Skip to content

Paper Is All the Same, Right?

Wrong. Paper comes is all different forms, more than just your standard white A4 sheet. You might think that buying cheap plain paper is the best option because why pay more for paper that does the same job?

Cheap paper is often made using a filler (calcium carbonate) which is abrasive so, if you’re using a lot of this paper, several integral parts of the machine will wear out much faster than when using a paper of good quality. The result of this is that saving a few pence by buying cheap reams of paper can be a false economy.

Using the right paper will also help your ink and toner to perform better, causing fewer cartridge bleeds and smudges, and keeping them running clean. A problem with a print device can cause an office to come to a standstill, so anything that can be done to keep these machines running smoothly is greatly beneficial.

Papers differ substantially from one another, for example, paper designed specifically for use in laser printers is very smooth and is designed to handle the high temperatures used to bind toner. The result of which is that it yields clearer and sharper prints than everyday paper would. Premium papers, which have a higher pulp content and a smaller amount of filler, are less prone to curling, discolouration and sticking together, thus keeping devices running as smoothly as possible.

You get what you pay for with paper, as with so many other things. However, spending a bit more money on good quality paper will pay dividends through money saved in the long term and by keeping an office environment running as smoothly and efficiently as possible.