Industry Insights / INJEOLLY JOURNAL
A wet-wipe quotation often gives prominence to GSM, or grams per square metre. That number describes basis weight. It does not, on its own, tell a buyer how the finished wipe will feel, separate from the pack or hold together during use.
Start with material identity
Request the fibre composition, basis weight and relevant construction details together. “Nonwoven” describes a broad material family rather than one uniform fabric. EDANA explains that manufacturing parameters and fibre mixes can produce fabrics with different properties. A material name alone therefore gives an incomplete basis for ranking two finished wipes. EDANA: how nonwovens are made
Distinguish weight from thickness and dimensions
Two sheets with the same basis weight can have different sizes, and the same nominal size does not establish an identical hand feel. For a controlled comparison, document sheet dimensions, the measurement condition and the material version. This also clarifies the quotation: a lower price per wipe may reflect a smaller sheet rather than a like-for-like saving.
| Specification item | What to define |
|---|---|
| Basis weight | Mass per unit area; keep the unit visible. |
| Sheet dimensions | The size of each sheet under the agreed measurement method. |
| Composition | The declared fibre mixture and construction. |
| Finished pack | The proposed substrate, liquid, folding and packaging together. |
Compare the actual wet product
A dry swatch is helpful for discussing texture, but the final pack contains the substrate combined with its intended liquid. EDANA notes that the base material and liquid can be modified to tailor personal-care wipes. EDANA: personal care wipes A buyer can therefore ask for evaluation using the proposed finished construction, including handling and dispensing observations, rather than approve the substrate from a dry sample alone.
Turn a preference into an acceptance record
If one sample feels preferable, describe why: for example, the way it drapes, its surface texture or the ease of unfolding. Then agree which properties need a formal test and which need a controlled sensory comparison. Keep a retained reference and the relevant report linked to the approved specification.
Do not infer flushability, biodegradability or skin compatibility from GSM or a soft feel. Those are separate questions requiring evidence appropriate to the exact claim. A clear substrate brief makes it easier to preserve the intended experience when costs or suppliers change.
Quote comparison: Basis weight + sheet dimensions + composition + finished-pack evaluation provide a more useful comparison than GSM alone.
Use GSM to describe the material, then assess the wipe as the consumer receives and uses it.
Discuss your product briefProduct-development guidance. Evaluation methods and acceptance criteria should be defined for the exact product, intended use and destination market.