Product Guide

Understanding GSM, Expansion Rate, and Roll Length in Honeycomb Paper

GSM, expansion rate, and roll length: the specs that define honeycomb paper performance.

3 min readUpdated April 2025

GSM (paper weight)

50-60gsm: lightweight, good for surface protection and light items
70-80gsm: standard, suitable for most wrapping applications
80-90gsm: heavy-duty, for heavier items and maximum cushioning

Quick answer

70-80gsm is the standard choice for most applications. Expansion rate (how wide the honeycomb opens) determines coverage per metre: typically 2-3x the flat paper width. Roll length determines total coverage and value per roll. Compare rolls on expanded coverage per pound, not just per-roll price. A longer roll at the same price provides more wrapping material.

Expansion rate

500mm flat paper expands to 1,000-1,500mm wide honeycomb.

More expansion creates bigger, softer hexagonal cells.

Less expansion creates tighter, firmer cushioning.

Roll length

Standard rolls range from 10m (sample/trial) to 250m (bulk). Longer rolls provide better per-metre value and fewer roll changes. Calculate how many items each roll wraps to determine the most economical length for your volume.

Test: testing or suppliers.

How to choose

Specification guide0 / 3 checked

Light items/surface protection: 50-60gsm
Standard wrapping: 70-80gsm
Heavy items/maximum cushioning: 80-90gsm
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Frequently asked questions

70-80gsm is the standard choice.

How wide the paper opens when stretched. Typically 2-3x flat width.

Longer rolls (100m+) provide the best per-metre pricing.

Expanded coverage per pound, not per-roll price.

Yes, heavier paper creates stronger cells.

Part of our guide

Product Guide: Honeycomb Protective Paper Roll

Expert guides on honeycomb paper rolls for sustainable, plastic-free protective packaging.

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