Paper is one of the most used consumer goods in the office. That’s why it is important to optimize its use. Thanks to this guide, Bruneau offers you advise and tips to help you to find the most suitable paper.
Index
1 Know the different sizes 2 Understand the paper weights 3 Measure the whiteness
4 Identify the textures and finishes 5 Verify the compatibility of paper and printer 6 Understand the norms and labels
Let the paper acclimate to the ambient temperature. Bring it to the room where the printer or the copier is installed, at least 24 hours before you will open the box or unwrap the reams.
Don’t put the paper directly on the ground. It is better to store in on racks or in closets.
2 - Understand the paper weights
Paper 50 and 60 g/m²: ideal for mailings. These are ecological paper weights that save energy (transport) and consume 25% less resources.
Paper 70 and 75 g/m²: ecological paper weights, ideal for large editions.
Paper 80 g/m²: this is the standard paper weight, and is without doubt the most used type: both at home and in the office, for your daily prints and copies.
Paper 90 g/m²: ideal for double-sided printing, thanks to the better density.
Paper 100 and 110 g/m²: used for important presentation files or official communication, thanks to a better resistance.
Paper 120 and 250 g/m²: for covers and large color prints, there is nothing better!
The stiffness is increased with the paper weight. This has a direct influence on the usability of the paper, and also on the efficiency of the devices.
The firmness is the ratio between the thickness of the paper, expressed in micron and the weight, expressed in gram. The paper will be firm when the thickness is high compared to the paper weight.
3 - Measure the whiteness
The whiteness is measured with the CIE index. It is a very important value, with a direct influence on the intensity of the contrasts, both for black and white prints and for color prints. The higher the CIE index, the whiter the paper.
CIE 159 AND 163: INCREASED WHITENESS
With an index between 160 and 168, you are sure to obtain a very good contrast and a precise printing result. Consult the paper with an increased whiteness
CIE 164 AND HIGHER EXTRA WHITENESS
Very qualitative. This paper is recommended for important documents and double-sided prints. Consult the paper with extra whiteness
The whiteness influences also the opacity of your document. A good opacity is necessary for double-sided prints (so there is no transparency, what could complicate the readability).
4 - Identify the textures and finishes
There are two big paper types. THE OFFSET PAPER (UNCOATED):It is mostly used in print shops (for mass advertising): it is stronger, it absorbs the colors better and it offers a superior visual result. THE COATED PAPER:This paper is smooth and is covered with 1 or 2 layers of product. It can be glossy, matte or satinized.
Smooth/satinized paper: characteristic of the paper that depends on the irregularities on the surface. The smoother the paper, the better the print quality.
Vellum paper: paper without grain, silky and smooth.
Laid paper: paper on which you can see fine, horizontal lines when you hold it against the light. Ideal for correspondence.
Practical and economical!
The box of 2500 sheets equals to 5 reams and is more economical, it helps you to save space and it is easier to replenish your devices.
5 - Verify the compatibility of paper and printer
If the compatibility of the paper/device used to be very important, it's not the case any longer. "Inkjet paper" can also be used in a laser printer, or vice versa. But it is still interesting to know the characteristics of your device for the right choice.
THE LASER PAPERThis paper is designed in order to resist against the heat of the laser system of a copier or a printer. There is no deformation of the paper when it comes out of the device. Perfect for a fast treatment of texts or colored images.
THE INKJET PAPERA specific treatment of the surface is responsible for a fast drying process. The absorbency level is perfect for obtaining vivid colors. Ideal for planography or generously colored prints.
THE MULTIFUNCTIONAL PAPERFor daily use. This paper is particularly used for simple applications (fax, mail, copies, scrap paper,…) or for more accurate work (reports, presentations). It can be used for double-sided printing in copiers, laser and inkjet printers.
Good to know!
The print quality depends on 3 parameters: the quality of the printer, the settings and the choice of paper.
6 - Understand the norms and labels
Ecolabel This European ecological label is only granted to products with a reduced impact on nature. The products exist of at least 50% recycled paper or at least 50% fibres originating from forests with a sustainable management.
FSC paper (Forest Stewardship Council) Maintenance of the ecosystem in the forests, protection of the natives, battle against pollution, protection of the soils,... FSC is a label with different criteria concerning social and environmental requirements.
PEFC paper This certification guarantees that the wood for the paper originates from forests with a sustainable management. Its goals: assuring the balance wildlife/forest, improving the diversity, replanting, preserving dead trees and not resorting to GMOs.
Blue Angel Prohibition of toxic substances, bleaching with chlorine, chemical additives,... This label was created in 1978 in Germany and is one of the strictest environmental standards on ecological level. It certifies that the paper is produced with 100% recycled fibres.
Origine France Garantie
This label guarantees that the wood is 100% French and is comes from local forests. More than 85% of the used energy during the production is green.
ISO 9706
It indicates the production conditions for paper, that is called “permanent”. Paper that meets all the criteria, can be stored several years in an archive (in a moderate environment and protected from the light). All the paper sold by Bruneau is in correspondence with the ISO 9706 norm.
