with your local recycling facility.
Can I get custom tissue paper in specific colors?
Yes. Colored tissue paper can be dyed to match a specific Pantone color. Colored tissue is available without printing — the color itself carries the brand identity.
What size tissue paper do I need for a gift box?
Measure the interior of your box. The tissue sheet should be at least 1.5–2 times the size of the box opening to allow for folding or wrapping. Standard sizes range from 50 × 70 cm to 70 × 100 cm.
Where can I buy custom tissue paper
You can order custom tissue paper from a packaging supplier that offers tissue paper printing. Specify your sheet size, paper type, and printing requirements for a quote.
