Joybuy Insights

Paper products: how to choose the right one for your needs in France

From hygiene and arts and crafts to packaging and organisation, paper products meet a wide range of needs. Yet product descriptions sometimes rely on vague claims such as “ultra-strong”, “eco-friendly” or “multi-purpose”, without spelling out the features that really matter.

Before you buy toilet paper, tissues, a drawing pad or disposable plates, watch out for these three common pitfalls.

Common pitfalls to avoid

  • Confusing the number of sheets with the total quantity you get: a pack of tissues may contain several boxes, while a toilet roll will often state the number of sheets per roll. Always compare the total quantity.
  • Relying on eco-friendly claims alone: “compostable”, “biodegradable” or “made from natural materials” does not necessarily mean a product is suitable for every recycling or composting scheme in France. Check its composition, the manufacturer's instructions and the rules in your local area.
  • Overlooking compatibility: thermal labels are often designed for a specific printer model. Similarly, watercolour paper or craft paper needs to suit your chosen technique; otherwise, it may buckle, absorb ink too quickly or tear.

For a more confident choice, start with how you’ll actually use the product rather than relying on a single marketing claim.

Technical features to check before you buy

1. Material and strength

For tissues and toilet paper, the number of plies generally affects comfort and strength. A three-ply paper may be thicker than a two-ply or single-ply option, but this alone isn’t enough to judge how soft or absorbent it is.

For kitchen roll, also check the sheet size, perforations and resistance to moisture. For food use, plates and napkins should be suitable for contact with food, in line with the manufacturer's information.

In the selection below, the sugarcane fibre plates have three compartments and measure 21,6 × 23,7 cm. This design can be handy for keeping a main, a side and a sauce separate at a buffet, event or takeaway. However, remember to check the recycling and composting guidance for your local area.

2. Paper weight and texture for creative activities

Paper weight, expressed in g/m², refers to the weight of the paper and gives you a first indication of its thickness. A 250 g/m² drawing pad is suitable for many dry and wet techniques, but texture and sizing also play an important part.

  • For pencil, felt-tip pen or technical pen, a smooth surface makes detailed work easier.
  • For gouache, ink or acrylic, a heavier sheet helps prevent warping.
  • For watercolour, texture and water resistance are key.
  • For corrections, look for information about absorbency and whether the surface can be worked over again, but don’t treat these as a guarantee of an artistic result.

The Clairefontaine Paint’ON and Aquapad pads available in A3 are suited to different uses: mixed media for the former, and watercolour and washes for the latter.

3. Size, compatibility and storage

A3 paper measures 29,7 × 42 cm. It gives you more room than A4 for posters, illustrations and studies, but you’ll also need somewhere suitable to store it. Take a look at our selection of A3 paper to compare different options.

For thermal labels, check at least the following:

  • compatibility with your printer model;
  • the width and length of each label;
  • the number of labels per roll;
  • the adhesive strength and storage conditions;
  • the stated resistance to oil or moisture.

Finally, store paper products somewhere dry, away from light and moisture. This applies to cardboard gift boxes, craft paper and storage accessories too.

Our recommendations for different needs

Recommended for : Beginners on a budget
CLAIREFONTAINE PaintON MIX11 27-Sheet Pad, Assorted

CLAIREFONTAINE PaintON MIX11 27-Sheet Pad, Assorted

Why it suits this type of user : This A6 pad lets you try out different colours and surfaces before investing in a larger pad. It’s ideal for students, beginners and anyone taking their first steps in drawing.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The assortment reduces the risk of buying paper that doesn’t suit your technique or preferred texture.

Main benefits and features

27 sheets in total, 250 g/m² paper, a range of colours and suitability for both dry and wet techniques.

Recommended for : Premium paper enthusiasts
CLAIREFONTAINE PaintON Glued Pad A3, 40 Sheets, 250 g

CLAIREFONTAINE PaintON Glued Pad A3, 40 Sheets, 250 g

Why it suits this type of user : Its A3 size and 250 g/m² weight give you plenty of space for illustrations, studies and mixed-media projects.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The product details specify the cellulose composition, size and paper weight, rather than relying on a vague promise of quality.

Main benefits and features

40 sheets, a very fine grain, extra-white paper and stated suitability for pencil, marker, ink, gouache and acrylic.

Recommended for : Specialist uses and frequent users
Compostable three-compartment paper plates, 50 pieces

Compostable three-compartment paper plates, 50 pieces

Why it suits this type of user : Caterers, community groups and event organisers can serve different foods on one plate at a buffet or takeaway event.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The dimensions and pack size are stated, making it easier to work out how many you’ll need for an event.

Main benefits and features

50 trays, three compartments and sugarcane fibres, as stated in the product description.

Recommended for : Families and everyday use
Purcotton cotton baby tissues

Purcotton cotton baby tissues

Why it suits this type of user : The pack of three can be handy at home, in a changing bag or when you’re out and about. According to the product description, the tissues can be used dry or wet.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The description specifies the composition and sheet size, and confirms that the tissues contain no fragrance, alcohol or softeners.

Main benefits and features

240 sheets across three packs, made from stated 100% cotton, and suitable for use dry or wet.

Looking for more options ?

We’ve put together a comprehensive list, updated in real time, of products that meet these strict selection criteria and European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about paper products

Which paper should I choose for painting and watercolour?

For watercolour, choose paper with a high weight, a suitable texture and good water resistance. The Clairefontaine Aquapad A3 pad, made from 300 g/m² natural cellulose, is described as having a medium-fine grain and being sized on both sides. For mixed media, 250 g/m² paper may be suitable, particularly for pencil, ink, gouache or acrylic.

Can you flush tissues down the toilet?

No. The product details for several options say not to flush them down the toilet, as they can cause or worsen a blockage. Put them in your household waste bin, following local guidance. Toilet paper is designed for this purpose, but use a reasonable amount and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

How should you store paper products?

Store them flat or in their packaging, somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight. This helps prevent drawing pads from warping, thermal labels from losing their stickiness and cardboard gift boxes from deteriorating. Keep paper or cardboard storage accessories away from damp rooms too, such as a poorly ventilated cellar.