Key Considerations When Choosing Your Office Paper

Business and sustainability are more intertwined than ever before, and your choice of paper can significantly impact the environment and your organisation’s reputation.
Not all paper is created equal, and Ricoh Pro-Office Light paper is superior in quality and sustainability.
Why consider paper quality?
At first glance, your choice of paper might seem like a small detail in the vast operational web of your business. However, in my role as Sales Director of Inside Sales at Ricoh UK, I’ve learned that careful consideration for these ‘small’ purchasing details is paramount. Low-quality paper is prone to jamming printers, which can disrupt office efficiency and lead to wasted resources. Poor ink absorption can result in smudging, bleeding, and feathering — issues that not only waste time and supplies, but can also tarnish your organisation's reputation by producing substandard documents. Durability is another critical aspect. Inferior paper risks damaging business-critical documents, potentially leading to significant losses. In this article, I’ll explore how sustainable, high-quality, and technologically-adaptable paper is not just a ‘nice-to-have’, but vital; even better, it doesn’t need to be cost-inhibitive.
So what are the key considerations when choosing your paper?
Sustainability: a cornerstone of modern business
Businesses are increasingly scrutinised for their environmental impact. That means your organisation’s ESG commitment is relevant to, and underlies, every stakeholder group and business area. It’s important to recognise this spotlight and plan accordingly, as customers, employees, and other stakeholders are more tuned in to “green-washing” and “clout-chasing” than ever before. Therefore, your organisation’s ESG values need to be sincere and demonstrable.
Despite this, our research found that 1 in 4 business leaders believe their organisation can’t make improvements to reduce their environmental impact. However, I believe that seemingly small decisions — such as your choice of paper — accumulate to create tangible, large-scale strategic differences.
Ricoh Pro-Office Light paper is sourced from world-leading, responsibly managed forests and produced in a biofuel-powered mill. Its CO2-neutral production supports businesses in their quest for green credentials, such as PEFC certification and ISO 14001 accreditation. By consciously prioritising sustainability at all levels, your organisation can uphold its commitment to sustainability without compromising on document quality or supply chain reliability.
“As a Hospital Trust, it is paramount that we can order a paper that is not only sustainably sourced but is reasonably priced and is of an excellent quality. Ricoh meets our stock level requirements with continuous availability, meaning we have a consistent supply and a high-quality product. We are very happy with Ricoh-branded paper and would recommend it.”
- Steve Hunt, Reprographics Manager, Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust
The impact of paper quality on print appearance
The correlation between paper quality and the representation of your brand cannot be overstated.
The impact of paper quality on print appearance is significant, affecting the printed material's visual and tactile experience. High-quality paper enhances colour fidelity, sharpness, and overall image quality, allowing for finer detail and more vibrant colours. Conversely, lower-quality paper can lead to ink bleed, feathering, dull colours, and a less professional look. Your choice of paper also influences the perception of your brand or message, with premium papers often conveying a higher level of sophistication and care. Ultimately, paper quality plays a crucial role in the effectiveness and reception of printed materials.
That’s why Ricoh Pro-Office Light Paper is engineered for excellence, boasting superior whiteness, opacity, and rigidity. These attributes ensure optimal print results for both colour and black-and-white documents, whether using inkjet, toner-based, or GELJET™ technologies. The paper's compatibility with a broad spectrum of printing equipment, coupled with its continuous adaptation to emerging technologies, makes it a future-proof choice for businesses aiming to maintain high efficiency and impeccable print quality, without compromising on cost-effectiveness.
A smart choice for businesses
Put simply: Ricoh Pro-Office Light paper reflects our commitment to sustainability, quality, and technological adaptability. It offers businesses a way to enhance their operational efficiency, safeguard their reputation through high-quality prints, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
“We are very pleased with the quality of the paper. I recently attended the tree planting day with Ricoh and helped to plant thousands of trees to reduce our carbon footprint. It was great to feel like I was giving something back! The paper is an excellent choice for any school or busy office and I would recommend it.”
- Richard Dunigan, Director, Speedwell Office Systems
In a world where every choice can have a profound impact, choosing Ricoh Pro-Office Light paper is a clear statement of a business's values and vision for a sustainable, efficient future. Ricoh ensures that with their paper, you're not just making a choice for today. You’re investing in the quality and sustainability of tomorrow.
