Paper and Envelopes Explained
Ordering paper and envelopes may not be the most exciting job in the world, but we understand that feeling confident about making the correct product choice is essential.
No matter how you use paper or envelopes, we offer a wide range to suit your business needs. Whether you need laser paper, pocket envelopes, multi-use copier paper, recycled, white, manilla or coloured envelopes and paper, we offer a wide selection of sizes and weights.
To help you choose, we’ve put together a guide to assist you in this process.
Paper Weights Explained
Paper has a weight value measured in GSM (grams per square metre). The higher the GSM the better the quality and feel of the paper.
| Weight |
Feels Simillar to |
| 35 - 55 GSM |
Most newspapers |
| 90 GSM |
Mid-market magazine inner pages |
| 130 - 170 GSM |
A good quality promotional poster |
| 180 - 250 GSM |
Mid-market magazine cover |
| 350 GSM |
Most reasonable quality business cards |
Standard paper weights are between 75gsm and 100gsm for common business applications; photo paper is much higher and goes up to 280gsm in weight.
Envelopes Made Easy
Envelope Sizes
Envelope Styles
 |
 |
| Wallet |
Banker |
| |
|
 |
 |
| Window |
Non-window |
Envelope Seal
Gummed (Gum)
Moisten adhesive flap and press to seal.
Self Seal (S/S)
Simply fold flap against back of envelope and press to seat.
Peel and Seal (P&S)
Remove strip to reveal adhesive and press against the back of the envelope to seal.
Envelope Quality
We offer a wide choice of envelopes in various weights of material and finishes. This allows you to choose the right product for you needs.
Professional Range
These are high quality envelopes that offer the very best in paper quality and finish, and will help your business deliver the right impression.
Environmental Range
For the more environmentally conscious, these products have environmental accreditation.
General Office Range
A basic offering in terms of quality of paper.
Envelope Colour
There are generally two envelope colours to choose from, white and manila. There are, however, other colours available in the prestige range.
Storing Paper and Envelopes
The storage and handling of paper and envelopes is often overlooked. By being aware of a few simple facts, paper jams and other problems can be averted, saving you time and money.
Damp
As paper is manufactured with low moisture levels, if it is exposed to damp it will absorb moisture from the air and will not feed efficiently. Similarly if damp, gummed envelopes may stick together.
Wrapping
It is advised that paper and envelopes are kept in their wrapping until they are used. This will prevent them from getting damaged and subsequent running issues.
Overheating
Paper that becomes over dry can cause jamming; make sure that it’s stored away from heat sources or in direct sunlight.
Cold Conditions
Paper that has been stored in cold conditions should be allowed to reach room temperature before being put into copiers and printers.
Environmental Labelling
Nordic Swan
The Nordic Swan label is a multinational environmental labelling scheme which also has close co-operation with the EU ECO-label system. The Nordic environmental label is a neutral , independent label which guarantees a certain environmental standard.
PEFC
Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes. The PEFC Council is an independent, non-profit organisation that promotes sustainably managed forests through third party certification. PEFC papers are assured to come from sources promoting the sustainable management of forests.
FSC
The Forest Stewardship Council is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organisation whose mission is to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world’s forests. When you see the FSC logo on a label, you can buy timber and other wood products, such as paper, with the confidence that you are not contributing to the destruction of the world’s forest.
FSC Mixed Sources
The type of fibre in the product is a mixture of some/all of the following:
- Timber from an FSC-certified forest
- Post-consumer reclaimed material
- Controlled sources