Facestock term
Basis weight(GSM / g/m²)
The weight of one square metre of paper facestock or liner in grams. Typical label papers run 60–90 gsm; glassine liners 60–65 gsm. Higher basis weight generally means more stiffness and better dispensing, but fewer metres per roll.
Related facestock terms
- BOPPA polypropylene film stretched in both directions for strength and clarity. Supplied clear (no-label look), white or metallised. Water resistant, tear resistant and the default film face for beverage, personal care and household chemical labels.
- Cast coated paperPaper dried against a polished chrome cylinder to produce a very high natural gloss without lamination. Used for premium high-gloss labels where a mirror finish is wanted straight off the press.
- Destructible vinylAn ultra-brittle facestock that fragments when peeled, so a security or warranty seal cannot be removed intact and reapplied elsewhere.
- Holographic filmA metallised film embossed with a diffraction pattern that shifts colour with viewing angle. Used as a brand-protection and shelf-appeal feature that is difficult to reproduce.
- Kraft paperUnbleached brown paper with a natural, fibrous look. Popular for artisan food, coffee and organic cosmetics branding; also used as a heavier-duty liner.
- Matte woodfreeAn uncoated or lightly coated matte paper with a premium tactile feel. Widely used for wine, spirits and cosmetics labels, often with hot foil or embossing.