Choosing the right office paper is about more than just quality and cost—it’s also about understanding the environmental impact and technical specifications that suit your needs. At Polycopy, we’re here to guide you through the details, helping you make informed and sustainable choices.
Environmentally Friendly Paper Options
Sustainability matters, and there’s a range of eco-friendly paper options to consider, each supporting a greener planet:
- FSC-Certified Paper: FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council. Paper with this certification comes from responsibly managed forests that meet strict environmental, social, and economic standards. Choosing FSC paper ensures you’re contributing to global forest conservation.
- PEFC-Certified Paper: PEFC stands for Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. Similar to FSC, PEFC ensures sustainable forest management but also focuses on promoting local forestry practices.
- Recycled Paper: Made from post-consumer waste, recycled paper minimises landfill use and reduces the demand for virgin materials. While often slightly rougher in texture, modern recycled papers offer impressive quality for everyday office needs.
By selecting FSC or PEFC-certified papers, or high-quality recycled options, you can meet your environmental goals without compromising on performance.
Understanding GSM Ratings
Paper’s GSM (grams per square metre) indicates its thickness and weight. The higher the GSM, the thicker and more durable the paper:
- 70-90 GSM: Everyday printing and internal documents.
- 100-120 GSM: Professional-grade letters, brochures, or reports.
- 160-200 GSM: Flyers and poster printing.
- 300+ GSM: Durable, high-quality prints like business cards and packaging.
What is CIE?
The CIE rating measures paper whiteness. A higher CIE score means brighter and whiter paper, which can affect the contrast and readability of your prints:
- Low CIE (80 -130): A softer, more natural tone, often used for eco-friendly papers.
- Mid CIE (135 – 150): Ideal for general office printing with good brightness.
- High CIE (165+): Perfect for high-impact prints like images and presentations, offering sharp contrast.
When selecting paper, consider the CIE rating for the intended purpose.
Specialised Printing Paper
Some projects require more than standard office paper:
- Glossy Paper: Great for vibrant images and brochures.
- Matte Paper: Excellent for readability, perfect for presentations.
- Waterproof Paper: For outdoor use, menus, or signage.
- Photo Paper: Designed for high-resolution photo printing.
Tips for Making the Right Choice
- Purpose: Define whether your paper will be for internal, client-facing, or marketing purposes.
- Environmental Responsibility: Opt for FSC, PEFC, or recycled papers to support sustainability.
- Printer Compatibility: Check that your paper suits your laser or inkjet printer.
- Finish and Whiteness: Choose based on the impact and readability of your print materials.
Why Choose Polycopy?
At Polycopy, we offer a wide selection of office paper, from FSC-certified and PEFC-certified options to high-quality recycled paper. Our papers cover every need, from everyday printing to specialised projects, ensuring reliability, value, and sustainability.
Conclusion
The right paper not only enhances the quality of your prints but also reflects your business values. By considering environmental certifications, GSM ratings, and CIE whiteness, you can make the best choice for your needs while supporting a greener planet.
The team at Polycopy are willing to help you locate the perfect paper for your workspace; give us call today!
Together, let’s print smarter and more sustainably!