5 Sustainable Printing Practices for Your Business

Now is the perfect time to transition to more sustainable printing practices. Businesses across industries consume over six million tonnes of paper each year, yet only 25% of that paper is recycled. By adopting more eco-friendly printing habits, your company can make a significant environmental impact. Keep reading to discover simple yet effective ways to reduce your printing footprint.

The Environmental Impact of Printing

Printing has a significant environmental impact, relying on non-renewable resources such as paper and energy. The process also generates substantial waste, contributing to climate change. Here are a few examples of how printing harms the environment:

• Emissions of air pollutants during paper production

• Paper waste that ends up in landfills instead of recycling bins

• Improper disposal of ink and toner, which contain harmful chemicals that pose risks to wildlife

You have the power to reduce your company’s environmental impact by adopting sustainable printing practices. Here are five easy steps you can implement right now.

1. Double-Check Your Files Before Printing

How often do you review your files before hitting print? Failing to proofread and fix errors can lead to unnecessary reprints, wasting both resources and money. Take a few extra moments to review your work carefully before printing.

Pro Tip: Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it’s often worth checking again. Look for spelling and grammatical mistakes, verify your data, and ensure any images you use are license-free.

2. Choose Recycled Paper

Another simple yet effective way to make your printing more sustainable is by using recycled paper. For documents that are strictly for internal use, opt for scrap paper or single-sided paper that’s been discarded. This not only reduces waste but also gives new life to old materials.

Pro Tip: Instead of shredding one-sided paper, keep it near the printer for reuse. It’s a simple but impactful step toward reducing paper waste in your business.

3. Consolidate Your Print Vendors

Many businesses order their printed materials from various suppliers, resulting in multiple shipments and often excess stock. This practice not only wastes resources but also increases your carbon footprint.

Consider consolidating your print orders with fewer vendors to reduce waste and shipping emissions. Streamlining your supply chain can save money and improve sustainability.

Pro Tip: Ask your supplier if they offer soy-based inks as an alternative to petroleum-based options. These plant-based inks are more environmentally friendly, often cost less, and deliver brighter, more vivid prints.

4. Implement FollowMe Printing

FollowMe printing, also known as pull printing, is an efficient and eco-friendly solution that reduces waste. With FollowMe printing, your print jobs are sent to a server, and you can choose which printer to use based on availability. This reduces instances where documents are printed to the wrong device, preventing unnecessary waste.

Pro Tip: Invest in multifunction printers that can handle copying, scanning, faxing, and printing. This ensures that whichever printer you choose within the FollowMe system can accommodate any task, making your workflow more efficient.

5. Transition to Digital Document Storage

If your business is still relying on physical filing cabinets to store documents, it’s time to consider going digital. Managing files digitally not only reduces paper waste but also improves organization, security, and accessibility.

Pro Tip: Once you’ve implemented a digital document management system, you can recycle your old paper files, turning them into eco-friendly printing materials.

Conclusion

Transitioning to sustainable printing practices doesn’t require drastic changes but rather small, consistent steps that can make a big difference. By double-checking your files, choosing recycled paper, consolidating print vendors, implementing FollowMe printing, and shifting to digital document storage, you can significantly reduce your company’s environmental impact.