Meeting Notes That Don’t Disappear: A Smarter Way to Use Paper in Hybrid Work
With about half of Americans in remote-capable jobs working a hybrid schedule, meetings can happen almost anywhere, and so can good ideas. The challenge is making sure those ideas survive past the meeting.
Paper Beats Screens for Student Learning
As backpacks get packed and school supply lists get crossed off, one item deserves a closer look this year: paper! Between notebooks, printed worksheets and good old-fashioned books, paper isn’t just a back-to-school staple; it’s backed by research showing that it helps kids learn more deeply than screens.
Back-to-School Shopping 2026: Bigger Budgets & Bolder Supplies
Back-to-school season is on! Families are shopping earlier, spreading purchases across more months, and planning bigger budgets than in years past. According to Zeta Global’s Back-to-School Retail Trends survey of more than 4,000 parents and guardians, 35% of families are expecting to spend over $1,000 this season. Here are some key trends shaping how families are shopping ahead of the school year.
Why Summer Humidity is a Silent Enemy of Office Printing
When printers start to act up, low toner, equipment issues or outdated machines are usually the first suspects. But one of the biggest factors affecting print performance often gets overlooked: humidity. Even in regions known for dry climates, seasonal humidity fluctuates and can quietly interfere with paper reliability, print quality and productivity.
The Most Common Office Print Jobs (and the Best Paper for Each)
From everyday outlines to high-impact presentations, every document serves a different purpose, and the paper it’s printed on plays a bigger role than many realize.
Greenwashing and the “Go Paperless” Myth
Sustainability has become an important factor for purchasing decisions. Businesses across industries have responded by highlighting the environmental benefits of products and services. But not all environmental claims tell the full story.
The Psychology of a Printer Jam: Why Small Disruptions Kill Momentum
In the workplace, productivity is often measured in output, speed and efficiency. But beneath those visible metrics lies something less tangible but equally important: momentum. When individuals and teams are in motion, performance accelerates. When that momentum is interrupted, even briefly, recovery can take longer than most organizations realize.
VividPrint™: Where Color Comes to Life
From vibrant charts and bold headlines to eye-popping photographs, a premium paper must produce premium printing performance.
Work Smarter in 2026 with Resolutions You’ll Actually Keep
The start of a new year offers a natural reset, a chance to reflect and adjust on what worked well and what didn’t in 2025. Looking ahead to 2026, many are thinking beyond personal resolutions and focusing on how to grow in their careers.
How Mentorship (and Paper) Make an Impact at Work
Mentorship can have a powerful impact on employees and company culture alike. While mentor programs are often introduced to help new hires acclimate, they’re equally powerful for ongoing employee development, retention and job satisfaction.
Boise Paper and Office Depot Help Teachers Start Proud!
At Boise Paper, we believe strong communities start with strong schools – and strong schools start with well-supported teachers. That’s why we’re proud to once again partner with Office Depot on its Start Proud! program, a back-to-school initiative designed to give educators the tools they need to create vibrant, inspiring learning environments for their students.
How to Choose the Right Paper Supplier
As fall approaches and businesses gear up for a productive final quarter of the year, it’s the perfect time to re-evaluate the office supply closet. One essential that impacts everything from everyday printing to important presentations?
4 Ways to Give Back to Your Child’s School
If your kids aren’t back in school yet, they will be soon, so it’s a great time to start thinking about how you can get involved this year. From donating supplies to joining the PTA, here are four ways that Family Education recommends giving back to your child’s school.
2025 Back-to-School Forecast
The 2025 back-to-school shopping season will begin soon as families prepare for another school year. According to PwC’s 2025 Back-to-School Survey, almost 3 out of 4 parents plan to spend the same or more than they did in 2025 on back-to-school shopping. Here are some key trends shaping this year’s back-to-school shopping season:
Six Paper Essentials for Every Office
While digital tools dominate today’s workspace, paper products still play a vital role. There is something undeniably effective and comforting about having the right paper essentials at your fingertips. Whether you’re managing meetings, creative projects or everyday tasks, these six paper-based tools help keep your office running smoothly and efficiently.
What’s Causing My Paper Jams?
In any office environment, one common frustration is dealing with paper jams, which cost valuable time and resources and can disrupt workflow. This may seem like an inevitable part of office life, but paper jams can be avoided or minimized by understanding what causes them. Here are a few factors that contribute to these issues:
How to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle at Work
April is Earth Month and there’s no better time to focus on sustainability in the workplace. Small changes in office habits can make a big impact on the environment, and businesses of all sizes can take meaningful steps to implement the three Rs – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle – into their daily operations.
6 Workplace Wellness Tips for a Healthier, More Productive You
As we approach the tail end of winter and begin to feel the first hints of spring, it’s the perfect time to refresh your approach to workplace wellness.
4 Supply Chain Trends to Watch Out for in 2025
The world of supply chains is constantly evolving, and 2025 is no exception. This year, supply chains are all about embracing smarter technologies, prioritizing sustainability, and adapting to shifting global dynamics. Here are four trends to keep an eye on this year.
Paper’s Role in a Digital Detox: Starting the New Year off Fresh
As we enter a new year, many of us feel the urge to reset and refocus, looking for ways to declutter and organize our personal and professional lives. While digital devices dominate our daily routines, the act of unplugging can provide a refreshing sense of clarity and control.
The Recycling Process: Paper vs. Plastic
While many people know the importance of recycling, fewer are familiar with the recycling process itself. Often, individuals toss their recyclables into the bin, assuming the materials undergo the same process once collected. However, once sorted, the process differs for materials such as paper and plastic so that they can be used again.
How to Overcome End-of-Year Burnout and Stay Focused
As the year winds down, many of us feel the weight of accumulated stress and fatigue, often referred to as “end-of-year burnout.” It’s a time when we juggle work deadlines, holiday preparations, and personal responsibilities.
America Recycles Day: Small Recycling Habits That Make a Big Difference
Recycling is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to protect the environment, and there’s no better time to start than on America Recycles Day (November 15).
The Role of Procurement in Promoting Sustainable Paper Practices
As businesses across industries commit to reducing their environmental footprint, procurement has emerged as a driver of sustainable practices, particularly in sourcing paper. With growing concerns about factors like deforestation and waste, procurement teams are adopting innovative approaches to ensure that the paper used by industries is produced and consumed responsibly.
How to Set Up your Desk for Maximum Productivity
Having an organized desk allows you to work with greater efficiency and focus. When items are neatly arranged and easily accessible, you won’t waste time hunting for them or wondering where they are.
How Paper Can Help You Build Stronger Customer Relationships
With emails, social media, and direct messaging dominating communication these days, it might seem counterintuitive to suggest that paper could play a significant role in building stronger customer relationships.
Boise Paper Partners with Reach Out and Read to Help Provide Books to Pediatric Care Providers
As part of its Paper with Purpose commitment to sustainability, Boise Paper supports the impactful work of Reach Out and Read, a national nonprofit dedicated to promoting early literacy and school readiness.
2024 Back-to-School Forecast
As the summer winds down and the excitement of a new school year begins, the 2024 back-to-school season is officially here. A back-to-school survey conducted by Deloitte reveals this year’s trends and trepidations. Here are some highlights:
Benefits of Using a Physical Planner to Stay Organized at School or Work
For many of us, smartphones and apps dominate our organizational tools, making the physical planner seem like a thing of the past. However, there are several reasons why using a physical planner can still benefit you in your academic or professional life:
Made in America Week: Benefits of Choosing Products Made in the USA
At Boise Paper, we take pride in celebrating Made in America Week (July 23-29), a time to recognize and appreciate the value of American-made products. As a leading producer of high-quality paper products, we are proud to manufacture all of our products right here in the USA.
Navigating Today’s Supply Chain Challenges
Today’s supply chain faces a variety of challenges, and navigating them effectively is crucial for maintaining efficiency, competitiveness, and customer satisfaction. Here are some of the biggest challenges in today’s business landscape:
The History of Paper Production
At Boise Paper, we’re proud to be part of a rich tradition that spans millennia. The story of paper production is one of innovation, perseverance and transformation.
Work Smarter Not Harder: Apps to Help Balance Work and Life
Finding a balance between work and personal life can often feel like an impossible goal. With the constant demands of work, coupled with personal responsibilities and the pull of digital distractions, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But thankfully, there are plenty of apps designed to help you work smarter, not harder, and reclaim control over your time and energy.
The Latest Sustainability Trends in the Paper and Packaging Industry
As consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their choices, industries are under pressure to adopt more eco-friendly practices. Among these, the paper and packaging industry stands out for its significant potential and effort to make positive strides toward sustainability.
ProjectUP™ Helps the Planet, People, and Economy Prosper
From local gardens to lush rainforests, trees around the world fulfill a vital role in providing the necessities of life. Not only do trees clean our air and water, but they also provide habitat for wildlife, enrich communities, and support our overall health and well-being.
How to Nail a Follow Up Interview
Getting invited for a second-round interview can be equally exciting and nerve-wracking. This means you did well in the first-round interview and the company is seriously considering you. The key to calming any pre-interview nerves is being prepared! So before your follow-up interview, think about these tips.
Earth Month: Busting Myths about Recycled Paper
Despite its many environmental benefits, recycled paper often faces misconceptions that cloud its reputation. In honor of Earth Month, let’s debunk a few of these myths below:
How-To Guide for Choosing the Right Paper for your Company’s Needs
When ordering paper for your business or team, you first need to consider your paper needs. Talk to your team about the most common things they print – personal notes, internal memos, copies, proposals, flyers, graphs and charts, etc.
Eco-Conscious Printing: How Businesses Can Contribute to Sustainable Paper Practices
In today’s world, where environmental consciousness is at the forefront of many discussions, businesses are increasingly seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt sustainable practices.
Small Business Marketing Trends for 2024
When it comes to running a small business, having a strategic marketing plan in place can make the world of a difference.
Digital vs. Paper: Striking the Right Balance in a Tech-Driven World
In a world dominated by technology, and where we embrace the convenience and efficiency of digital tools, we still often find ourselves questioning if we are sacrificing the tangible benefits of the traditional paper approach.
Supply Chain Trends to Watch for in 2024
The global supply chain industry has been gearing up for significant changes, driven by technological advancements and a commitment to overcome challenges, according to a recent article from Boss Magazine.
New Year, New Habits: 8 Productivity Habits to Adopt in 2024
Highly productive individuals have mastered completing tasks with precision and timeliness. By cultivating certain habits, you can enhance your productivity and transform your workplace performance.
What to Do Before Logging Off for the Holidays
The holiday season is a time for relaxation, celebration, and spending quality time with loved ones. It can be a much-needed break from the daily grind, but it can also be difficult if you’re not well-prepared.
State of the Industry: 2023 Paper Market
While inflation, supply and the COVID-19 rebound were some key factors affecting the paper industry last year, this year looked a little different. In a recent report, Fastmarkets provided insight on the current state of the paper industry and what happened throughout 2023.
The Benefits of Using a Stand-Up Desk
Between the morning and evening commutes, office meetings, and desk work, we spend many hours of each workday sitting down.
Following the Paper Trail: the Paper Recycling Process Explained
America Recycles Day, celebrated annually on November 15, is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States. Its purpose is to educate and encourage individuals on how to be more mindful of what they consume, where and how to properly recycle, and to pledge to recycle more and recycle right in their everyday lives.
The Circular Economy and the Sustainability of Paper Products
As American consumers grow more conscious of the environmental consequences of products they buy, a significant disparity still exists between their perceptions and the actual sustainability of paper products.
The Power of Handwritten Thank-You/Appreciation Notes
As National Boss’s Day approaches on October 16th, there’s no better time to explore the power of handwritten thank-you and appreciation notes.
Employees and Technology Drive Evolving Office Culture
The workforce is evolving as office culture changes and adapts to the ideas and values of the 21st century. Technological advancements, a growing emphasis on work-life balance, and the aftermath of a global pandemic have all played a role in reshaping the way people work and interact in professional settings.
Building Strong Relationships with Paper Suppliers: Key Tips for Effective Procurement
For any business, establishing and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers is crucial for ensuring a smooth and efficient supply chain. Whether your business relies on paper for packaging, printing or other essential operations, forming a solid partnership with your paper supplier can help keep your business running efficiently.
How to Avoid Paper Jams
One of the most frustrating experiences when printing or copying is when you encounter a paper jam. Not only does it disrupt workflow, but it also wastes time and resources. To help avoid paper jams and keep your printing and copying processes running smoothly, here are a few useful tips.
Back-to-School: Five Key Considerations for Sourcing Paper for the Education Industry
Even in today’s technology-driven world, paper remains an essential component in educational settings. Here are five factors to keep top-of-mind when sourcing paper for the education industry for this coming school year.
Creating a Positive Remote Culture
Working remotely offers numerous benefits, such as increased flexibility and improved work-life balance, but it also presents unique challenges for managers aiming to foster a positive company culture.
How to Prepare for (and Nail) your Next Performance Review
Performance reviews are an important part of professional development. They provide an opportunity for employees to receive feedback on their work and set goals for future growth. However, performance reviews can be nerve-wracking if you’re not adequately prepared.
Five Industries That Should Rely on Premium Paper to Look Their Best
Printing on premium paper can help enhance the visual appeal and professional quality of documents for a variety of industries. Here are five industries that could benefit from using premium paper:
Tips for Reducing Paper Waste by Optimizing Printing
Printing is a common and sometimes essential part of our daily work routine, but it can also be a large source of paper waste in the home or office. The good news is that with a few simple changes, you can optimize your printing practices and reduce paper waste. Here are four tips to help you get started.
A Professional’s Guide to Writing Emails
According to Oberlo, over 347 billion emails will be sent and received per day in 2023. That’s a lot of digital communication! For many people in the workforce, sending emails has become second nature.
How Employees and Companies Can Prioritize Mental Health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while we often address mental health in our personal lives, it’s a less common topic in the workplace. Since the onset of COVID, the expectation for companies to address mental health has increased.
3 Things You’ve Never Considered About Paper
Paper is just paper, right? Well, not quite. Paper is an essential part of our lives, providing us with the ability to express ideas, organize thoughts, and communicate with others. The role it plays is big, but smaller details can often be overlooked.
5 Ways to Support Small Businesses
National Small Business Week (April 30 – May 6, 2023) has been celebrated in the U.S. for more than 50 years and recognizes the critical contributions of American entrepreneurs and small business owners.
2022 Fire Impacting Recycled Paper Production
If you noticed it was harder to get recycled paper over the past several months, you weren’t alone. On Oct. 6, 2022, a large fire broke out at the Resolute Forest Products warehouse in Menominee, Michigan. Resolute – a global leader in the forest products industry, producing market pulp, paper, tissue, and wood products – is one of the largest producers of the pulp used to make recycled office paper in North America.
Women in Leadership Roles Foster Innovation, Engagement
The theme of International Women’s Day 2023 (March 8) is “Embrace Equity,” which calls on everyone to celebrate the achievement of women, raise awareness about discrimination and take action to drive gender parity.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Recycling Like a Pro
Recycling is beneficial for our communities and planet for a number of reasons. Not only does it save energy and resources, but it also reduces landfills and pollution and creates jobs.
How to Thrive at Work Through the Gloomiest Time of the Year
In many areas, January and February are the gloomiest times of the year as low temperatures, intermittent storms, seasonal illnesses, and post-holiday blues all take hold.
Four Procurement Trends to Keep Top-of-Mind in 2023
Almost three years after the onset of the pandemic, supply chains may have recovered from early pandemic hurdles, but new challenges and trends have emerged as the economy changed.
Staying Organized to Build Productivity in 2023
Many people have just one New Year’s resolution: get. more. done. Who wouldn’t want to be productive, stay organized, and lessen stress in 2023? But it’s not always easy. Productivity often means creating daily habits that require effort, consistency, planning, and using the right tools to stay organized. Here are a few to get you started.
Inflation, Supply, and the COVID-19 Rebound Impact Paper Industry in 2022
With the pandemic restrictions in place globally throughout 2020 and 2021, we faced two of the most tumultuous years in modern business history. While COVID-19 continues to be a factor, 2022 saw some businesses return to normal and others begin a new, post-pandemic phase.
How Paper Is Made: From Sustainable Forestry to Your Office Printer
Paper is an essential part of our lives, helping us solve problems, express creativity, and connect on a personal level. Most people know that paper comes from trees, but have you ever wondered just how the paper you use gets from the forest to your desk?
Tips to Reduce Waste During the Holiday Season
It’s officially the holiday season, which means gathering with loved ones for festivities, food, and fun. This season is the perfect time to celebrate and reflect on the things that are important to us, including the environment.
Get the Most Out of Color Printing
With the rise of inflation, even the smallest expenses are under scrutiny. Color ink is notorious for being expensive, but there are ways to optimize the quality and quantity of your printing. Make the most out of your ink investment with a few of these tips:
Learning with Paper in a Digital Age
Over the last decade, people of all ages and demographics have turned to remote learning and work, keeping notes online and using digital calendars and to-do lists. But for many, using pen and paper to take notes is a better way to learn and remember.
How to Store and Load Paper for Optimal Performance
At Boise Paper, we pride ourselves on providing the products you need with the service you deserve. Our paper products are rigorously tested and engineered to deliver the best results. To get the most out of your paper, follow these five steps for optimal performance.
Mentor Programs Improve Employee Experience
Mentor programs in the workplace are often used to integrate new employees into their new role. However, a mentoring program is also important for ongoing employee satisfaction and retention, as well as building an overall positive company culture.
Back-to-School Sends Parents Back-to the Wallet with Inflation, Higher Spending
After two years of ups and downs due to the pandemic, everyone hoped for a “normal” back-to-school season in 2022. However, mounting inflation has taken center stage as a new problem for parents as trends predict spending to reach new heights this year.
Value Propositions to Consider when Buying Paper
Paper is one of the most utilized tools in the workplace and is likely a large part of a business’s spending, so the price of paper is a main concern. However, price is just one component of the total cost of buying and consuming paper. Other factors that impact cost include performance, consistency, appearance, and manufacturer support.
Return on Sustainability: The Value and ROI of Sustainable Procurement
For many years, companies have focused sustainability efforts around their own carbon footprint, but today they have shifted their attention to the entire life cycle of their product or service.
Seven procurement trends to consider in 2022
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chains have faced unprecedented challenges at every step of the process. Logistical problems have affected multiple industries, and regardless of your specific sector of business, challenges and accompanying trends are expected to continue.
Complying with the Made in USA Standard
Over the years, the rules for what can be claimed as a product made in the U.S. has changed. Originally, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said that the product had to be completely made in the U.S. or close to it.
Value of Sustainable Procurement Practices
Since sustainability is still relatively new to procurement practices, the ability to express these benefits in financial terms is one of the key drivers needed to make a case for implementing sustainable practices into business models.
Is Your Sustainable Procurement Program Oriented Toward Outcome and Impact?
Our society, planet, and markets are changing at a rapid rate, so we must ask ourselves if the sustainable efforts we’re making now are enough.
Why Should You Choose a Sustainable Procurement Strategy?
As the conversation around “going green” and sustainability continues to evolve, consumers and businesses alike are forced to look at the role we play in this. For consumers, that often means taking a deeper look into the business you’re buying from.
Five Key Supply Chain and Transportation Considerations for Paper Selection
A guide to the five key factors you should consider when evaluating the supply chain and customer service capabilities of your paper supplier. You know making the right paper sourcing decision is not just about selecting the product, but also finding a good fit with the company behind it.
Four Powerful Benefits of Supply Chain Collaboration
Collaboration between business partners happens organically after spending enough time together, allowing them to harmonize quality production and ethical working standards. Similarly, supply chain collaboration is when autonomous businesses begin working together to improve operations in their supply chain.
Measuring Sustainability. Creating Value.
While implementing sustainable practices within a business can be challenging, leaders are starting to see that improving ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategies can increase the performance of their business!
Sourcing for Sustainability: How to Evaluate a Paper Manufacturer’s Sustainability Practices
The first step to understanding your manufacturer’s commitment to sustainability is to check for third-party certification, which in the forest products industry are the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI), the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
A Supply Management View of Sustainability
As sustainability continues to become a driving force for companies, it’s important to understand the extent of the efforts being taken by companies across the United States. Many companies and organizations have sustainability goals set in order to meet stakeholder and customer expectations.
Sustainable Procurement Barometer 2021
Over the past decade, businesses have been feeling the pressure to move toward more sustainable practices. With the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, many were forced to re-examine their supply chains.
Supply Chain Optimization: Levers for Rapid EBITDA
Even though supply chains are at the core of moving physical goods within and between companies, they represent one of the largest unaddressed cost blocks.
Internal Memo or Important Presentation? Get the Right Paper for Your Job
All office papers may look the same at a glance, but there is a lot to learn when it comes to which paper is right for your needs. Simply put, different types of documents call for different paper. Since no one sheet fits every project, we’ve compiled a list of paper attributes to consider when looking for the right paper for the job.
Cost Efficiency Drives Value for Procurement Organizations
Cost reduction is at the top of the agenda for any business, according to an article by The Hackett Group titled, “Achieving Procurement Excellence in the Age of Digital Disruption.” The report highlights five key areas of development that procurement organizations need to address to deliver new value and higher efficiency:
Why “Made in the USA” is an Environmental Choice
For decades, Boise Paper has been made right here in the United States. But why is “Made in the USA” an important distinction when shopping for paper? Here are some of the reasons why U.S.-made paper is a more environmentally friendly option than imported products.
The Diminishing Effect of Buying Imports VS Investing in U.S. Made
Manufacturing goods here in the U.S. also affects many local businesses and people. The return of the dollar spent on American goods and manufacturing is $2.89. When we use our money to keep investing in products made in the U.S., it compounds and helps the businesses all around us.
How to Stand Out During the Virtual Hiring Process
The COVID-19 pandemic and the “Great Resignation” have altered employee expectations in many ways, and companies are reevaluating internal communications practices in response.
How to Evaluate Sustainable Paper Options
Did you know not all sustainable products are created equal? Every month more brands pop up claiming to be more sustainable. Unfortunately, sustainability can be a complex topic that many customers don’t fully understand. When it comes to paper, some think “sustainable” and “recycled” are the same thing, but they’re not.
Snagging Top Talent in a Difficult Job Market
The “Great Resignation” is real, and many employers are struggling to fill vacant roles as competition for talent is more intense than ever.
Employee Expectations Drive Changes in Internal Communications
The COVID-19 pandemic and the “Great Resignation” have altered employee expectations in many ways, and companies are reevaluating internal communications practices in response.
2022 Supply Chain Outlook and Trends
Last year was difficult for everyone – including the supply chain and logistics industries. The world faced historic supply chain congestion, labor shortages, and high inflation. There is hope 2022 will see infrastructure, prices, and consumer demand begin to stabilize, but there are also a lot of headwinds. Keeping an eye on supply and demand trends can help companies position themselves for success.
Three Types of Paper Every Business Should Stock
Finding the best paper options for your office can be a challenging task. Every office should stock a variety of paper types to ensure the quality of the finished print aligns with your project needs. Here are some paper types to consider when stocking up at work or at home
Five Tips to Master Virtual Leadership
Being a good leader in the workplace is challenging, but managing remote workers adds a whole new set of difficulties. COVID-19 accelerated the trend towards remote and hybrid work situations – and it looks like regular collaboration with remote teammates is here to stay.