Buying Guide for Office Papers and Copy Papers
by Anna Ullmann on Jun 11, 2026Office Supplies Buying Guide
Which paper quality is right for you? This guide explains paper types, formats, grammages, environmental certifications, and important purchasing criteria for businesses and private customers.
Why Paper Choice Matters
The selection of office paper is larger than ever before. Different qualities, formats, grammages, and environmental standards don't always make the decision easy.
This buying guide provides clear orientation so you can find the right paper for your needs – efficiently, economically, and targeted.
In Short
For everyday office use, 80 gsm universal paper with the Blue Angel ecolabel is usually sufficient. The most important selection criteria are format, grammage, and environmental seals; for color prints, paper with ColorLok® technology is worthwhile.
1. Categories of Office Papers
Basic Paper
Ideal for simple black and white copies, internal documents, and everyday printouts.
Universal Paper
The all-rounder for correspondence, reports, statistics, and meeting documents.
Premium Paper
For proposals, customer letters, and documents that should leave a high-quality impression.
Recycled Paper
The sustainable alternative made from recycled materials with convincing print quality.
Color Paper
For striking documents, invitations, notices, and organizational materials.
Color Print Paper
Specifically for high-quality color prints with brilliant colors and sharp contours.
Photo Paper
Coated specialty paper for photos, graphics, and high-quality image prints.
Quick Guide
| Application | Recommended Paper |
|---|---|
| Internal printouts | Basic paper |
| Daily office use | Universal paper |
| Proposals & customer letters | Premium paper |
| Sustainable procurement | Recycled paper |
| Photos & marketing materials | Photo paper or color print paper |
2. Paper Formats at a Glance
DIN A4
210 × 297 mm
Standard for letters, invoices, and business documents.
DIN A3
297 × 420 mm
Ideal for posters, graphics, and brochures.
DIN A5
148 × 210 mm
Suitable for flyers, offers, and notes.
DIN A6
105 × 148 mm
Often used for cards, forms, or recipes.
3. Paper Weight (Grammage)
| Grammage | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| 60 gsm | Very light mailings |
| 70–75 gsm | Mass prints |
| 80 gsm | Classic copier paper |
| 90 gsm | High-quality correspondence |
| 100–120 gsm | Color prints and presentations |
| 120–250 gsm | Marketing materials and high-quality printed matter |
The higher the grammage, the more stable and high-quality the paper appears.
4. Test Marks, Certificates and Standards
Blue Angel
Particularly environmentally friendly products.
FSC®
Responsible forest management.
PEFC
Sustainable forest management.
EU Ecolabel
Official EU environmental label.
Important Standards
- DIN ISO 9001 – Quality management
- DIN ISO 14001 – Environmental management
- OHSAS 18001 – Occupational health and safety
- DIN ISO 9706 / 6738 – Archival permanence and aging resistance
5. ColorLok® for Better Print Results
ColorLok® is a technology for optimizing print results and is supported by many high-quality office papers.
- More intense colors
- Deeper blacks
- Faster drying
- Less bleed-through
- Higher contrasts
The differences are particularly visible with inkjet printers.
6. Proper Paper Storage
- Store in original packaging
- Protect from heat sources
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Allow to acclimatize before use
- Use within one year if possible
Proper storage prevents curling, paper jams, and quality degradation during printing.
Conclusion
Choosing the right office paper largely depends on its intended use. Whether it's cost-effective printouts, high-quality business documents, or brilliant color prints – the right paper quality improves both the print result and cost-effectiveness.
Those who consider paper format, grammage, quality, and sustainability aspects will find the right product for their needs more quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 80 gsm paper sufficient for daily office printing?
Yes, 80 gsm is the standard for internal and external printouts and covers most office applications.
How do I recognize high-quality recycled paper?
By the Blue Angel ecolabel: It guarantees 100% recycled content and strict environmental criteria in production.
Is ColorLok® worthwhile for office printing?
Yes, for frequent color prints, it provides more intense colors, faster drying, and less bleed-through, especially with inkjet printers.
Sources
Further Wiepa Guides
Recycled Paper in the Office: When is the switch worthwhile?
Paper Grammages Explained Simply
Questions about copier paper or office paper?
Our team will be happy to assist you in selecting copier paper, recycled paper, color print paper, and specialty papers for your business.
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