Harvard consumes a large amount of paper. Between its two major print and copy centers -- Harvard Printing & Publications Services (HPPS) and the Harvard Medical School Publications Office-- annual usage is believed to exceed 2,000 tons.

Several years ago, senior administrators from these two groups joined with central purchasing to form the University Paper Committee. Their goal was to negotiate better pricing from paper merchants through the power of bulk ordering. Together, they saved the University $250,000 last year. At approximately 750 tons, cut sheet (copy) paper is a big part of this volume. Bringing every office copier throughout the University and its affiliates into the picture, cut sheet paper use is estimated to be between two and three times this amount.

With 500 sheets per wrap of paper (called a ream) and 10 reams per carton, this is a potential 60,000 cartons, or 300 million sheets. While copy paper is available from office supply companies, HPPS saw an opportunity to offer a better alternative. It recently took over paper distribution from the Technology Products Center and plans on increasing its market share. Collaborating with local paper merchant Lindenmeyr Munroe, the Paper Committee, and Domtar Papers -- Canada's largest paper manufacturer -- HPPS has developed a new line of premium copy paper. Harvard Copy Paper is packaged in an attractive ream wrapper depicting Johnston Gate and a reusable storage carton emblazoned with various Harvard shields.

HPPS is offering Harvard Copy Paper as the flagship of a complete line of cut sheet paper. It is available through a variety of channels. The sales staff is seeking out bulk users to set up customized ordering, pricing, and delivery programs. Mid-volume users will be able to phone or fax orders to arrange delivery and charge the order via interdepartmental invoice. Low-volume users will be able to make I.D. and/or cash purchases at the five customer service sites. HPPS has benchmarked the competition, and is confident that its program provides a premium product at a competitive price. Current carton pricing is $3 below the price offered the University by Staples Advantage. For more information, visit a customer service site or call 495-2175.

Caption:

Watching the first skid of Harvard Copy Paper roll off Domtar's production line are Rick Joly, HPPS; Kurt Peterson, HMS Publications; Gail Meehan, Lindenmeyr Munroe and representatives of Domtar Papers.

 

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Copyright 1998 President and Fellows of Harvard College