Implementing Sustainable Print Methods in the Workplace

With the threat of climate change looming larger every day, it’s high time we rethink our approach towards common office procedures, particularly printing. While the digitisation wave is growing, the reality is that printing still forms an integral part of many businesses worldwide.

But does it need to come at the cost of our environment? Absolutely not. As we progress further into the 21st century, it’s crucial that businesses make the leap to sustainable print solutions – it’s better for the environment, appealing to eco-conscious consumers, and surprisingly, can even be beneficial to your bottom line.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the key strategies for achieving sustainable print solutions in the workplace, from advanced technology solutions like Konica Minolta’s bizhub i-Series to employee training and print tracking systems. With these strategies, businesses can reduce their environmental impact, save money, and support sustainability.

1. Use of eco-friendly printers

Incorporating sustainability into business operations is crucial to meeting the demands of socially-conscious consumers in the future. The Konica Minolta bizhub i-Series is a prime example of how cutting-edge technology and innovation can deliver high-quality work with a focus on environmental design. For instance, the flagship bizhub C650i / C550i / C450i bizhub C360i series has a competitively low power consumption, saving both energy and cost.  Established in Germany in 1978, the Blue Angel Mark recognises products and services that minimise their environmental impact. A pioneer in the print industry, Konica Minolta, clinched the first Blue Angel certification for copiers in 1992 and has continually upheld its commitment to sustainable innovation, meeting ever-rising certification standards since then.

Furthering to that claim, Konica Minolta’s bizhub i-Series Multi-Function Printers (MFP) have been honoured with the prestigious Singapore Green Label – which is administered by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) since 1999, the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS) is Singapore’s leading environmental standard and certification mark with over 3800 unique products certified across 43 countries. The scheme aims to help the public identify environmentally preferred products that meet certain eco-standards. eco-labelling scheme for industrial and commercial products, awarded by the Singapore Environment Council to recognise environmentally friendly attributes in production processes.

Konica Minolta has also introduced an innovative technology that merges PET plastic with PC from water bottles to produce a recycled material suitable for the outer casing of multifunction printers. This marks the first-ever application of recycled materials for the outer casing of MFPs in the industry, signifying a significant leap forward for sustainability.

Konica Minolta’s Induction Heating (IH) Fixing technology is designed to reduce power consumption and shorten warm-up times by heating only the surface of the roller, instead of the entire roller. The heat automatically cuts off when there are no print jobs, further conserving energy. With this technology, businesses can save on energy costs while minimising their environmental impact, making it an ideal solution for companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

2. Conduct an assessment of print environments with Optimised Print Services

Even with advanced technology, it’s important for businesses to take a comprehensive approach to sustainable print solutions. This can include conducting an assessment of the print environment to identify areas for improvement, such as reducing paper usage or consolidating devices. Konica Minolta’s Optimised Print Services (OPS) offer a comprehensive solution for these assessments. OPS delves into your unique business needs, focusing on critical areas such as:

Process: Analysing all business-relevant document flows to maximise productivity, exploit saving potentials, and design a solution tailor-made to meet your daily needs.

Finance: Offering a range of purchasing and leasing options, integrating existing contracts into a transparent financial plan that suits your budget and business model.

Green: Aiding in your company’s sustainability goals by implementing eco-friendly document-related hardware and workflows, then tracking and evaluating environmental performance throughout the lifecycle.

Konica Minolta’s experienced consultants can help businesses to develop a comprehensive print management strategy that supports sustainability while delivering optimal performance and cost savings.

3. Encouraging sustainable printing with a print management system

Businesses can also reduce the environmental impact of printing by encouraging employees to print sustainably. This can include implementing policies to reduce unnecessary printing or setting default printer settings to double-sided printing. Additionally, providing employees with training on how to use print technology effectively can help reduce mistakes and waste.

One way to encourage employees to print sustainably is by implementing a print management system,  such as Konica Minolta’s Dispatcher Paragon This solution provides a complete insight into your print environment, allowing businesses to track and manage print usage effectively. With this tool, organisations can identify areas where waste can be reduced and implement print quotas or chargeback systems, thereby reducing print usage and cost. This system also encourages responsible printing through its secure pull printing feature, which ensures that documents are printed only when necessary and collected promptly, mitigating the risk of unclaimed printouts.

4. Recycle toner and ink cartridges 

Businesses can recycle their toner cartridges and ink cartridges to reduce waste. Many manufacturers, including Konica Minolta, offer programmes for recycling their products. By recycling cartridges, businesses can reduce waste and ensure that hazardous materials are properly disposed of.

Choosing toner cartridges that are made with eco-friendly material can also help to reduce carbon footprint. For example, Konica Minolta’s Simitri toner is developed with plant-based ‘biomass’ materials, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly solution. Its unique composition of smaller particles compared to regular toner significantly reduces toner consumption by more than 30%

Achieve sustainable printing with Konica Minolta 

Konica Minolta is committed to sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of their operations. This commitment has been recognised on multiple occasions through prestigious awards such as the Green Factory Certification, inclusion in the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World, and the highest evaluation by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), which led to Konica Minolta being featured on the Climate A List 2021.

With Eco Vision 2050, Konica Minolta has set ambitious targets for reducing its carbon emissions – and has also incorporated a range of initiatives to promote sustainability, including using renewable energy sources and implementing efficient manufacturing processes. Additionally, Konica Minolta’s printing products and services are designed with sustainability in mind, with features like low-temperature fixing technology and efficient paper handling capabilities. By partnering with Konica Minolta, businesses can access a range of sustainable methods and contribute to a more sustainable future. By taking a comprehensive approach to print management and encouraging employees to print sustainably, businesses can further reduce their environmental impact and achieve greater sustainability.

Speak with a product specialist to learn how you can start taking steps towards your sustainability goals.