In the world of premium corporate stationery, the tactile experience of paper is just as important as the cover design. Understanding GSM (Grams per Square Metre) is crucial for selecting notebooks that reflect your brand's quality.
What is GSM?
GSM stands for Grams per Square Metre. It is the standard metric used to measure the weight and density of paper. A higher GSM generally indicates a thicker, more opaque, and durable sheet.
For corporate notebooks, the choice of GSM directly impacts the writing experience:
- 70-80 GSM: Standard office paper. Functional but prone to "ghosting" (ink showing through) with fountain pens or heavy markers.
- 90-100 GSM: Premium standard. Offers a good balance of opacity and smoothness. Ideal for general note-taking.
- 120+ GSM: Luxury grade. Thick, substantial feel with zero bleed-through. Perfect for executive gifts and fountain pen users.
Why 100 GSM is the Sweet Spot for B2B
At BritStationery Works, we recommend 100 GSM ivory paper for most corporate orders. It provides a luxurious feel without making the notebook excessively heavy or thick. It signals quality to your clients without the premium cost of 120 GSM art paper.
Pro Tip for Procurement Managers
If your branded notebooks are intended for conferences where attendees might use ballpoint pens, 80 GSM is sufficient. However, for C-suite gifts or client onboarding kits, upgrade to 100 GSM or 120 GSM to ensure a premium perception.
Opacity and Bleed-Through
One of the biggest complaints with cheap promotional notebooks is ink bleeding through the page. This renders the reverse side unusable and looks unprofessional.
Test it yourself: Hold a page up to the light. If you can clearly see the text from the other side, the GSM is likely too low (under 80). High-quality corporate stationery should maintain privacy and legibility on both sides of the sheet.
Sustainability and Paper Weight
Heavier paper uses more raw material, but it also tends to be kept longer. A high-quality 120 GSM notebook is often treated as a journal and retained for months, whereas a flimsy 70 GSM pad might be discarded quickly. From a sustainability perspective, creating a product that is valued and used is key.
We also offer recycled paper options in 80-100 GSM that maintain a premium feel while reducing environmental impact. Check our Eco-Friendly Stationery collection for more details.
Conclusion
Don't overlook paper weight in your next stationery order. It's a subtle detail that speaks volumes about your brand's attention to quality. For a consultation on the best paper stock for your project, contact our team today.
