Even in today’s digital-first world, printing remains an essential part of business operations — from contracts and financial reports to internal communications. But as businesses continue to rely on print, concerns about its environmental impact are growing louder.

A report by Business Waste reveals that paper accounts for more than 26% of global landfill waste, contributing to the deforestation of approximately 15 million trees each year. On top of that, traditional printers can consume up to 1,000 watts during use — that’s about the same energy as a space heater running at full power — resulting in high electricity consumption and carbon emissions.

In response, the Singapore Green Plan 2030 has introduced mandatory climate reporting starting in 2025 for listed and large non-listed companies, requiring them to meet specific environmental performance targets. It’s widely anticipated that these requirements will eventually apply to all businesses.

Many future-ready organizations aren’t waiting. Today, more than 60% of global businesses have already implemented sustainable, eco-friendly printing practices to shrink their carbon footprint, reduce waste, and stay ahead of regulatory changes.

If your business hasn’t started this journey yet, now is the time.

Sustainable vs Conventional Printing

In a commercial setting, sustainable and eco-friendly printing refers to printing practices that aim to reduce environmental impact at every stage — from the materials used to the energy consumed and the waste produced.

What sets it apart from traditional printing is a more thoughtful, resource-efficient approach. In many offices, conventional printing practices lead to unnecessary waste and high energy use, including:

• Using printers that require energy-intensive warming processes — leading to higher electricity usage and slower first-page output
• Printing single-sided — which unnecessarily doubles paper consumption
• Leaving printers on 24/7 — consuming electricity even when idle
• Using default settings without optimization — such as colour printing or high-resolution modes, which consume more ink and energy
• Relying solely on virgin paper — putting added pressure on forests and raw materials
• Printing out of habit — such as physical copies for meetings or approvals that could be handled digitally

Individually, these practices may seem minor, but collectively they lead to significant waste. Sustainable printing practices aim to reverse these habits through better practices and conscious usage, leading to a lower environmental footprint and more cost-effective operations.

Why Businesses Should Care About Sustainable Printing

Traditional printing practices carry a heavy environmental toll that businesses can no longer afford to ignore. Every sheet of paper wasted contributes directly to deforestation, and the excessive energy consumption of conventional printers adds to this burden. By continuing with outdated printing practices, companies inadvertently contribute to environmental challenges.

In addition to environmental considerations, sustainable printing offers substantial cost savings and improved operational efficiency. Printers can consume up to 10% of an office’s total power, so reducing their energy use directly lowers electricity costs. By minimizing paper waste and avoiding unnecessary printing, organizations also cut printing expenses and simplify workflows, which improves both financial outcomes and resource management.

Sustainable printing is increasingly integral to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and brand reputation. In alignment with Singapore’s Green Plan 2030, businesses are expected to demonstrate measurable progress in sustainability initiatives. Adopting eco-friendly printing practices not only ensures compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks but also enhances corporate image among stakeholders, including clients, investors, and employees.

Key Steps for Implementing Sustainable Printing at Work

Step 1: Evaluate Your Business’s Current Printing Practices

Before making any changes, it is important to first understand your company’s existing printing practices. Start by conducting an internal audit to identify common patterns like defaulting to single-sided or colour printing, or leaving printers powered on when not in use. This assessment can reveal hidden inefficiencies and areas of excessive waste. With a clear picture of current printing practices, you will be better equipped to set practical sustainability goals and take targeted steps toward more eco-friendly printing.

Step 2: Use Recycled Paper

Switching to recycled paper is one of the simplest yet most impactful steps a business can take toward sustainable printing. Unlike traditional virgin paper, which is made from freshly cut trees, recycled paper is produced using post-consumer waste such as discarded office documents. To make the transition, look for paper products labeled “100% Recycled” or “Post-Consumer Waste (PCW),” or those certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). These labels ensure the paper is sourced and manufactured in an eco-friendly manner.

Step 3: Use Eco-Friendly Ink

Traditional petroleum-based inks contain harmful chemicals and are difficult to recycle, often ending up in landfills where they contribute to long-term environmental pollution. Switching to eco-friendly ink is another simple yet effective way for businesses to reduce their environmental footprint.

Eco-friendly inks, such as soy- or vegetable-based options, emit up to 50% fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are biodegradable. These options are gentler on the environment while still delivering reliable print quality.

Step 4: Enable Duplex Printing by Default

Many businesses overlook this feature, yet it can instantly cut paper usage in half without changing daily workflows. Duplex printing means printing on both sides of a sheet — ideal for materials like internal reports or drafts, that don’t require single-sided formatting. While most modern printers support duplex printing, it is often underutilized due to lack of awareness or technical know-how. Managed print service providers can help configure these settings across your organization to ensure it becomes the default.

Step 5: Invest in Sustainable Printers

Upgrading to eco-friendly printers is a strategic step toward sustainable printing. These printers incorporate several advanced technologies designed to minimize energy consumption and waste. For instance, many models use heat-free printing technology, which eliminates the need for energy-intensive heating elements found in traditional laser printers. Research by Keypoint Intelligence for Epson shows that these heat-free printers consume up to 85% less power, helping businesses significantly cut electricity costs. They also reduce wear and tear on internal components, requiring 59% fewer replacement parts — resulting in longer-lasting devices with lower maintenance needs and less e-waste.

Features like instant-on and deep sleep modes further enhance energy efficiency by minimizing power draw when the device is idle. Learn more about this technology and its benefits in our webinar on heat-free printing. Beyond energy savings, these printers utilize innovative ink delivery systems such as cartridge-free continuous ink supply or high-yield refillable tanks. This drastically cuts down on plastic waste by reducing the need for frequent cartridge replacements.

Many devices also come equipped with intelligent print management software to track usage, reduce unnecessary printing, and optimize output. Some models are designed with recyclable or biodegradable components and are manufactured using environmentally responsible processes, further lowering their overall carbon footprint. Look for printers that carry green label certifications, which guarantee they meet strict environmental standards for energy efficiency and sustainability.

Step 6: Promote Sustainable Printing Practices Across Your Team

Sustainable printing isn’t just about upgrading technology; it also requires a mindset shift across your organization. Educating employees on eco-friendly printing practices — such as printing only when necessary, choosing digital formats, or setting duplex and black-and-white as defaults — can significantly reduce unnecessary waste. Reinforce these practices through onboarding sessions, internal communications, and clear reminders near printers. When employees understand the impact of their daily printing choices and are given the right guidance, sustainability becomes a shared responsibility.

Step 7: Engage an Eco-Friendly Managed Print Solutions Provider

Implementing sustainable printing practices can be effective but challenging without the right expertise and resources. A managed print solutions provider like Adventus takes the guesswork out of going green by making sustainable printing easier to implement and maintain.

Beyond optimizing print settings and monitoring ink or toner levels to reduce waste, these providers offer comprehensive services such as device maintenance, troubleshooting, and timely consumables replacement. They also track overall print usage and generate detailed reports to help identify further opportunities for cost savings and sustainability improvements. Additionally, the solutions provider will manage cartridge recycling programs for you by collecting used cartridges and ensuring they are properly returned to vendors to repurpose the materials for community initiatives or eco-friendly disposal.

By partnering with a managed print solutions provider, businesses gain a reliable ally that not only supports sustainable printing goals but also enhances operational efficiency and reduces downtime.

Start Your Sustainable Printing Journey with Adventus

Transitioning to sustainable printing doesn’t have to be complicated. Adventus offers end-to-end support: initial consultation and procurement to deployment, ongoing management, and monitoring of your printing environment. With our expertise and forged partnerships with some of the world’s leading technology providers, we bring you access to the latest sustainable printers and Managed Print Services tailored to your business needs.

As part of our ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility, the Adventus Managed Print Services Sustainability Plan guides how we help clients reduce their environmental impact while improving operational efficiency:

1. Eco-Friendly Print Management

   Adventus embeds eco-friendly printing practices into every aspect of our Managed Print Services, from device selection to workflow optimization, through efforts such as:

   • Deploying ENERGY STAR®, BLUE ANGEL, and ECO LEAF LABEL-certified devices
   • Implementing smart print management software (e.g., PaperCut, YSoft) to cut unnecessary waste and provide usage analytics
   • Promoting high-yield and remanufactured toner to support sustainable printing and minimize resource consumption

2. Circular Economy & Waste Reduction

   We support a circular approach to minimize waste and extend device lifecycles by:

   • Operating a 100% closed-loop toner recycling system
   • Returning used cartridges and consumables to suppliers for dismantling and recycling by authorized recycler partners
   • Partnering with manufacturers’ e-waste recyclers to ensure zero landfill disposal
   • Refurbishing and redeploying devices to reduce the need for new production

3. Sustainable Supply Chain

   To champion a sustainable supply chain to support responsible sourcing and production, we focus on:

   • Collaborating with suppliers certified to environmental standards like ISO 14001 and those committed to transparency
   • Sourcing FSC-certified and sustainably produced paper and consumables
   • Working towards ISO 14001 certification for Adventus to further formalize and strengthen our environmental management practices

4. Client & Employee Engagement

   We promote awareness and action through education and engagement in sustainable printing practices through initiatives like:

   • Providing clients with sustainability reports featuring actionable printing insights
   • Conducting training sessions on eco-friendly printing for clients and employees
   • Fostering employee-driven green initiatives through “Green C champions” initiatives

Let Adventus handle the entire process so you can focus on your core business while confidently reducing your environmental footprint. Ready to make the switch to greener, more efficient printing? Reach out to us today!