Eco-Friendly Paper Usage in the Modern Office

The push for paperless offices has been a prominent part of the conversation around sustainability for some time now, encouraging many businesses to reduce their reliance on printed materials in the name of ‘going green’.

But going entirely paperless is not the only (or even the best) solution. While it is true that paper has an environmental footprint, the issue is not its use but how it is sourced and managed. By adopting sustainable paper practices, your business can retain the benefits of paper while minimising its impact on the planet.

What Makes Paper Sustainable?

Paper is a naturally sustainable material. It is made from wood pulp, a renewable resource derived from freshly cut trees. When sourced from sustainably managed forests, paper production ensures that the trees harvested are replaced through replanting. So, for every tree cut down, another is planted to maintain the balance of the forest ecosystem.

Certifications from organisations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) reinforce paper’s sustainable potential. Together, these certifications cover roughly 13% of the world’s forests. When paper carries an FSC or PEFC label, it guarantees that the wood pulp was sourced from responsibly managed forests where ecosystems are protected and local communities’ rights are upheld.

Sustainable Paper Practices in the Workplace

As we have mentioned, the first step toward eco-friendly paper use is to buy from certified suppliers. Opting for FSC or PEFC-certified paper ensures that your materials come from responsibly managed forests, supporting sustainability at its source.

At Westcountry Group, we hold ISO 14001, PEFC and FSC Environmental Accreditations. This means every paper product we supply is manufactured from sustainable or recycled sources, giving you complete confidence in your choice to support the environment.

Enable Eco-Friendly Printer Settings

Most printers come with an automatic double-sided printing option, known as duplex printing. Enabling this setting can significantly reduce paper waste by halving the number of sheets required. It is especially effective in workplaces that regularly produce large volumes of internal documents like drafts, meeting notes or training materials.

In addition to duplex printing, there are other printer settings to support eco-friendly practices. Switching to black-and-white mode for non-essential documents can extend the life of your ink and toner cartridges. Activating power-saving features, like sleep mode or automatic shutdown during periods of inactivity, also helps conserve energy and reduces overall resource consumption.

Maximise the Use of Paper

Reducing paper waste can start with simple changes, like reusing scraps for everyday tasks. One-sided sheets of paper can be repurposed for notes, rough drafts or brainstorming sessions. Even envelopes can find a second life. It is a practical way to stretch the life of each sheet and reduce excessive paper consumption.

Smaller paper sizes, like A5, are another useful option for items such as meeting agendas or internal memos. By matching the size of the paper to the purpose, you can minimise excessive consumption while still meeting business needs.

Buy in Bulk

Buying paper in bulk is a practical and eco-friendly choice for workplaces. Larger orders reduce the frequency of shipments, which helps minimise transportation emissions and packaging waste. It also ensures that you always have a steady supply of paper on hand, avoiding the need for frequent reorders that can disrupt workflows.

Our Convenience+ storage service makes bulk buying even easier. Your bulk orders can be stored securely in our warehouse and delivered as needed, saving office space while reducing the environmental footprint of smaller, more frequent shipments. By planning ahead and purchasing in bulk, your business can streamline operations and support sustainable practices at the same time.

Collect and Recycle Paper Waste

Paper is a highly recyclable material, capable of being reused up to seven times before its fibres become too short to process further. Recycling paper helps conserve resources, reduce landfill waste and supports the circular economy by giving materials another life.

You can encourage recycling in your workplace by setting up clearly labelled bins in key areas, such as near printers, desks and meeting rooms. These bins should be easily accessible to make it simple for employees to separate paper waste from general rubbish. By actively participating in paper recycling, your business can help reduce its environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Choose Sustainable Paper Solutions with Westcountry Group

At Westcountry Group, we are committed to helping businesses make sustainable choices. Whether you need advice on selecting the best paper for your needs or want to explore eco-conscious options, our team is here to assist. We understand the importance of balancing functionality, quality and sustainability, and we offer a wide range of paper solutions to support your efforts.

Contact us today to explore how we can support your sustainable goals. Call 0330 030 0330, email: paperorders@westcountrygroup.com or visit our website.