In the drive toward more sustainable business practices, printing often goes unnoticed. While many organizations invest in energy-saving lighting or office recycling programs, they overlook the sizable environmental impact of their printing habits. From inefficient paper usage to excessive energy consumption and improperly discarded toner cartridges, outdated print environments quietly hinder your company’s green goals and bottom line.
Fortunately, there is a more innovative and greener way to manage print operations. Managed Print Services (MPS) not only optimize workflows and reduce costs, but they also help businesses significantly lower their environmental footprint. Whether you’re an office manager overseeing daily operations, an IT lead seeking to increase efficiency, or a business owner aiming to adopt corporate responsibility, exploring Managed Print Services (MPS) is a step toward a more sustainable and efficient future.
Let’s look at how MPS can support eco-friendly printing while benefiting your business operations.
Reduce Paper Waste with Smarter Workflow Management
One of the most immediate environmental benefits of Managed Print Services is the reduction of paper consumption.
MPS solutions include powerful document management and workflow tools that help digitize and streamline internal processes. By transforming paper-intensive tasks, such as client onboarding, invoicing, or HR approvals, into digital workflows, companies can significantly reduce their reliance on hard copies.
How it Helps:
- Automates scanning and digital archiving of documents
- Enables secure digital signatures and online collaboration
- Prevents unnecessary printing through user authentication and print rules
These improvements not only support eco-friendly printing but also streamline internal processes and eliminate operational bottlenecks.
Optimize Printer Fleet for Lower Energy Usage
Many businesses operate outdated or redundant printers that consume more electricity than necessary.
MPS providers, such as Coastal Business Systems, conduct a thorough print environment assessment to identify opportunities for consolidating and upgrading devices.
How it Helps:
- Replaces energy-intensive printers with ENERGY STAR® certified models
- Implements sleep modes and power-saving settings across devices
- Reduces the overall number of devices needed to support your team
This right-sizing of your printer fleet not only reduces energy usage but also lowers maintenance costs and extends the lifespan of your print infrastructure.
Responsible Toner and Ink Cartridge Management
Discarded toner and ink cartridges make up a significant portion of office waste. Too often, these materials end up in landfills, contributing to pollution and e-waste.
A thoughtful MPS program includes responsible recycling practices as part of an end-to-end print strategy.
How it Helps:
- Provides cartridge recycling programs to ensure eco-friendly disposal
- Uses remanufactured cartridges where appropriate to reduce production waste
- Tracks supply usage to minimize excess ordering and expired inventory
Managed Print Services not only make it easier to recycle but also educate staff on smarter printing habits that reduce the need for consumables in the first place.
Track Progress Toward Sustainability Goals
A significant advantage of working with an MPS provider is access to reporting tools that track usage metrics, energy savings, and environmental impact over time. These insights enable you to establish benchmarks and demonstrate measurable progress in reducing your office’s carbon footprint.
How it Helps:
- Delivers print and energy usage reports for internal audits
- Aligns with corporate sustainability objectives or compliance requirements
- Supports green certifications like LEED and ISO14001
With clear visibility into fleet and supply performance, your business can maintain accountability and continually improve its sustainability efforts.
A Greener Workflow Is a Smarter Workflow
Going green doesn’t have to mean making drastic operational changes overnight. By partnering with an experienced MPS provider like Coastal Business Systems, you can integrate sustainable business practices into your daily operations in ways that also improve efficiency, reduce waste, and lower costs.
If you’re ready to assess your print environment and uncover hidden opportunities for sustainability and savings, we’re here to help. Contact Coastal Business Systems today for a comprehensive evaluation of your print and document workflow, tailored to your organization’s specific goals.