As part of Marchโs Paper of the Month, we are highlighting Gmund Used, a distinctive line of recycled cardstock that blends sustainability with beauty. Created at the renowned Gmund Paper Mill in Germany, this eco-conscious collection proves that recycled paper can be both visually striking and exceptionally versatile.
Designers, stationers, and packaging professionals often turn to Gmund Used for projects that require both environmental responsibility and refined aesthetics. Its vibrant colors, smooth matte surface, and substantial weight make it suitable for everything from luxury invitations and stationery to packaging, art prints, and creative paper crafts.
In this guide, weโll explore what makes this paper unique, how itโs produced, the colors available, and the types of printing and finishing techniques that work best. Weโll also share helpful printing tips along with answers to some frequently asked questions so you can confidently decide if Gmund Used is the right choice for your next project.
And of course, one of its biggest advantages remains simple: itโs both recycled and recyclable.
About Gmund Used Recycled Cardstock
For anyone who prioritizes sustainability, Gmund Used stands out as an exceptional choice. This designer recycled paper collection is produced entirely from reclaimed fibers, giving discarded materials a second life as premium cardstock.
The composition reflects that commitment to resource reuse. Approximately 80% of the fiber comes from post-consumer waste, such as recycled paper that has already served its original purpose. The remaining 20% comes from packaging scraps generated directly at the Gmund Paper Mill, which are reprocessed instead of being discarded.
By transforming previously used fibers into high-quality paper, the collection highlights how thoughtful manufacturing can reduce waste without sacrificing beauty or performance. The result is a refined recycled cardstock that performs just as well as many traditional designer papers while supporting responsible production practices.
Gmund Used is also created using several sustainability-focused principles:
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- No additional trees are harvested to produce this collection.
- Cutting waste and recovered office paper are upcycled into premium paper.
- Made from 80% post-consumer waste and 20% post-industrial waste.
- Paper fibers can typically be recycled and reused up to seven times.
The collection is offered as a heavyweight 111 lb cover (300 gsm) cardstock, which provides a sturdy feel ideal for invitations, packaging, and professional stationery. In addition, many colors are available as pre-cut cards and specialty shapes, making it easy to create polished projects without extra trimming.
Matching Euro flap envelopes are also available in Used 3, allowing designers to build coordinated invitation suites and stationery sets.
Gmund Used Envelopesย |ย ย Gmund Used Cardsย |ย Gmund Used Cardstock Paper
Thoughtfully Manufactured with Sustainability in Mind
Recycled content is only one part of the story. The production process behind Gmund Used also reflects a broader commitment to responsible manufacturing.
This paper carries several environmental certifications and sustainability initiatives, including:
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- Cradle to Cradle Certifiedยฎ Silver: A globally recognized standard for safe and sustainable products manufactured for the circular economy
- Electricity needed for the production is made by hydropower
- CO2 Neutral: Unavoidable CO2 emissions are 100% offset by by Gmundโs support of wind energy projects around the world
- FSCยฎ certified
Because of these practices, Gmund Used has become a natural choice for designers, stationers, packaging specialists, and crafters who want their projects to reflect environmentally conscious values.
10 Unique Colors – Recycled Matte Paper by Gmund
One of the most interesting features of this collection is its color system. Instead of traditional color names, each shade is identified by a number. This simple numbering approach reflects the raw, material-driven nature of the collection.
Gmund Used is available in 10 vibrant yet natural colors. The palette draws inspiration from the environment, with tones reminiscent of deep evergreen forests, spring florals, water, and open skies. Each sheet features aย matte finish that feels refined while still highlighting the authenticity of recycled fibers.
Because the paper contains reclaimed materials, you may notice small speckled variations from sheet to sheet. These subtle flecks are a natural characteristic of recycled paper and serve as a visible reminder of the fibersโ previous life. Rather than a flaw, these variations add texture and personality that many designers appreciate.
To explore the palette more closely, consider ordering the Gmund Used Swatch Book, or try a selection of Gmund Used Color Deck to experience the colors in person.
Best Uses for Gmund Used Cardstock Paper
Thanks to its sturdy weight and smooth matte surface, Gmund Used works beautifully with a wide range of printing and finishing techniques. Many designers appreciate how well it performs across both modern and traditional processes.
We’ve found that the following printing and finishing methods work beautifully on this collection of fine papers:
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- Offset
- Digital
- Letterpress
- Silk-screen
- Blind embossing
- Hot foil stamping
- Paper etching
- Die cutting
These methods allow creators to produce everything from wedding invitations and event stationery to premium packaging, presentation folders, and artistic paper goods.
If you prefer a professional finish, you can also explore LCI Paperโs custom printing and finishing services, which provide expert support for all your projects.
Printing Tips for Gmund Used Cardstock
Before printing on any heavyweight cardstock, it helps to take a few preparation steps to ensure the best results.
Before You Start
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- First, review your printerโs manual to confirm that it can handle 111 lb (300 gsm) cardstock, as some consumer printers have lower weight limits.
- If possible, test a sample sheet before ordering a full pack. Sampling allows you to evaluate color, texture, and printer compatibility without risking a full batch.
- It also helps to store your paper in a stable environment. Excess heat or humidity can cause slight curling along the edges, which may affect feeding during printing.
For special advice and recommendations on offset printing, please review Gmundโs Used Printing Guide.
Paper weight plays an important role in print performance as well. Heavier cardstock like Gmund Used tends to hold ink more evenly and delivers a substantial, high-quality feel that works especially well for invitations, business cards, and premium stationery.
Tips for Printing
When you begin printing, a few small adjustments can make a noticeable difference:
- Adjust Printer Settings: Before printing, confirm you have the correct settings for your print size, orientation, and color settings.
- Pro Tip: Set the paper type to โHeavy,โ โCardstock,โ or โPhoto Paperโ so the printer raises the print head (platen gap) and prevents smudging.
- Choose High Print Quality: Select โBestโ or โHighโ quality for sharper, more consistent results.
- Run a Test Print: Print one sheet first to check alignment, color, and ink coverage before printing your full set.
- Feed One Sheet at a Time: Thick cardstock feeds more reliably when loaded one sheet at a time, helping prevent jams and misfeeds.
- Use the Rear Feed Tray: If available, use a rear or manual feed tray so the paper travels on a straighter path with less bending.
- Allow Ink to Dry: Allow for sufficient time for your ink to dry (For inkjet prints, dry for 5โ15 minutes before handling. For heavy ink coverage, allow up to 24 hours for a full cure).
- Print with the Grain: Print parallel to the paper grain (parallel to the paper fiber direction), especially for papers 120 gsm or heavier, to reduce jams and improve feeding.
Because Gmund Used is a recycled specialty paper, minor print variations may occur due to the natural characteristics of the fibers and matte surface. These subtle differences are normal and often contribute to the paperโs unique appearance.
Click here for more printing best practices for matte cardstock paper.
If you prefer not to print at home, LCI Paper also offers custom printing services for professional results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover our most asked questions and answers about Gmund Used below!
Why do we call it “Used”?ย
The name reflects the paperโs origin rather than its condition. Gmund Used is produced by reclaiming and reprocessing paper fibers from multiple recycled sources, giving them a new purpose. Despite the name, the paper itself is brand new and has never been printed on, written on, or previously circulated.
Where is Gmund Used made?ย
Gmund Used is manufactured at the Gmund Paper Mill in Germany, a historic mill known for producing innovative specialty papers while maintaining strong environmental standards.ย
How is Gmund Used made?ย
Used is made up of 100% recycled paper consisting of:
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- 80% from premium FSC Certified, recycled de-inked pulp
- 20% from packaging waste generated on site at Gmund Paper Mill
These materials are processed and refined to create high-quality cardstock with consistent color and performance.
Is Gmund Used uncoated or coated?ย
Gmund Used is an uncoated paper with a smooth matte surface. This finish gives the paper a natural look and allows printing techniques like letterpress, foil stamping, and embossing to stand out beautifully.
Do you have matching envelopes or textweight paper?ย
At this time, the Gmund Used collection stocked by LCI Paper is offered in heavyweight cover stock only. However, matching envelopes are currently available in shade Used 3. If you are looking for other Gmund products or specific paper formats, feel free to contact our team to see what options may be available.
Do you have hex codes or CMYK color codes for Gmund Used?ย
Because colors appear differently across screens and devices, precise digital values are not currently provided, but you can find a more in depth color breakdown here on by visiting Gmund Used Swatches. If you need to evaluate colors accurately, we recommend ordering samples or a Gmund Used Color Deck.
Is Used 7 a similar color to Cayenne Red?ย
Yes. Many designers find that Used 7 resembles a softer, slightly muted version of Gmund Colors No. 92 Cayenne Red, making it a great option when you want a similar tone with a more subtle presence.
Is Used 9 a close color match to Royal Blue?
Like Used 7 and Cayenne, Used 9 is a softer, more muted interpretation of Gmund Colors No. 55 Royal Blue. While Royal Blue is bold and saturated, Used 9 is a more subdued, natural blue that reflects the understated character of the Gmund Used collection.
Please note: Printing and application recommendations provided on our website serve as general guidance based on our experience and testing by our paper specialists. Because printing equipment, inks, and finishing methods vary widely, results may differ depending on individual setups and processes.
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