Papierretter for print shops
Reuse surplus paper from print shops before recycling: become a Papierretter partner print shop
Papierretter works with print shops that want to process their surplus paper on site before it goes for recycling — without changing their machinery, processes or suppliers. As a Papierretter print shop, you receive an additional order for this work.
All three sides benefit: the paper stays in circulation, your print shop receives an order that would not otherwise have existed, and the result is a product made from existing paper.
12.4 t
rescued paper
15
partner print shops
10,378 copies
in limited editions
Papierretter has so far rescued 12.4 tonnes of paper before recycling — material from currently 15 partner print shops. These editions reuse existing paper.
The starting point: surplus paper going for recycling
Every print shop has sheets left over: trimmings from completed print runs, misprints, sample sheets and surplus stocks of speciality papers. Too little for the next order, but suitable for direct reuse. Without this use, the surplus paper goes for paper recycling.
Paper recycling makes sense. Direct reuse, however, preserves the sheet in its existing form without first breaking it down into pulp.
The solution: circular use rather than new paper production
Papierretter takes surplus paper from currently 15 partner print shops. So far, 12.4 tonnes of paper have been rescued and turned into limited-edition pads, booklets and notebooks — giving the paper another use before recycling.
For the print shop, this means material efficiency in practice: the sheet is reused in its existing form, usually on site. No new machinery, certification or changes to existing orders are needed. This is the circular economy in day-to-day work, not just in a sustainability report.
What it means for print shops
Production stays with you — surplus paper becomes an order
An additional order
The paper is already at your premises, so you print and process it there too. Material that would otherwise have gone for recycling becomes a paid order — without having to find a new customer or set up for new stock.
Better use of machine capacity
Small print runs using surplus stock can fit into gaps in the machine schedule. Printing and finishing stay in-house, keeping the added value there too.
New customer contacts
The editions introduce brands and companies to your print shop. A surplus paper project often leads to enquiries for regular orders.
For us, this is the core of the partnership: rather than collecting the paper, we bring the order to where it already is. The surplus paper is put to use, your print shop handles production, and the result is a product made from existing paper — for example, a notebook made from surplus paper.
What a surplus paper partnership achieves
No new paper is produced for these editions: existing sheets are reused in their current form rather than being recycled first. No changes to the existing print shop are needed.
Find out more about reusing surplus paper on our business page.
Become a partner print shop in three steps
01
Tell us about your stock
Tell us the size, grammage, paper type and approximate quantity of your surplus stock. A short message with photos is enough.
02
Assess the material
We assess which sheets are suitable for pads, booklets and notebooks, and agree timing and quantities with you.
03
Process the paper
In most cases, the paper stays at your premises and is processed there. We only handle transport in exceptional cases.
Looking for a production run made from rescued paper for your company or shop, rather than a material partnership? Visit our business section — it covers commissioned production rather than passing on surplus paper.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions from print shops
What kinds of paper does Papierretter accept?
We accept unused sheets from print shops: trimmings from completed print runs, misprints, sample sheets and surplus stocks of speciality papers. Any paper that can still be made into pads, booklets or notebooks is suitable — from lightweight book papers to heavyweight fine papers.
Do I need to deliver the paper myself?
Usually not: the paper stays at your premises and is processed there. We only arrange transport in exceptional cases — and agree the timing and collection with you in advance.
Are there any costs for the print shop?
No. Passing on surplus paper is free of charge for the print shop; no new machinery, certification or changes to existing orders are needed.
How soon will I hear back?
We usually respond to your enquiry within 1–2 working days with an assessment of whether and how your material can be processed further.
Enquiry
Offer surplus paper
Send us a short message describing the material you have. We will get back to you with an assessment of whether and how it can be processed further.
hallo@papierretter.com