Comparing paper types investigation

In this paper, I will be comparing three different types of paper. The types of paper are 80gsm recycled copier paper, 160gsm matte premium white paper and 275gsm photo paper plus glossy II. I will be investigating these types of paper to learn the suitability for certain uses and analyzing the cost-efficiency. I also will be looking at durability and printability in relation to printing text or photos. From my investigation and testing, I will be making a decision on which paper is the best for what use and also conclude with which paper type I will be using for my major assignment. In order to get valid conclusions, I will perform multiply tests including a rip test, a fold test, a water drop test and a print test.

Paper type 1: 80gsm recycled copier paper

Use: Recycled copier paper is used for mass production. It is often used for printing drafts, office memos, text print jobs and generally as office “scrap” note-taking/non-important jobs paper. Copier paper is mostly used for printing text, as the ink is cheap, the quality of paper doesn’t generally matter for text jobs. I would not use it for printing photos as the ink is absorbed and causes the colours to become washed out and dull.

Copier paper is a common choice as it is cheap, for a ream of 500 sheets, it will cost $5.42 that is $1.08 per 100 sheets. It is also preferred as it is environmentally friendly being made from recycled material. Copier paper is not very strong or durable as it only takes 400g of weight hanging on it to rip. (Refer to testing results). Also, it takes four drops of water over thirty seconds for the drop to travel from top to bottom allowing a lot of water to be absorbed, ruining the paper and when the paper is folded the colour is split showing the blank white page beneath.

Paper type 2: 160gsm matte white premium paper

Use: Matte premium white paper is used generally for printing photos and text combinations as it is a higher quality of paper and the photo colour does not become washed out, this paper can also be used for printing text, as it does not have a very high gloss and allows for easy reading. However, this paper should not be used for printing drafts only good copies as the paper is expensive costing $30.00 for a ream of 250 sheets. That is $12.00 per 100 sheets.

This paper is not environmentally friendly because unlike the recycled copier paper matte premium white uses material from virgin forests, meaning in order to produce this paper trees are cut down affecting the environment. Matte premium white paper is stronger however less durable than recycled copier paper as it takes 800g of weight hanging from the paper for it to rip, but it takes six drops of water over fifty seconds for the drop to travel from the top to the bottom which shows that it is much more absorbent than the recycled paper. Also when the page if folded it does cause creases in the paper, however. the colour remains unaffected.

Paper type 3: 275gsm photo paper plus glossy II

Use: This paper should only be used for printing photos or graphics as it gives rich, deep and vivid colours and has a crisp, luxurious feel of high-quality photo paper that is fresh from the photo lab. This means it is mainly used for making calendars or high-end photo books as the photos get a high-quality finish. Also by having a high gsm, the paper is strong enough and durable enough to last a long time. E.g. for a calendar, the paper type will last the full year. This paper should not be used for printing text as it has a high gloss that makes the words difficult to read.

Photo paper plus glossy II is not environmentally friendly as it uses material from virgin forests and uses many chemicals such as bleach and other chemicals to give the glossy finish. Also, it is highly expensive paper costing $16.45 for 20 sheets that is $82.25 per 100 sheets. Photo paper plus glossy II has the same strength as Matte premium white paper because it also takes 800g of weight hanging from the paper to rip it all the way. Also, it takes one drop of water over ten seconds for the drop to travel from top to bottom making it very durable and extremely good in wet environments such as kitchens or restaurants and could be used as menus. Furthermore, the paper is very difficult to fold however when it is the colour is not affected making it the best paper for high use.

In conclusion after looking at, testing and analyzing the durability and printability in relation to printing photos or text and considering the cost efficiency and suitability for different uses. I have decided that the best type of paper is the 275gsm photo paper plus glossy II. Therefore I will be using this paper for my major product as it the strongest, it handles water damage the best and it gives the best quality photos. This paper is the most expensive, costing $16.45 for 20 sheets however I believe that the expenditure is justified, as this paper will produce the best quality outcome for my assignment.

References

Officeworks, Reflex 50% recycled copier paper, accessed 1 May 2015,

http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/reflex-50-recycled-80gsm-a4-copy-paper-500-sheet-ream-spr50ra4rm

Australian post, Canon High Grade Colour Laser Copy Paper A4, 160gsm, accessed 1 May 2015,

http://stationery.auspost.com.au/paper/white-copy-paper/laser-copy-paper/canon-high-grade-colour-laser-copy-paper-a4-160gsm.html

Camera warehouse, Canon 20 Sheets, A4, 275 gsm Photo Paper Plus Glossy II, accessed 4 May 2015, http://www.camera-warehouse.com.au/canon-pp201a4