Always think about whether you really need to use paper. Digital first!

Type of paper

Ghent University has an explicit preference for:

• matt paper (synonyms: ‘uncoated’ paper)
• avoid lacquer or gloss (less environmentally friendly)
• preferably 100% recycled
• with sufficient whiteness (not too ‘brown’ or too transparent)

E.g. use brands such as ‘Circle Premium White’, 'Nautilus' or ‘Cocoon’ (if available). These paper brands are available for offset or digital printing (at a professional printing house) and are also suitable for laser and digital printers. They are used in the Ghent University corporate design printed matter: envelopes, greetings cards, Dare to Think magazine, brochures from team Student Councelling, diplomas, ...

Thickness

Select a thinner or thicker paper according to your needs. A flyer or invitation should be thicker: between 200 and 300 g/m².

References for the ideal thickness, from Ghent University’s range:

• 80 g/m²: standard printing paper, envelopes American format
• 90 g/m²: envelopes in bigger formats
• 140 g/m²: inside pages Dare to Think magazine
• 200 g/m²: cover Dare to Think magazine, diplomas
• 250 g/m²: business and greetings cards

Format

Standard formats are usually cheaper.

When sending by post, be aware of bpost specifications: for example, material sent in a C5 format envelope (for A5 printed matter) is more expensive than using an American format envelope.

Current DIN A formats:

• A6: 148 x 105 mm
• A5: 210 x 148 mm
• A4: 297 x 210 mm
• A3: 420 x 297 mm
• A2: 594 x 420 mm
• A1: 841 x 594 mm
• A0: 1189 x 841 mm