Office supplies may seem like a mundane topic, pens, paper, staples etc. However, behind even the most standard of office supply, there lies an interesting fact that you probably never knew.

Paper

Reams and reams of paper are often on the top of many office supplies lists. However it is estimated that it takes 6 whole trees to make just 10 reams of paper. Poor trees - think before you print!

Pens

Barack Obama used 22 different pens to sign one health bill, one for each letter (he signed his name twice). These pens are then given to those who witnessed the signing or auctioned off as souvenirs. If he has to do this every time he signs something, just image what kind of bill the White House must rack up for pens!?

Post-it Notes

Another office staple - the post-it note has been used in various artworks since their creation. They've even taken on an electronic form with many computer systems including a post-it style sticky note so you can leave memos on your desk top.

Envelopes

Did you know there are international postal conventions that dictate the size and width of standard envelopes and post cards/ Whilst our hardworking posties will try do their best to delivery all post on time, it is thought that you have a better chance of receiving your letter if the envelope is standard sized.

Suspension Filing

This revolutionary way of storing files in a filing cabinet was created back in 1898! No inventor has managed to come up with a better method since, meaning suspension files are still widely used today. Come on, let's get our thinking caps on.......

Toner

No one actually knows what toner is. All we know is that when the printer or fax states that it is low on toner, it's time to get a fresh order of office supplies in. Toner is in fact a powder that is used to form the initial outline of the printed text and images. So you can have all the ink in the world, but without toner, you're going nowhere

Correction Fluid

This nifty little invention is an office supplies must for those who want to disguise their mistakes. One office recently reported that their workers were going through 10 litres of correction fluid over a 12 month period. Now that's a lot of mistakes!

Paper Clips

The paper clip was originally created in 1867, for the use of attaching things to fabric - so next time you treat yourself to a rather large lunch and have the misfortune of popping a button on your skirt/trousers, a paperclip will be your saviour.