In today’s basic office supply market paper in various paper sizes is available for multiple purposes. Common sizes are manufactured according to international standards. The internationally established standards for paper dimensions are the so called ISO 216 and ISO 269 which are today established in the international paper market. Paper manufacturers participate in the standard and size their paper products according to the paper format rules. Before the introduction and establishment of these paper measurements for office paper, printer paper or a paper envelope, many different paper formats were used in different countries. The only exception to this rule is the North American and Canadian office paper markets. When in Europe and the rest of the world A3 sizes, A4 sizes and A5 sizes are manufactured and requested by the market, these countries use a system which contains paper sizes such as letter, legal, and executive.

 

Although there was proclaimed about 30 years ago, that the future of office management is the paperless office, the general consumption of inkjet paper and laser printer paper, of paper envelopes and packaging material has increased. Today we use paper for many applications in our everyday private and corporate lives. Paper is used to write or print on, and as a voucher, bank note or ticket it even represents a value. Paper is an important good when it comes to entertainment or education in form of books, magazines or newspapers. In private and industrial applications, paper is used as protection material and to package goods. Paper items are robust transport boxes, coated packaging material or gift wrapping rolls in a certain paper colour or with special designs.

 

Today’s office supply market goes beyond basic supplies. Companies request more than staples, paper or pencils. Computer and software products have entered the corporate and home offices. There is even a strong request for machines and tools in business automation technology. Especially machinery to process paper is of most convenience in many offices today and saves time when it comes to administrative tasks. Office suppliers offer paper folding and paper cutting machines for paper A2, paper A1 or postcard sizes.  A4 format and A3 format paper are the most frequent printer sizes. Labelling and stamping machines are designed to cater to various envelope sizes. Besides basic office supplies and business automation technology, suppliers also offer office furniture. These furniture items are functional and manufactured according to basic ergonomics rules.