When designing premium packaging, many businesses fixate on GSM (grams per square metre) as the key indicator of quality. While GSM is important, it's far from the only factor that determines the performance and feel of your packaging. As a luxury packaging company, Abbey Manufacturing Group helps clients look beyond the numbers to create packaging that truly impresses.
Understanding GSM
GSM measures paper weight; a higher GSM usually means a thicker material. But in the luxury packaging world, thicker isn't always better. A well-designed 250 GSM board can outperform a 350 GSM board if paired with the right coatings, finishes, and structural design.
Factors Beyond GSM
1. Material Composition – Virgin fibre, recycled content, and specialty boards each have unique strengths.
2. Surface Finishes – Matte, gloss, soft-touch, and textured finishes all affect how your packaging feels in hand.
3. Structural Integrity – Folding techniques, reinforcements, and construction methods can add strength without adding weight.
4. Print Quality – High-resolution printing and vibrant colours contribute more to perceived quality than GSM alone.
The Role of Design in Luxury Packaging
As a luxury packaging company, we focus on the total sensory experience, sight, touch, and even sound. The crisp snap of a magnetic closure or the smooth slide of a drawer box can elevate the unboxing experience far more than a few extra grams per square metre.
Questions to Ask Instead of Just GSM
• How will the packaging be used and handled?
• Is sustainability a priority?
• Which finishes align best with our brand?
• What storage and transport conditions will it face?
While GSM has its place, true luxury comes from a holistic approach that blends design, material, finish, and structure to deliver packaging that delights.
Looking for a luxury packaging company that goes beyond the numbers?
Contact Abbey Manufacturing Group at sales@abbeygroup.com.au or call 1300 137 067 to create packaging that defines premium.