F U T U R E O F PA P E R
LEADERSHIP
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of how people work; one that has, perhaps, been under-appreciated is how paper, and paper products are consumed, and how customer demands have altered
W
hile there have been
people work in an office or home
ambitions to create
environment. Of course, the COVID-19
a ‘paperless office’
pandemic has meant that many more
for many years
people are now working remotely, and
now, paper remains
this has changed demand for paper
a mainstay of the office, and a regular order to office products suppliers from
products. “There has been a significant
customers across the range of business
increase in demand for multi-purpose,
sectors is still the norm.
multi-functional sheets, with brands
Although the use of paper may have
such as Multicopy, Navigator and Pro-
declined in some ways in recent years
Design proving increasingly popular,”
– for instance, many documents are
says Brad. “This is understandable,
now stored electronically, rather than
as they are incredibly versatile sheets
physically, in filing cabinets – it still
that are perfect for a wide variety
plays a vital role in sharing information
of end-use applications including
in a physical and personal format.
reports, artwork, proofing notes and
“Generally speaking, people still prefer reading printed literature in comparison to virtual or screen-based
There has been a significant increase in demand for multipurpose, multifunctional sheets
schoolwork, whether full colour or black and white prints. “The above brands are well-
office papers that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.”
printing,” explains Brad Goldsmith,
established, and recognised in the
marketing services manager at Premier
market by consumers and end-users.
at paper, packaging and visual
Paper Group. “Studies suggest that
Furthermore, they are incredibly
communications specialist Antalis,
reading from screens is around 20-
reliable, with Pro-Design boasting
agrees. “The ‘new normal’ under
30% less effective than reading from
a 99.99% jam-free guarantee. This
COVID has put greater emphasis on
printed literature, although this could
level of reliability has been a big draw
paper, particularly if you look at our
be subjective. However, excessive screen
for customers due to the time and,
home working and schooling balancing
time is shown to impact concentration
therefore, cost savings associated with
act,” he says. “Paper is fulfilling a wider
levels and eye fatigue. Uncoated papers,
experiencing fewer jams, reprints and
range of tasks, often on a home inkjet
with a high whiteness and opacity,
machine breaks.
printer, not the centralised office or
are perfect for reading printed text;
“As many companies and schools
Paul Savill, product manager
classroom printer.
they’re free from glare and the contrast
continue to work and study from
between the print and the paper is
home, expect to see these same
unknown. However, it would appear
much easier on the eyes.”
trends develop further - a continued
that our home working/schooling is set
demand for versatile, reliable brands of
to last until Easter.”
This remains important whether
“How long this will last for is, as yet,
www.dealersupport.co.uk FEBRUARY 2021 [31]
