Paper is an everyday essential for most offices. One day we may all live in a paper-free world, but until then we need to keep our printers and photocopiers happy and well-fed.
The key to buying the right paper is to make sure you know what it will be used for, if you just want to keep an endless stream of paper running through your machines then a lower quality one will be fine. If your boss has asked you to put together a flashy presentation then pull out the stops and print onto a heavier weight of paper for a document fit for a king.
Paper jargon and recommendations are listed below …
Paper Sizes
Most everyday photocopiers and printers take A4 paper, however there are a range of different sizes on the market. The standard sizes are as follows:
A0 – 1189mm x 841mm
A1 – 841mm x 594mm
A2 – 594mm x 420mm
A3 – 420mm x 297mm
A4 – 297mm x 210mm
A5 – 210mm x 148mm
A6 – 148mm x 105mm
A7 – 105mm x 74mm
Paper Weight
Paper is measured in gsm (grams per square metre) – a standard piece of everyday copying paper tends to be around 80gsm. When producing important documents, a heavier weight of paper creates a better, more professional look – expect weight to be around 90-120gsm. Card is heavier still, weighing around 140-180gsm.
Everyday Paper
Ideal for general office use including black and white printing, copying and faxing.
Everyday High Volume Paper
Paper in this range tends to be of a smoother quality, allowing for continuous printing if required. The slightly better quality is suited to both mono and colour printing and also printing on both sides.
Recycled Paper
Recycled paper ranges in its ‘recycled content’ for example true recycled paper is made from 100% post consumer waste, whereas others may only contain 50-80%. Recycled paper can be used in place of any standard paper – the same standards apply, eg the heavier the weight and better quality the material, the more suited the paper is to documents you want to have a superior finish. So just treat like normal paper but know inside that you are doing your bit for the environment.
Premium Paper
Extra smooth, high white paper which produces excellent results on either Inkjet and Laser printers. Inkjet printers tend to be used when printing out photographs - due to their unique ink distribution system – therefore Premium Inkjet Paper would be best suited if this is what you intend to do.
This type of paper is ideal for executive documents, letterheads and presentations.
Colour Imaging Paper
Superior, smooth and bright white paper stock designed to meet colour printing and copying requirements.
Prestige & Letterhead Paper
Paper has been finished to a high standard and may have any of the following finishes:
Laid finish – paper has a ribbed effect to it
Wove finish – paper has a smooth finish
Paper can also be watermarked when ordering (or may come with pre-watermarked logo – eg eco-friendly logo)
May contain a sparkle effect
For the above additions, please take care to read the product description carefully – sparkly paper may be suitable for a party invite, but perhaps not for Finance’s company reports.
Speciality Paper
There are many types of speciality paper, some examples are as follows:
Papers containing a pre-printed design (for example a pre-printed frame)
Multi-coloured paper (as opposed to one solid block of colour you would find on coloured paper)
Fluorescent paper
Heavily textured paper such as parchment
Photo Paper
Paper specifically designed for printing photos onto. These sheets tend to be sold in either A4 or photo size (ie 100x150mm). Features of this type of paper include excellent colour saturation, glossy or matt finish to one side, and in some cases are treated with a fast-drying fade and smear resistant coating.
Laser Guaranteed
Paper is suitable for use on a laser printer.
Ream Wrapped
500 sheets of paper that has been wrapped in individual packages.