Finding the right paper for a project is so important but can be daunting given the number of options available. We have put together this list of tips and pointers to help you navigate your way to presenting your work to maximum advantage.
1. Considering a new grade?
Always request samples or a mock-up dummy to see how your publication will look and feel on different paper grades.
2. Demonstrate environmental awareness
Enhance your sustainability profile by making use of the paper's environmental labels on your publications.
3. Reduce your Carbon impact
The carbon footprint of your paper product is measureable, and because it's measureable you can offset or balance it, reducing the environmental impacts of your printed media and communications.
4. Explore reduced paper weights
A drop down to the next text paper weight can reduce your paper usage and provide a worthwhile cost reduction. For example, moving from 80g/m² to 75g/m² is a 6.25% reduction in paper weight!
5. Never mind the quality - reduce the width
More often than not, you can save on paper usage (and therefore save money) by pinching the width of you publication by 5mm.
6. Use bulk to your advantage
Hybrid paper grades can allow you to switch to a comparatively lower paper weight whilst retaining the thickness of your publication. This reduces your paper requirements, and your costs.
7. Know what your paper is made from
Trees - yes, but did you know that you can find out the actual tree species your paper is made from, and where those trees were harvested? Useful information for risk assessments and compliance box-ticking.
8. Discover different paper types
There are quite a number of different paper types available in a variety of weight ranges for consideration. Particularly useful when you need to make an impact, affect a budget - or just be completely different.
9. Paper is a compromise - know your priorities
In general terms - the whiter the paper, the less opaque it will be, and the smoother the paper the less bulky it will be. All paper grades have technical specifications, making it easier to compare the attributes of one grade against another.
10. Encourage recycling
Paper is a highly recyclable product - in fact it can be recycled up to 8 times. So, encourage recycling by stating that your paper product is recyclable.