When procuring
spunlace nonwoven, many focus on material composition (wood pulp, viscose, polyester), blend ratios, softness, and strength, yet often overlook a critical metric—GSM thickness (grammage).
In reality, GSM not only determines material thickness but directly influences absorbency, softness, tear resistance, cost, and application scenarios. For wet wipe manufacturers, medical material purchasers, and industrial wipe buyers, selecting the correct GSM is a crucial step in controlling costs and enhancing product performance.
I. What is Spunlace Nonwoven GSM?
GSM (Grams per Square Metre) denotes the weight of fabric per square metre.
Higher GSM yields thicker, sturdier material with greater absorbency;
Lower GSM produces lighter, softer material suitable for skin-contact wipes, disposable products, or beauty applications.
Procurement Implications:The distinction between 40 GSM and 70 GSM extends beyond thickness to fundamentally different applications: baby wipes versus industrial wipes.
II. How does GSM thickness influence application scenarios?
Low GSM (30-50 GSM): Soft, skin-friendly, lightweight
Suitable for applications demanding tactile comfort and softness, primarily used in disposable beauty products
Typical applications:
✔ Face mask sheets
✔ Makeup pads
✔ Wet wipes
Procurement focus: Low cost, softness, breathability, skin feel – not strength.
Medium GSM (50-90 GSM):Abrasion-resistant, high strength, suitable for industrial applications
Ideal for oil removal, equipment maintenance, and heavy-duty industrial use.
Common uses:
✔ Industrial wipes (automotive repair, machinery workshops)
✔ Kitchen wipes
✔ Medical tray liners, surgical drapes
Procurement focus: Balanced oil absorption, strength, and water absorption.
Ultra-high GSM (90+ GSM): Professional-grade alternatives to fabric
Suitable for multiple uses or custom printing.
Applications:
✔ Reusable cleaning cloths withstanding repeated washing
✔ Branded wipes with printable logos
Procurement focus: Customisation capability, abrasion resistance, long-term performance.
III. How to assess supplier capability through GSM?
Premium manufacturers should meet these criteria:
✔ Full production range and customisation from 30–120 GSM
✔ Customisable pulp/viscose/polyester ratios & weaves (EF, plain, cross-weave)
✔ SGS/MSDS/ISO certification reports available
✔ Supports post-processing: printing, embossing, perforation, etc.
✔ Provides absorption/oil absorption tests, dry/wet tensile strength reports
✔ Small roll samples & OEM customisation available
Note: Wider GSM range and more comprehensive test reports indicate stronger factory capabilities.
IV. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is there a significant difference between 40 GSM and 60 GSM spunlace fabrics?
40 GSM offers greater softness, suitable for face masks and wipes; 60 GSM provides enhanced durability and tear resistance, ideal for cleaning cloths and medical dressings.
Q2: What GSM is typically used for industrial wipes?
We recommend 70–90 GSM for abrasion resistance, strong oil absorption, and high tensile strength.
Q3: Does higher GSM always indicate better quality?
Not necessarily. Higher GSM merely means thicker and stronger material. ‘Better’ depends on application—for instance, face mask fabric should not be excessively thick.
