Custom Tissue Paper
Tissue is the cheapest thing you can add to a box and one of the most noticeable. It creates a layer to unwrap, it fills space without looking like filler, and it turns a product sitting in a carton into something that feels wrapped rather than shipped. We produce a lot of custom tissue paper at ZEE Packaging and the cost to effect ratio here is hard to beat.
Custom tissue paper adds a step to the unboxing.
- The customer unwraps rather than simply lifting a product out
- It fills void space without reading as packing material
- Rustling and movement add a sensory element
- Contents stay hidden for a second longer, which builds anticipation
- It photographs beautifully, particularly in a printed pattern
- It costs a fraction of almost any other packaging upgrade
Most brands adding custom tissue paper see it appearing in customer photographs almost immediately.
Print Behaves Differently On Tissue
This is where expectations need managing.
- Tissue is thin, so ink shows through to the reverse
- Fine detail and small text lose definition
- Bold simple patterns reproduce far better than photography
- Heavy coverage can make the sheet stiffer and slightly darker
- One or two colors is the standard approach here
- Color sits softer than it would on board
- Printed sheets the standard custom tissue paper we run
- Plain colored tissue no print, just a brand color
- Two color repeat pattern the most requested style
- Logo repeat a simple mark tiled across the sheet
- Acid free tissue for archival and delicate items
- Waxed or greaseproof for food applications
Sizes We Print Regular
Every sheet is cut to your box, though these run often:
- 15" x 20" for a standard mailer
- 20" x 30" for larger boxes
- 10" x 15" for small parcels
- 24" x 36" for apparel and bulky items
- 12" x 18" for mid size formats
- Custom sizes matched to your carton exactly
Size the sheet to wrap fully with a slight overlap, since a sheet that barely covers the product looks mean rather than considered.
Paper And Print
- 17gsm as the standard weight for most applications
- 22gsm where you want a more substantial feel
- Acid free grades for jewelry, textiles and archival items
- Flexo printing in one or two colors
- Soy based ink, which is standard for us here
- Colored base tissue with a contrasting print
Ink shows through on tissue by nature. We would treat that as a design feature rather than a fault, since both sides then carry your pattern.
Materials That Cut Impact
- Recycled tissue paper, widely available now
- FSC certified paper, certificate available on request
- Soy based ink through the whole run
- Fully recyclable and compostable in most cases
- Paper replacing plastic void fill entirely
- Right sizing so no paper is wasted per parcel
What Ordering Involves With Us
- 100 unit minimum, so a small brand can test it
- Free proof before anything prints
- Free artwork setup by our own designer
- Physical sample on request, since tissue never screens accurately
- Urgent turnaround at 5 to 8 business days
- Free shipping worldwide with nothing hidden
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the print show through?
Yes, and that is normal. Tissue is thin enough that ink is visible on both sides, which most brands treat as an advantage.
Can you print photographs on it?
Not well. Bold simple patterns reproduce far better, since fine detail loses definition on such a thin sheet.
How many colors can we use?
One or two is standard. More is possible but registration gets harder on tissue than on board.
Which weight should we choose?
17gsm for everyday use, 22gsm where you want it to feel more substantial. The difference is noticeable in the hand.
Is acid free necessary?
For jewelry, textiles and anything stored long term, yes. Ordinary tissue can mark delicate surfaces over time.
How much is custom tissue paper?
Rough estimate is $0.02 to $0.07 per sheet for one color, $0.04 to $0.11 for two colors and $0.06 to $0.15 on heavier grades at moderate quantity. Volume moves it. Shipping is included in our price. This is estimate only, so ask our team for a exact quote.
Is it recyclable?
Fully, and compostable too in most cases. It is one of the simplest swaps away from plastic void fill.
