Buying recycled content paper is a good way to close the recycling loop.  The chart below indicates the Recycled Content Equivalent for several common paper types purchased through GSA Supply.  For these papers, the typical “recycled” content is approximately 30%, with a varying portion of that being from Post-Consumer sources.

In 2004, approximately 20% of the County’s paper purchases were recycled content.  It is anticipated that with increased purchase volumes, better prices can be negotiated in the future for recycled content paper.

1. P-1590 is actually a General Purpose paper suitable for many uses including use in photocopiers, ink jet, and laser jet printers.
2. P-1590 is a 20 lb paper.  P-1531 is actually a 24 lb paper.  For most uses this will have no adverse impact, however transparency may be an issue for double-sided printing.
3. Although P-1590 is slightly more expensive, many Departments can achieve a net total savings by switching from P-1510, P-1531, and P-1601 to P-1590.

FAQ

1. Will using recycled content paper void my warranty?
   We always recommend following manufacturers’ recommendations when selecting paper to be used in office equipment.  An informal survey has shown that the major manufacturers have no objections to using recycled content paper in their equipment. However, as with any product, there are variations in quality from supplier to supplier, and sometimes even from one batch to the next.  High quality suppliers will provide a consistently high quality recycled-content paper. Some manufacturers have taken the step of specifying paper suppliers, such as their own in-house paper brand.
    
2. What can I do to reduce paper jams?
   • Avoid storing paper on the floor or in humid areas.
   • Keep paper in its ream wrapper until needed — the wrapper has a plastic moisture barrier layer to keep out humidity.
   • Keep paper flat when it is not in a paper tray.
   • Always ensure that you are imaging of the correct side first.  This is usually indicated with an arrow on the wrapper for each ream of paper.
   • Follow the manufacturers’ recommendations for loading paper into trays and adjusting any necessary guides.
   • In some instances “fanning” the paper may help to reduce sheets “clinging” together.
   • Finally, it may simply be a bad batch of paper, or the machine may require servicing.
      
3. Can I switch back-and-forth between recycled-content and regular paper stock?
   There is no specific guideline for switching back-and-forth between recycled content and regular paper stock.  There is only anecdotal evidence that suggests that for some users, each time they change paper stock, there is a settling-in period for the machine during which there may be an increased frequency of paper jams.
    
4. What are some additional benefits of buying recycled-content paper?
   Please see:

• Conservatree
• American Forest and Paper Association  
  

Resources

• Visit GSA's Online Catalog
• “no more excuses” - the 30% Postconsumer Recycled-Content Paper Study Paper Listening Study from Conservatree
• EPA Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines

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