officepaper

Office paper refers to general-purpose paper used for everyday administrative tasks in offices, schools, and home offices. It includes writing and printing papers designed for copying, printing, note-taking, and faxing. The most common form is white, uncoated paper sold in reams of 500 sheets.

Sizes and weights vary by region. In North America, copy paper is typically 20 lb (75 g/m2) or 24 lb (90 g/m2) and comes in Letter size (8.5 by 11 inches) and Legal (8.5 by 14). In international markets, A4 paper (210 by 297 mm) at about 80 g/m2 is standard. Heavier weights such as 90–100 g/m2 are used for presentations or durable drafts, while lighter weights are common for drafts and inner sheets.

Properties and compatibility: Office papers are usually uncoated to allow smooth printing on most printers and copiers. They vary in brightness, whiteness, and opacity; higher brightness improves contrast but may increase glare, while higher opacity reduces show-through on double-sided printing. Compatibility depends on printer type (laser vs inkjet) and machine speed; some papers are optimized for high-speed copiers.

Environmental and certifications: A significant share of office papers incorporate recycled fibers. Certifications such as FSC, PEFC, or SFI indicate responsible sourcing. Some products are chlorine-free, elemental chlorine-free, or totally chlorine-free. Recycled-content and forest management certifications are common considerations for procurement.

Selection and use: When choosing office paper, consider printer compatibility, runnability, sheet thickness (caliper), and finish. Packaging is typically a 500-sheet ream; bulk cartons may contain multiple reams. For archival or long-term documents, acid-free or archival-quality papers are used but are less common in routine offices.