Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s becoming a core priority for modern businesses. From reducing energy consumption to cutting back on waste, organisations are under pressure to show they’re operating in an environmentally responsible way.
And yet, there’s one area many businesses overlook: their print environment.
Office printing is often unmanaged, leading to paper waste, high energy usage, and excess consumables—none of which align with sustainability goals. Fortunately, Managed Print Services (MPS) offer a powerful solution, helping businesses reduce their environmental impact while improving operational efficiency.
In this article, we’ll explore how switching to MPS supports your green initiatives and reduces overheads.
1. Reducing Paper Waste at the Source
Paper is one of the biggest contributors to office waste. Unnecessary printing, abandoned print jobs, and default single-sided output all add up over time.
Managed Print Services help address this by:
- Setting default print rules like duplex (double-sided) and black-and-white printing.
- Enabling secure print release, which ensures documents are only printed when the user is physically present.
- Encouraging digital workflows that reduce the need to print at all.
- Only printing when it is necessary, and using digital alternatives like PDFs where appropriate.
These strategies help reduce paper consumption, improve document security, and promote greener office habits across your workforce.
2. Lower Energy Consumption with Smarter Devices
Outdated and scattered printers are typically inefficient, consuming more power than necessary—especially if they lack sleep modes or run continuously throughout the day.
MPS introduces newer, energy-efficient devices that:
- Use less power while maintaining high performance.
- Automatically enter low-energy modes during periods of inactivity.
- Replace multiple small devices with fewer, centralised multifunction units.
With remote monitoring and automatic firmware updates, energy usage across your fleet becomes much easier to control.
3. Fewer Consumables, Less Waste
Ink and toner cartridges, along with their packaging, create a significant amount of waste. Businesses without print management often over-purchase supplies or dispose of them inefficiently.
Managed Print Services reduce consumable waste by:
- Using high-yield cartridges that require less frequent replacement.
- Consolidating deliveries to cut down on packaging and emissions.
- Offering cartridge recycling programmes as part of your print agreement.
Fewer deliveries, less plastic, and better lifecycle management make for a more sustainable supply chain.
4. Supporting Your CSR and ESG Goals
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies are now key priorities in many industries. Printing may seem like a minor area—but improving it can have a big impact on your green credentials.
MPS contributes to these goals by:
- Helping you meet internal sustainability KPIs and external certifications such as ISO 14001.
- Providing a visible, practical way to demonstrate environmental responsibility.
- Promoting a sustainability-minded culture throughout your organisation.
This is particularly valuable for companies working in regulated sectors or bidding for contracts that require demonstrated sustainability efforts.
5. Measurable Reporting and Ongoing Improvements
One of the most powerful aspects of MPS is visibility. With automated reporting tools, you gain insights into your print usage and environmental impact.
MPS allows you to:
- Monitor print volumes and trends across the business.
- Track reductions in paper, power, and consumables.
- Identify opportunities to improve usage habits and policies.
Clear reporting not only supports your internal decision-making but can also be shared with clients, regulators, and stakeholders as evidence of your environmental efforts.
Conclusion: Smarter Printing for a Greener Business
Managed Print Services offer a practical and measurable way to reduce your company’s environmental footprint. From saving paper and energy to improving the way consumables are used and recycled, MPS helps align your print environment with your wider sustainability goals.
It’s not just about being greener—it’s about being smarter. And in the process, you’ll likely save time, reduce overheads, and boost your team’s productivity.
Take the First Step Toward Greener Printing
If you’re ready to reduce your printing costs while helping the planet, we can help.
💡 Book your free print audit with Carden Managed Print today and find out how Managed Print can transform your office into a more sustainable, efficient workspace.
