5 Tips to Reduce Paper Waste in the Workplace

Paper is a relatively cheap commodity, but businesses get through a lot of it. Even today, as most mail is replaced by email and customers are encouraged to go paper-free, it is estimated that the average UK office worker uses 10,000 sheets of A4 paper a year. Over half of these may be wasted. At Colour Print, we know a lot about using paper effectively. Take a look at our tips to reduce paper waste in the workplace – they could save your company a lot of money.

1. Use Both Sides

A huge amount of paper is wasted by printing on only one side of the paper. Encourage your staff to print on both sides. If you have stacks of old single-sided papers ready to be recycled, consider using the blank sides as scratch pads during ideas sessions and brainstorms.

2. Stop Printing Emails

Some people like to print out their emails before reading them. It’s estimated that the average office worker receives 121 emails every day – so that’s potentially 121 sheets of wasted paper.

3. Use a Professional Printer

For big printing jobs, you’ll create less waste and save money by using a professional printing firm who know how to use their resources most effectively. We’re experienced print consultants, and our advice has helped clients reduce their costs for a print project by as much as 30%.

4. Fonts, Sizes, Margins and Spaces

All these can be adjusted to fit more on the page – so long as it doesn’t become too cluttered to read! A professional printer can help you with typesetting.

5. Reduce Paper Weight

Paper comes in different thicknesses. Thinner paper is cheaper than thicker – and uses fewer natural resources. Consider the weight of the paper you buy for any print project, and for the printer and photocopier.

Nowadays, most companies are keen to reduce the impact that they have on the environment. Cutting down paper waste is a great way to do this, and to save money too. Call us on 01603 488001 to talk to our team of print consultants before your next big print project.

What are your tips for saving paper in the office? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.