Repro Graphics is offering a discount on 100 percent recycled paper for Davis campus copiers, after testing in which the paper performed as well or better than the 30 percent recycled paper that is the campus standard.

“Contrary to conventional wisdom, copiers we tested with 100 percent recycled stock ran without any more jamming or dust than other papers,” said Brian Wadell, director of Repro Graphics.

As a result, Repro Graphics is now making available Boise Aspen 100 and Aspen 50 (100 percent and 50 percent post-consumer recycled content, respectively) at no additional cost through the Campus Copier Program. Both are available on UCD Buy.

“While not as bright a white as papers with a higher virgin fiber content, the color and brightness of 100 percent recycled paper should be acceptable for the majority of campus uses,” Waddell said. “Think of slightly off-white as the new white. It’s a sign of commitment to conserving resources, and in that context, it’s beautiful.”

The 100 percent recycled copier paper costs about 60 cents more per ream than 30 percent recycled paper. But Repro Graphics is absorbing the cost difference as an incentive for campus departments to give it a try — but only for copiers owned and maintained by the Campus Copier Program. The same paper may be purchased through UCD Buy for all other office printers.

The incentive price will be in place until Repro Graphics has gathered more data on the effectiveness of this paper in copiers across campus and has evaluated the net financial impact of this decision.

Repro Graphics also offered these copying tips, based on Repro Graphics' obervation that "most people are not aware of these copier sustainability basics":

• Always close the copier cover — If you do not close the cover, a band of thick black toner around the outside of the copy can result. According to Wadell: “When that copy runs through the rollers, a lot of toner comes off. Over time, this increases the possibility for pages to stick and create paper jams.” Copies made with the cover open are known in the trade as “sky shots” — and they cause significantly more paper jamming than recycled paper does,” Waddell said.

• All used toner cartridges are recyclable — Campus Mail Services will pick up and deliver used toner cartridges to the Central Storehouse, which then sends them to a local recycler. When you put in a new toner cartridge, put the spent cartridge in the box that the new one came in. Seal the box and put it with your outgoing mail.

• Copiers can print two-sided by default — When you set your copiers to duplex, saving paper is a no-brainer. Campus Copier Program technicians can assist departments who want to make this change.

Repro Graphics: (530) 752-COPY (2679) or reprographics.ucdavis.edu