Folding-carton material guide
300gsm vs 350gsm art card for folding cartons
GSM describes paper mass per square metre, but it does not by itself prove carton strength. Structure, span, grain direction, coating and the packed product all matter.
The practical answer
300gsm art card is often considered for ordinary retail cartons where efficient folding and a lighter board are suitable. 350gsm can provide a heavier, stiffer feel, but it may not be necessary—or sufficient—without reviewing the complete structure. Test the actual pack when performance is important.
When 300gsm may fit
It can suit many ordinary unit boxes with moderate panel sizes and product loads, subject to structure, board grade and production review.
When 350gsm may fit
It may be considered when a heavier hand-feel or additional panel stiffness is wanted, especially for larger faces, but fold and packing behaviour still need review.
What GSM does not tell you
GSM does not define caliper, fibre composition, grain direction, stiffness or moisture response. Different board grades at the same GSM can behave differently.
Finishing interaction
Lamination and surface treatments change appearance and handling, while foil, embossing and dense crease areas can influence the appropriate board and tooling.
Best information to provide
Send the finished size, product weight, structure or dieline, desired feel, print/finish and quantity tiers. A sample of the current pack is useful when matching performance.
Toprint range
For suitable folding-carton work, Toprint can quote art-card options from 180gsm to 400gsm, subject to final structure and availability review.