Structured packing element with reduced material requirement

A structured packing element for a column for at least one of mass transfer and heat exchange between a heavy fluid phase and a light fluid phase. The structured packing element comprises at least two layers of a grid comprising openings that are surrounded and separated from each other by separating elements. At least two of the layers are arranged in a longitudinal direction parallel and in touching contact with each other such that an open space extending from one end to an opposite end of the layers is provided between the layers such that at least one of the heavy fluid phase and the light fluid phase may flow therethrough. An average width of at least 50% of the separating elements between adjacent openings is at least 15 times a layer material thickness and is between 70% and 125% of an average hydraulic diameter of the adjacent openings.