How to be greener with your document printing

Whether you’re ordering your documents online, printing at home or in the office, it’s important to consider the environmental impact.

Make printing a little bit greener by following our top tips…

Print duplex

Print your documents double-sided instead of single-sided to save paper.

Print multiple pages on one sheet

Take printing duplex further by printing multiple pages on one sheet. This should come as a standard option within your print settings.

If you’re printing online, save your file as multiple pages per sheet prior to upload. If you’re unable to do this on your PC, use an online service such as Sejda: N-up and Imposition Tool.

Reduce paper size

The smaller the better. So opt for A5 over A4 or A4 over A3 where possible.

Save large format for special occasions.

Reduce font size & margin depth

Reduce font size and get more on the page. Avoid overcrowding, but consider using a size 10 font instead of a size 12. Shrinking the page margins will also increase the print area, helping you to reduce the number of pages printed.

For bound documents, please be mindful of the binding edge margin when reducing margin size.

Consider the paper thickness

Opt for the slimmest paper thickness. 90 or 100 gsm will do the job for every day printing.

Only go for thicker paper stocks if you really need it – e.g. for document covers, high quality invites or greeting cards etc.

Print what you need & consider digital printing formats

Before printing, consider whether you really need to see your document off-screen.

Instead of providing meeting handouts, why not use a projector/screen and email the document around afterwards? Colleagues may prefer digital formats, instead of cluttering up their desk with excess paperwork.

Use print codes and ‘follow me’ print technology

For medium to large businesses, print codes and ‘follow me’ print technology should be set-up. This will make employees take responsibility for what they are printing, cutting down on needless and non-work related printing.

Activate sleep mode when not in use

This goes without saying, but using sleep mode when not in use will help cut back on electricity consumption.

Recycle wastepaper

Your business should adopt a recycling policy for all paper. Including print outs, handwritten notes and marketing material such as out of date brochures and leaflets etc.

Use eco-friendly paper

Look for the FSC logo when buying paper. This will give you the peace of mind that the paper is ethically sourced.

Find out more at fsc-uk.org.

Recycle ink cartridges

Whether you’re printing at home or in the office, be sure to recycle your ink cartridges.

Many local recycling sites will take ink cartridges – check with your local council. Some charities, supermarkets and office supply stores also offer this service.

Search online for your closest ink cartridge recycling scheme.

Batch your orders

If you’re ordering with us online, consider batching several documents together into a bulk order instead of ordering little and often.

There is no limit to the number of documents you can add to your basket.

This will reduce the number of deliveries and associated carbon footprint.

Thanks for reading!

Got any eco friendly printing tips to share?

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