3 Ways Office Managers Can Make Printing More Environmentally Conscious

As an office manager, you’re responsible for keeping operations running smoothly—and that includes finding ways to reduce costs and improve sustainability. Office printing is often a hidden expense, but it doesn’t have to be wasteful. By making a few strategic adjustments, you can lower costs, minimize waste, and implement eco-friendly practices that benefit both your company and the environment.

Here are three key ways to make office printing more sustainable, backed by industry insights.

Industry Insight: The average office worker prints 10,000 pages per year, with nearly 45% of printed documents ending up in the trash by the end of the day (Source: Gartner). Switching to sustainable materials can significantly reduce waste.

One of the easiest ways to make office printing more environmentally friendly is to use recycled or FSC-certified paper. These paper types reduce deforestation and energy consumption during production. Additionally, opt for remanufactured ink and toner cartridges, which can be refilled and reused multiple times, keeping plastic waste out of landfills.

Industry Insight: Print-related expenses account for up to 3% of a company’s annual revenue (Source: IDC), but many offices can reduce print volumes by 20-30% just by optimizing settings and policies.

Implementing print policies can prevent unnecessary waste. For example:

Additionally, energy-efficient printers can make a significant difference. An ENERGY STAR-certified printer uses up to 30% less energy, helping to cut down on electricity bills.

Industry Insight: Over 375 million empty ink and toner cartridges are thrown away each year, with most ending up in landfills where they take 450-1,000 years to decompose (Source: EPA).

Instead of tossing used cartridges or outdated printers, establish a recycling program:

Sustainable printing isn’t just about protecting the environment—it’s also about reducing costs, improving efficiency, and streamlining office operations. By implementing greener print policies, optimizing printer use, and ensuring responsible recycling, office managers can drive long-term cost savings while making a positive environmental impact.

How is your office working toward more sustainable printing? Contact our DEXperts to find out about additional ways to make better choices that benefit both your company and the environment.