Custom Tissue Paper MOQ: What Minimums Really Mean for Buyers

Why Tissue Paper Has an MOQ at All

Custom tissue is made by printing a base reel and then converting it into sheets or small rolls. The printing step (flexo or gravure) requires cylinder or plate setup that is amortised across the run. Below a certain volume the setup cost per unit becomes uneconomic, which is why manufacturers set a floor.

Typical MOQ by Print Method

Flexographic (flexo) printing — the most common for tissue — usually starts at 250-500 kg per design (roughly 1,000-2,000 sheets of A3-equivalent). Gravure, used for very long runs, starts higher but drops the per-unit cost at scale. Digital print exists for micro-runs but carries a large per-sheet premium.

• Flexo: ~250-500 kg per design (most common)
• Gravure: 1,000+ kg, lowest unit cost at scale
• Digital: low volume, high per-unit price

GSM and Sheet Size Affect the Count

Tissue is sold by weight. A 17 gsm sheet weighs far less than a 35 gsm sheet, so the same kilogram MOQ yields more sheets at lighter weights. Confirm whether the MOQ is quoted in kg, sheets, or reams — they are not interchangeable.

How to Lower Your Commitment

Three tactics work well: (1) consolidate multiple colourways into one combined weight order, (2) accept a standard sheet size to avoid die-cut setup, (3) share a container with another SKU. A flexible manufacturer will help you structure the order so the MOQ fits your cash flow.

MOQ vs Price: The Real Trade-off

Chasing the absolute lowest MOQ often means digital print and a much higher per-unit price. For most brands, meeting a flexo MOQ of a few hundred kilograms delivers the best landed cost. Model your total programme cost, not just the entry quantity.

Sampling Before Commitment

Always request a pre-production sample (usually charged nominally) to verify colour, weight and finish before the full run. This small step prevents costly mismatches on a 500 kg order.