Helping businesses understand circular print solutions

With an international focus on the green agenda, businesses are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impacts of their actions and implementing sustainable measures to support their customers on the path to net zero

In order to support customers in achieving their sustainability objectives, dealers can play a crucial role by offering alternative solutions across the printing process. Lisa Hainsworth, business development manager at Static Control, says, “Within the print industry, there is a wide range of customers who are all at different points in their sustainability journey – having a solution that fits all is extremely challenging.”

With many businesses looking to move towards a more circular economy model, customer demand for products that support reuse and regeneration is fast becoming a much sought-after component of the buying strategy. Over the last few years, the desire for printing products that prioritise sustainability and build quality over price advantage has increased dramatically. Konica Minolta’s head of indirect sales, Cameron Mitchell, says, “The circular economy is increasingly front and centre of many organisations, as sustainability becomes more of a high-level focus for customers and suppliers alike.”

While offering sustainable print solutions that meet customer demands is essential, communicating the sustainability benefits of these solutions is crucial. As cost continues to drive many buying choices, dealers should be assisting businesses to understand the features and benefits of their products. “Education is the biggest hurdle,” says Steve Weedon, CEO of Printrite. “Resellers need to understand the features and benefits of their products and offer them to their end-user customers to sell value rather than win orders on price alone.”

Eco or recycled paper

Paper fibres can be recycled four or five times in their lifecycle and the process of creating recycled paper uses 31% less energy than the creation of virgin fibre paper, and 35,000 fewer litres of water. For eco-paper alternatives, businesses can look to agricultural residues, wild plants or textiles and cordage wastes.

Scanning

Incorporating document scanning into business workflows can significantly reduce paper usage and waste, eliminating the financial and environmental costs arising from ink and toner use. For businesses choosing document scanners, it is crucial to choose sustainably manufactured products and to properly communicate responsible end-of-life recycling practices to customers.

Managed print system

Managed print systems offer sustainable solutions for printing processes with larger environmental impacts. They can monitor toner levels to ensure the cartridge is not changed until it needs to be, providing accurate user data.

Remanufactured or biodegradable ink cartridges

For businesses looking to offer sustainable solutions to customers in search of toner and ink cartridges, they can look to remanufactured cartridges as an option. Biodegradable cartridges are also a sustainable alternative.

So, as businesses shift their focus towards environmentally conscious practices, the drive for sustainable solutions in the workplace becomes ever more apparent, with customers increasingly valuing products that champion reuse and regeneration.  Dealers, can support this drive, by educating their customers on the features and benefits of sustainable print solutions, from the adoption of eco or recycled paper to the integration of scanning technologies and the implementation of managed print systems, as well as embracing remanufactured or recycled ink cartridges.  The industry is presented with a myriad of opportunities to reduce its environmental footprint..