In the fast-paced realm of modern business, where digital technologies dominate, there’s a quiet yet essential player that continues to hold its ground – paper. Even in today’s technologically advanced workplaces, the role of paper remains irreplaceable. That’s where Paper Boss comes in as your reliable partner and supplier of workplace consumables in South Africa.
Although we live in a digital age; however, paper remains essential in many office environments. According to research conducted and published in June 2023 by Keypoint Intelligence, the main reasons that office workers still prefer paper are that it helps them;
- Retain information better
- It is easier to proofread
- It is easier to focus
- It is easier to edit and comment
- It is more enjoyable than reading off a screen
This research proves what we, in the industry, have known all along, but now we need to talk about the paper products out there for you to choose from.
The Basics
Let’s face it. It can be daunting to try and differentiate between all the paper products on the market. Let us make it slightly less daunting by focusing on the basics. The factors that you have to consider when choosing paper for any project are
- Size
- Weight
- Opacity
- Types
- Coatings
Size (A4, A5 etc.)
We all know A4 is the most common size used by most home and office printers. However, many people don’t understand that the lower the number, the bigger the page is, as demonstrated below;
Weight (gsm)
Grams Per Square Meter; or gsm, is related to the thickness of the paper. Most printing paper has a gsm of 60 – 120gsm, with 80gsm being the standard copy paper that we all know and love.
It is important to remember that 5gsm, either way, will make very little difference. However, it will ultimately depend on your printer. If your printer can handle 75gsm paper without creasing, you are good to go. If not; stick to 80gsm.
Any paper above 160gsm is considered cardstock, al-be-it lightweight card. The important part to remember is that the higher the number, the thicker the paper.
Opacity
When we talk about opacity, we are talking about the amount of light that transmits through the paper. A paper that has a high opacity does not allow a lot of light to pass through it. Conversely, paper with a low opacity allows a lot of light through it.
Types
- Bond
- Matt
- Matt Coated
- Gloss Coated
- Recycled
- Silk Coated
- Uncoated
- Bright White
- Card Stock
- Newsprint
Bond
This is the one we all know and use almost every day when we print at home or in the office. Bond paper is high-quality and strong.
The reason it is called bond is that it was originally created for the sole purpose of creating government bonds.
Matt Coated
Matt Coated paper is commonly used to print invitations
Gloss Coated
Gloss Coated paper is typically used for photo printing, but really, any printing that requires a quality finish.
Recycled
Recycled paper is the way to go if you want to run a greener business.
Silk Coated
Paper is Silk Coated when it has a double-sided surface coating and is fantastic for colour printing and if you need the paper to be more elegant with a silky finish. This paper is most commonly used for brochures.
Uncoated
If you are looking for a smooth finish and brilliant colour contrast, then uncoated paper is the way to go.
Bright White
As its name explains, Bright White paper is bright white and best used when you need clarity and the colours to pop off the page.
Card Stock
Card Stock is paper that is thicker than 160gsm and often used for business cards. Due to the thickness of the paper, it is more durable and has a longer lifespan.
Newsprint
Apart from being the paper that newspapers are printed on, it is also knowns as ‘fish and chip paper’ and has been used as a low-cost packing material for a long time.
Coatings
UV
Paper with a UV coating is cured when exposed to ultraviolet light that quickly dries, providing a high gloss finish. You will need to ensure that you use compatible inks when using paper that has been UV Coated or it may crack when the paper is scored or folded.
Varnish
When paper is Varnish Coated, it provides either a gloss, matte or satin finish. It can be done on an entire printed area or certain images which is called spot varnish. Spot varnishing is often used in upmarket brochures.
Aqueous
This is a fast-drying, clear water-based coating that protects prints in either high-gloss or matte. This coating will protect the paper from dirt, dust and fingerprints.
Taking Care of Your Paper
There are a couple of things that you can do to ensure that your quality paper products remain in good condition:
- Keep your paper away from sunlight and heat as it can warp your paper and cause your printer to jam.
- Keep your paper dry. When paper gets damp, it will cause your printer to jam.
- Keep your paper in the packaging it arrived in as this will protect your paper from knocks and bumps that can cause your paper to lose its shape. Apart from that, it will also keep your paper away from moisture and direct sunlight – which as we have established – will cause your printer to jam.
Even in this digital age, paper remains uber-important and one of the many benefits of using quality paper products is that it lasts longer and that can save you a lot of money, over time.
Paper Boss – Best Supplier of Workplace Consumables in South Africa
Discover the difference that Paper Boss can bring to your workspace. With our unwavering commitment to providing top-quality paper products and workplace consumables, we stand ready to elevate your productivity and enhance your work experiences. Whether you’re looking for premium printing paper, efficient office supplies, or a wide array of solutions to meet your specific needs, Paper Boss has you covered.
Contact us for more information.