Copier paper is the single most-used consumable in any office, yet most people grab whatever is cheapest without a second thought. Understanding the differences between everyday and premium grades can improve print quality, reduce paper jams and even extend the life of your printer.
Everyday Copier Paper (80 gsm)
This is the standard multi-purpose paper found in virtually every office. At 80 gsm, it is designed for high-volume, day-to-day printing: internal memos, draft documents, photocopies and general correspondence.
Key characteristics:
- Weight: 80 gsm (occasionally 75 gsm for budget lines)
- Brightness: Typically CIE 145–160
- Opacity: Good enough to prevent most show-through
- Compatible with: Laser printers, inkjet printers, photocopiers, fax machines
Our Everyday Copier Paper delivers reliable performance across all standard office machines. For environmentally conscious offices, our Recycled Copier Paper uses 100% recycled fibres while maintaining smooth runnability.
Premium Copier Paper (90–120 gsm)
When your documents need to make an impression — client proposals, presentations, external letters — premium copier paper is worth the small uplift in cost.
Key characteristics:
- Weight: 90–120 gsm
- Brightness: CIE 165+ (noticeably whiter and brighter)
- Opacity: Excellent — virtually no show-through, even with heavy coverage
- Surface: Smoother finish for crisper text and sharper images
Our premium options include:
- Multicopy Laser Paper — Optimised for laser printers with a smooth, dust-free surface that protects fuser rollers.
- ProDesign Paper — A top-tier choice for colour-critical work. Delivers vibrant, consistent colour reproduction for presentations and marketing collateral.
- Xerox Copier Paper — Engineered specifically for Xerox machines but performs excellently across all brands.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Everyday (80 gsm) | Premium (100+ gsm) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per ream | £ | ££ |
| Best for | Internal docs, drafts | Client-facing, colour print |
| Brightness | Good | Excellent |
| Opacity | Adequate | High (minimal show-through) |
| Duplex printing | Some show-through | Clean on both sides |
| Photo/image quality | Acceptable | Sharp and vibrant |
Sustainability Matters
Many businesses are now prioritising sustainability in their procurement. Look for these certifications on your copier paper:
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) — Guarantees the paper comes from responsibly managed forests.
- PEFC — Another leading forest certification scheme, widely recognised in Europe.
- EU Ecolabel — Certifies low environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle.
- 100% Recycled — Made entirely from post-consumer waste. Our recycled range proves that eco-friendly paper does not mean compromising on quality.
Reducing Paper Jams
Paper quality directly affects jam rates. Cheap, poorly manufactured paper produces more dust, which clogs rollers and sensors. Here are some tips:
- Store paper in its wrapper until needed — exposure to humidity causes sheets to stick together.
- Fan the ream before loading to separate sheets and reduce static.
- Use the correct tray settings for the paper weight.
- Avoid mixing brands or weights in the same tray.
Whether you need an everyday workhorse or a premium stock for high-stakes print jobs, our White Paper & Card range has you covered — from budget copier reams to colour-optimised professional paper.
