Guides
Tissue paper packaging: types, wrapping and recycling
Tissue paper packaging is a thin sheet of paper wrapped around a product inside the box. It protects the surface, hides the product until the reveal and makes a plain box feel like a gift. Choose plain white or kraft tissue, print one color if you like, and keep it paper so it recycles with the box.
We make boxes, not tissue paper. This guide helps you choose tissue from a stock supplier and use it well inside a box we print.
By Talha LoneUpdated
What tissue does in a box
- Protects. It keeps surfaces from scuffing and fabric from creasing.
- Hides. The product stays covered until the customer opens it.
- Presents. One sheet turns a box into a reveal.
It doesn't cushion. If the product can break, the box and an insert do that job. See custom gift boxes for sets that need both.
Types of tissue paper
| Type | Good for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Plain white | Clean look, any brand color | Shows creases if over-handled |
| Kraft | Natural, earthy brands | Browner than it looks on screen |
| Printed in one color | A logo repeat | Adds a print order and a minimum |
| Colored | A brand color accent | Dye can mark light items |
| Acid-free | Delicate fabrics and keepsakes | Costs more than plain |
Acid-free tissue is sold for delicate fabrics and keepsakes, so check the product description. Glitter and metallic finishes aren't plain paper, so don't assume they recycle.
How to wrap a garment in tissue
- Lay a sheet at a diagonal. Corners hang over the edges.
- Place the folded garment in the middle. Press out air.
- Fold the corners over. One at a time, like an envelope.
- Close it with a sticker. A paper sticker beats tape.
- Place it in the box without squeezing. A tight box creases tissue.
Pack and ship steps for clothing are in how to ship clothes. For the whole shirt brand, see how to start a t shirt business.
Recycling and what to say
Plain paper tissue is paper, and paper and paperboard recycled at 68.2% in 2018 per the EPA's paper and paperboard data. If you want certified fiber, look for the FSC label. The labels are explained in FSC certified packaging.
Keep the claim modest. The FTC's Green Guides say broad claims like eco-friendly are hard to substantiate. Say plain paper tissue, recyclable where paper is accepted.
When not to use tissue
- The product is heavy or fragile. Use an insert, not tissue.
- Cost per parcel is tight. A good box with print inside the lid does more than tissue.
- You want tissue printed by us. We make boxes, not tissue paper. Buy it from a stock supplier.
- You need fewer than 50 boxes. A stock box with a printed sticker costs less.
For 50 or more boxes, send the folded size of your product. We draw the box for free. Custom apparel boxes are the usual home for tissue-wrapped garments.
Frequently asked questions
What is tissue paper packaging?
A thin sheet of paper wrapped around a product inside a box. It protects the surface, hides the product and improves the reveal.
Is tissue paper recyclable?
Plain paper tissue generally is, as paper. Glitter and metallic finishes aren't plain paper, so check before you say so.
What tissue paper is best for clothes?
Plain white or acid-free tissue. Colored tissue can mark light fabric.
Do you supply tissue paper?
No. We make printed boxes. Buy tissue from a stock supplier and tell us it's going in the box, so we size for it.
How much tissue do I need per box?
One sheet is usually enough for a folded garment. Measure the folded size and send us the numbers.