Eco-Friendly Printing: Trends and Tips

Eco-friendly printers offer a great way to implement sustainable printing methods, from using FSC-certified paper to duplex printing. Find out how eco-friendly printing practices such as digital printing technology and cloud-based workflows can help organizations cut costs, lower emissions, and reduce waste. 

In today’s world, sustainability initiatives such as eco-friendly printing are not a “nice-to-have”; they’re crucial in keeping your business relevant and compliant. Adopting these practices can help businesses bolster their brand identity, comply with modern green standards, and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

In this blog, we’ll delve into eco-friendly printing, some sustainable printing solutions, and how to choose the right printers for your office.

Why Eco-Friendly Printing Matters More Than Ever

The pulp and paper industry is the fourth-largest industrial energy user globally, responsible for about 9% of greenhouse gas emissions from global manufacturing. In Canada, the average office worker still uses roughly 10,000 sheets of paper annually. Adopting sustainable printing methods can help reduce this environmental footprint.

By choosing to go green or adopt environmentally friendly printing practices, enterprises can benefit both the environment and themselves. They:

• reduce carbon emissions
• minimize waste
• comply with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals
• save on ink and paper costs

Your sustainable practices build your identity as a green brand committed not only to profit but also to the environment. It shows your current and potential employees and clients the quality of care you can provide.

Trends in Sustainable Printing Methods and Technology

While not often discussed, sustainability in the print world has led to massive changes in how companies have handled their printing needs over the last decade. Businesses today can easily access sustainable printing practices and smarter printing technology, unlike ever before.

1. Digital Printing: Efficiency Meets Eco-Friendliness

Digital printing is the action of printing from a digital image or text using a digital press. It has revolutionized the way things are produced nowadays. Compared to traditional methods, digital printing: 

• Consumes lesser energy
• Supports on-demand printing
• Reduces waste otherwise generated from plates or sheets
• Reduces the use of harmful solvents and chemicals

Specially useful for print shops, small businesses, and marketing teams, digital printers help users avoid overproduction and inventory waste.

2. Cloud-Based Printing Technology and Remote Workflows

With more companies adopting hybrid and remote work models, cloud printing has emerged as a key solution for eco-friendly printing practices. The cloud-based printing technology:

• Reduces the number of unnecessary print jobs
• Allows people to access documents remotely
• Dramatically cuts the need for physical storage

Platforms like Google Workspace, Dropbox, and Microsoft offer cloud capabilities that can be easily integrated with modern printers, helping users review, route, or approve print jobs seamlessly.

Learn more: Cloud Printing Solutions: 9 Factors to Consider

3. Eco-Friendly Printers Are Becoming Standard

Eco printing is not only a trend but a necessity, and the latest lineup of eco-friendly printers from major printer manufacturers proves that. Some of the noticeable features are:

• Recycled components
• High-yield ink cartridges
• Automatic double-sided printing/duplex printing
• Efficient standby modes
• ENERGY STAR® certified

Image Source: Shutterstock

Environmentally Friendly Printing Practices You Can Adopt Today

It doesn’t take a complete overhaul of your business to start adopting practices that reduce waste. Here are some environmentally friendly printing practices you can begin with today.

Default to Duplex Printing

Duplex printing/double-sided printing allows text/images to be printed on both sides of the paper, reducing the paper consumption by 50%. No changes needed, just adjust settings.

Recycle and Choose FSC-Certified Paper

Choosing Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper is a simple yet effective way to reduce your footprint. Today, the majority of recycled paper is durable, chlorine-free, and compatible with both laser and inkjet printers.

Implement Print Rules and Quotas

Print management software can help you track down and conserve paper usage. Some applications can even visualize the high-volume jobs and colour prints to depict environmental impact.

Use Draft or Eco Mode

Modern printers come with built-in eco mode or draft mode, which significantly reduces the amount of ink used during each print job.

Consolidate Devices

Another great way to get a handle on your printing spend is to use multi-function printers (MFPs). They use less power, can print, scan, and copy, which reduces the space required and the need for three different machines. 

Encourage Digital Document Sharing

Foster a work culture where digital workflows are a significant part of employees' daily routine. They should use tools like cloud drives, PDF editors, and e-signatures instead of printing.

How to Choose the Right Eco-Friendly Printers for Your Office

Here are certain factors you should consider when making the switch to sustainable printing:

1. Choose energy-efficient printers that come with automatic sleep mode to conserve energy on standby or power down when idle.

2. Look for printers with refillable ink tanks or high-yield cartridges to reduce the total monthly/quarterly trips needed to secure toner/ink for printing requirements. 

3. Keep an eye on badges such as EPEAT certification and ENERGY STAR® to choose printers that meet efficiency and sustainability criteria.

4. Choose brands that offer cartridge recycling programs like HP and Canon.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Advanced Sustainable Printing Strategies for Larger Organizations

For enterprises and corporations, tying eco-friendly printing choices with high-volume print environments yields greater impact. 

Centralized Print Management

Organizations can use tools like uniFLOW or PaperCut to monitor print usage across the workforce and draft policies based on the analysis.

Carbon Offsetting and Reforestation

Services like PrintReleaf allow businesses from various industries to reduce paper consumption through plantation initiatives.

Lifecycle Assessments

Some vendors offer lifecycle assessments of printing requirements and infrastructure to support it. This creates new opportunities to transition away from legacy equipment to greener alternatives.

Managed Print Services

Managed print services providers help organizations streamline operations and reduce printing errors. By relying on professional printing solutions, businesses can reduce waste, avoid unnecessary reprinting, and ease the strain on resources. 

Learn more: How Managed Print Services Can Help Your Business Grow

Key Takeaways

• Printing technology has made adopting sustainable solutions easier than ever. Examples include digital printing and cloud-based platforms.

• One of the best ways to reduce environmental impact is to turn towards eco-friendly printing.

• Small changes can make a big impact. Switching to recycled paper and using double-sided printing are all great ways to reduce the carbon footprint.

• Enterprises can use print management tools to keep track of paper usage and embrace environmentally friendly printing practices.

FAQs

What is eco-friendly printing?

Eco-friendly printing refers to the use of printing technology and practices aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It involves using energy-efficient devices to pair with sustainable/recyclable materials and promotes responsible usage.

What are some environmentally friendly practices?

Some simple, environmentally friendly practices involve using FSC-certified paper, double-sided printing, recycling cartridges, reducing the number of colour prints, and promoting wireless document sharing.

What are some examples of sustainable printing methods?

Some examples of sustainable printing methods include cloud-based workflows, selecting high-yield cartridges, using duplex-printing settings, and choosing ENERGY STAR® certified products.

What is digital printing?

Digital printing uses digital files instead of traditional print-based methods to print. It allows for on-demand printing, is energy-efficient, and reduces waste production. Digital printing is ideal for low-volume, small print jobs.

What to look for when buying eco-friendly printers?

If you’re buying eco-friendly printers, go for ENERGY STAR® certified models, printers that offer duplex printing, use refillable cartridges, are compatible with recycled materials, and come with power-saving modes.

Get Expert Guidance on Sustainable Printing with INTEGR8

We at INTEGR8 strongly advocate for giving back to the community in whatever way possible. Our lineup of modern, eco-friendly printers is set to support a greener printing ecosystem and sustainability initiatives for enterprises. 

Whether you’re looking to make the switch to eco-friendly printers or have questions about yield and cost, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to go green? Contact us today for a free consultation!