You never would’ve believed the major shift in office life a decade ago. But remote and hybrid working is the new normal. With that shift, every part of the traditional workplace has had to evolve. That even includes the office supply market. So, how is the shift to remote and hybrid work impacting the office supply market? Let’s break down the changes. In this blog, we’ll look at what’s fading, what’s growing, and what’s next for the office supply industry.

 

Communal Office Cupboards to Home Workstations

Do you remember when bulk stationery cupboards filled with packs of paper, pens, staplers, and markers were a thing? Now that a large percentage of employees work from home, the office supply purchasing model has had to change dramatically.

Instead of orders being delivered to an office headquarters, there’s been a shift to shipping some stationary supplies to employee home addresses. Suppliers are adapting to cater to decentralised buyers.

This shift has also made a difference to priorities. Employees are starting to need products that are compact and practical for home, rather than items that are made for sharing in the office.

Demand For Traditional Office Supplies Isn’t Disappearing

So, how is the shift to remote and hybrid work impacting the office supply market? Well, some people would assume that digital collaboration tools would kill demand for traditional office supplies. But that isn’t the case. Instead, employee needs are shifting:

Declining Demand

• Bulk Printer Paper
• Filing Cabinets
• Desk Accessories
• Office Furniture Sets

Rising Demand

• Premium Paper for Home Printers
• Desktop Organisers
• Ergonomic Equipment
• Adjustable desks and chairs

These office supplies are still relevant but they’re just more individualised rather than institutional.

Tech And Ergonomics Lead the Purchasing List

When the shift to working from home came during COVID-19, most people relied on kitchen tables and dining chairs for their new workspace. But as remote work became the new norm, it has pushed businesses to focus more on employee comfort, wellbeing and productivity. Hybrid and remote companies now appear to be investing in:

• Ergonomic chairs
• Sit–stand desks
• Footrests, monitor arms and wrist supports
• Second and third monitors

 The office supply market now appears to overlap with the tech and ergonomics sectors. Employees are starting to expect employers to help create a professional workspace wherever they work.

Sustainability Is on The Rise

As companies start to rethink their priorities when purchasing office supplies, sustainability is now an expectation. Remote and hybrid teams are usually more environmentally conscious buyers. One of the reasons for this is that people want products that feel good to use and support ethical values. Businesses are also starting to integrate sustainability into their brand identity. New procurement policies reflect this.

As a result of this, suppliers are responding by offering more:

• Recycled notebooks and printer paper
• Zero-waste or recyclable packaging
• Refillable pens
• Sustainable furniture materials

Part of this shift is the thought behind how certain office supplies are disposed of as sustainability becomes a larger factor. Repairability and recyclability are becoming huge selling points.

Hybrid Work Creates Parallel Office Spaces

Something that has emerged from the work from home shift is that hybrid employees usually duplicate their tools. They have one set at home and one set at the office. This suggests that demand hasn’t just shifted, but in some cases it has multiplied.

Businesses have started to think about keeping the office stocked up, but not as heavily as before. Many even allocate annual supplies budgets for remote workers..

What’s Next for Employers and Office Supply Vendors

The switch to hybrid and remote work is creating a shift in mindset. Rather than treating supplies as a basic thing, organisations are treating them as part of a talent, productivity and wellbeing strategy.

For office supply vendors, the new market could see a shift to:

• More product personalisation
• Flexible fulfilment and delivery
• Sustainability credentials
• Subscription or employee-allowance programmes

The companies that adapt the fastest will become a strategic partner rather than just a supplier.

Where Is the Office Supply Market Heading Next?

So, what are the trends that are going to be gaining traction? It’s likely that people want to see supplies that allow them to work from anywhere. Whether that's compact monitors, mobile laptop stands or lightweight keyboards.

It’s also possible that employees would like to choose their own office supplies within their corporate allowance. In addition to this, quick ordering systems linked to office supply portals are wanted for ease.

Finally, employees like seeing tools that support their wellbeing at work to create a more comfortable space. There’s a push for smarter workspaces; whether that’s at home or at the office.

Supplies are no longer just about stocking up a desk; they’re about equipping people to do their best work in any environment.

How Is the Shift to Remote and Hybrid Work Impacting the Office Supply Market at Polycopy

So, how is the shift to remote and hybrid work impacting the office supply market? There’s loads of changes happening.

It’s changing what people buy, how and why they buy it, ad how much of it. The old way of bulk purchasing is giving way to a more flexible, personalised, and sustainability-conscious model. As a result of this, the office supply market is evolving to become more innovative than ever.

As work continues to change, the tools we rely on will keep changing too. And for office supply businesses ready to embrace that change, the opportunities are bigger than ever. That’s why you can rely on us here at Polycopy.

If you’re in need of any supplies, whether you work in an office or at home, browse our website or get in touch with us today. We’d be happy to help with all your stationary needs.

From kitchens to workshops, one simple tool keeps UK workplaces clean and safe: centrefeed blue roll. Strong, absorbent, and versatile, it’s essential for maintaining hygiene in high-traffic environments.

What Is Centrefeed Blue Roll?

A durable, absorbent paper roll used in dispensers or by hand. Its blue colour helps prevent cross-contamination in food prep areas.

Why It’s Essential

Blue roll tackles:

• Spills in kitchens and workshops
• Wiping desks and counters
• Cleaning machinery and tools
• Removing grease and oils

Quick, disposable cleaning that supports hygiene standards across schools, hospitals, and businesses.

Quality Matters

Premium rolls are laminated and embossed for:

• Better absorbency and strength
• Less tearing and waste
• Improved hygiene and efficiency

Cheap alternatives cost more in the long run.

Sustainable Options

Eco-friendly blue rolls made from recycled materials help businesses:

• Reduce carbon footprint
• Support responsible forestry
• Minimise waste

Choose 100% recycled rolls for sustainability without compromise.

Why Every Business Needs It

Centrefeed blue roll ensures compliance, cleanliness, and safety. For quick, effective cleaning, investing in high-quality, sustainable rolls is a smart move.

👉 View our range: Click here

At Polycopy, we’ve always believed that colour and sustainability can work beautifully together. That’s why we’re pleased to share some good news — the much-loved Kaskad range of coloured papers, made by Lessebo Paper, is now produced with an even lighter environmental footprint.

Lessebo Paper has recently completed a major upgrade of its boiler system, part of a long-term programme to strengthen sustainable production and reduce emissions. This investment has improved energy efficiency, lowered waste, and ensured the mill can continue producing premium-quality paper with one of the smallest carbon footprints in the industry.

According to Göran Johansson, Chairman of the Board at Lessebo Paper, the upgrade marks “an important step towards our long-term sustainability goals.” The new boiler technology optimises energy use and reinforces the company’s position as one of the world’s most environmentally responsible paper manufacturers.

Sustainability has always been central to Lessebo’s approach. Each improvement to its production site in southern Sweden reflects a genuine commitment to continuous environmental progress — not just meeting regulations but going far beyond them.

The result for customers is simple: Kaskad coloured paper retains the same high standard, vibrant tones, and professional finish, but it’s now created through an even cleaner, greener process.

If you’re curious about how coloured paper continues to add value in modern offices and creative environments, take a look at our insight on the uses for coloured paper in business

 

 

For purchasing teams in the manufacturing sector, the pressure to deliver cost savings, compliance, and visibility across spend has never been greater. As supply chains grow more complex and operational expectations tighten, many organisations are turning to Coupa, a powerful Business Spend Management (BSM) platform designed to transform how companies source, order, and manage supplier relationships.

But what does that actually mean for procurement teams working at site level? And how can Coupa help operations run smoother without adding layers of bureaucracy?

Let’s break it down.

What Is Coupa — and Why Is It Relevant?

At its core, Coupa is a cloud-based platform that brings together procurement, invoicing, expenses, and supplier management in one system. It allows purchasing departments to manage budgets, authorise spending, and maintain compliance—all while keeping an eye on real-time data.

For manufacturing environments, where margins are often tight and operational continuity is key, that level of control can be game-changing. By integrating Coupa into daily workflows, businesses can avoid off-contract spending, simplify approvals, and ensure every pound spent delivers measurable value.

Bridging the Gap Between Procurement and Operations

Too often, there’s a disconnect between the central procurement function and the people actually placing orders on the ground. Coupa helps bridge that gap. With supplier catalogues, automated workflows, and intuitive dashboards, teams at all levels—from plant managers to administrators—can purchase approved items quickly and in full compliance with company policy.

This is particularly useful in sectors where time-sensitive orders for tools, consumables, or site equipment can’t wait for back-and-forth emails. With Coupa, those items can be sourced from pre-approved suppliers directly through the system, reducing friction and speeding up fulfilment.

Real-World Example: Coupa in Action

Consider a mid-sized manufacturing site needing to restock ergonomic office furniture for a newly extended office space. Rather than sourcing items manually and going through multiple layers of approval, the purchasing team logs into Coupa, selects a supplier already integrated with the platform—such as Polycopy—and places the order. The system automatically handles approval routing, budget checks, and order confirmation, cutting admin time and keeping the process fully auditable.

Working with Coupa-Integrated Suppliers

One of Coupa’s strengths is its ability to seamlessly connect buyers with suppliers. That’s where choosing the right supplier becomes crucial. Suppliers like Polycopy, already integrated with Coupa, ensure that the procurement process is smooth from start to finish.

Whether you’re sourcing office furniture, workplace consumables, or day-to-day operational supplies, working with a Coupa-integrated supplier means fewer delays, better spend visibility, and a simplified supply chain.

Ready to Optimise Your Spend Management?

If your team already uses Coupa—or is planning to adopt it—make sure your suppliers are keeping pace. At Polycopy, we’re fully integrated with the Coupa platform, offering a wide range of products through a compliant, streamlined process.

Get in touch to see how we can help simplify your ordering through Coupa.

At Polycopy, we work closely with companies that want to keep control of their spend—without slowing down day-to-day ordering. That’s why we’ve developed a web ordering system that’s designed to be both simple and smart.

Here’s how it works: your team can access your usual products and build their orders online, but nothing gets sent to Polycopy until it’s approved by someone you’ve chosen. This gives you complete oversight, while still allowing your colleagues to browse and select what they need.

Rather than having to check every order line by line, you can approve or reject with a click. It’s efficient, and it helps prevent unplanned purchases from slipping through.

For companies that need stricter controls, we can go even further. Some of our customers use pre-approved product lists, which means only selected items can be added to the basket in the first place. This is ideal if you want to stick to a set budget or ensure consistency across locations.

These features are just one example of how Polycopy adds real, practical value to our customers. We don’t just deliver stationery, paper and print—we help teams work better, faster, and with fewer surprises.

If this sounds like something that could help your business, we’d be happy to show you how it works. Just ask for a short Teams call, and we’ll give you a quick demo.

Let’s make ordering simple again.

 

 

Do you have web access? check here 

Although many people ask for an 80gsm paper, they don't really know the reason why, apart from that's what they think they need.

We're here to break that myth.

 

When people ask for an 80gsm paper, what they actually want is the perceived properties of 80gsm paper. 

Our customers want runnability (i.e., it goes through the machine without jamming, providing a consistent finish every time)

They want a great whiteness - rather than a grey or beige paper that many perceive as cheap and low quality

Opacity - many schools like being able to print on both sides of the paper - it's more environmentally friendly, cost effective and handy for booklet making and other print jobs. Due to the various coatings and finishes available, a 70gsm paper can easily perform as well as an 80gsm.

And finally, stiffness. High-output machines are more susceptible to changes in paper stiffness. Too rigid (like card) and the paper won't go through the machine. Too floppy and it will jam the machine. An easy way to test stiffness is to put 2 different sheets side by side - the more floppy, the less rigid the paper is! 

 

The point is 80gsm is no longer a sign of quality. The things that determine a paper's quality are Runnability, Whiteness, Opacity and Stiffness. 

 

We provide many eco-friendly papers with great whiteness, ranging from FSC® registered papers with fantastic sustainability credentials through to recycled papers. 

Check out our range here, or get in touch to discuss your requirements. 

 

Ever wondered if you're really getting the most out of your chair? Wonder no more! We've put together a comprehensive guide that covers all mainstream chair adjustment types.
Standard Controls These controls are fitted as standard to most task chairs.
	Front Lever: Seat Height The ideal height is so that your legs are at an angle of just over 90°
	Back Lever: Back Angle Lock in the preferred position, ideally vertical
Optional Extras Some task chairs have additional controls that allow you to adapt your chair even more!
	Middle Lever: Seat Angle Lock in the preferred position, typically horizontal
	Seat Slide Lift the lever, slide the seat forward or backwards until there's a 3-finger gap between the back of knee and the front edge of the seat
	Adjustable Arms Adjust the height until your arm is bent at an angle of around 90°.
	Ratchet Back To adjust the back height, lift the back up to the desired height. To return to the lowest setting, lift the back up as high as possible, and left it fall back to the bottom.
	Inflatable Lumbar Support Squeeze the balloon to inflate the lumbar support, press the button to deflate it.
	Positive Posture To inflate the base, press the button under the front right of the chair when not sitting down. To deflate the base, sit on the chair and press the button.

 

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Don't forget the accessories that make work life  View the catalogue

 

Printable version available here

Check out our latest video on a shimmering paper that produces "Outstanding Results".