How to Reduce Paper Waste in the Office

Even with technology at our fingertips, there is something about paper that just cannot be replaced. From jotting down quick ideas to preparing formal presentations, paper remains a trusted office staple. However, with growing awareness around sustainability, reducing paper waste has become a priority for forward-thinking offices.

At Westcountry Group, we share a deep appreciation for paper and believe there are smart, eco-conscious ways to manage its use without giving it up entirely. By choosing sustainably sourced options and incorporating thoughtful recycling and reuse practices, your office can continue to enjoy the benefits of this valuable resource while contributing to a greener footprint.

Think Before Printing

Will a digital copy meet the need just as well? Can this information be shared through email or a shared folder? Are the handouts likely to be kept and referenced, or left behind? Pausing to consider these questions before hitting ‘print’ often reveals that a hard copy may not be as necessary as it first seems. When these small moments of reflection add up across your entire office, they can lead to a noticeable reduction in paper usage over time.

Set Double-Sided Printing as the Default

A quick, effective way to cut down on paper use is by setting double-sided, or duplex, printing as the default on all your office printers. This simple adjustment can instantly halve paper usage without requiring any change in employee printing habits or workflow. By automatically printing on both sides of each sheet, your office can make smarter use of its paper resources and also extend the life of ink, toner and other supplies used in the printing process.

Reuse Single-Sided Paper

Single-sided paper can still serve many practical purposes in the office before it heads to the recycling bin. Keeping stacks near printers, on desks or in meeting rooms gives your team easy access to reusable sheets for jotting down quick notes, brainstorming ideas or printing internal memos. By giving each sheet of paper a second life, you help reduce waste while also saving on fresh paper supplies.

Use Laminating Pouches

For frequently handled documents like safety instructions, schedules or checklists, lamination is a simple yet effective way to extend their lifespan while keeping them clean and professional. Instead of reprinting each time these documents start to look worn or creased, lamination provides a protective layer that helps them withstand daily use. This reduces the number of items you need to discard, which translates into less waste being generated over time.

At Westcountry Group, we offer laminating pouches and rolls in a variety of sizes and thicknesses to suit any need. These pouches are compatible with all heat-sealing laminating machines, making it easy to introduce this eco-friendly practice into your office.

Use Sustainable Paper Products

Switching to sustainable paper is an impactful way for your business to support the environment while meeting everyday office needs. Sustainable paper production helps minimise deforestation, conserve biodiversity and reduce waste and emissions across the product’s lifecycle. At Westcountry Group, we offer a selection of eco-certified paper products that allow your office to lower its carbon footprint without sacrificing quality. All of our paper carries trusted certifications like PEFC, FSC and the EU Ecolabel, ensuring that each sheet is responsibly sourced, manufactured and delivered with environmental care.

Place Paper Recycling Bins Near Workstations

In behavioural psychology, small visual cues around us can prompt us to take certain actions without even realising it. By strategically placing paper recycling bins around the office, you are creating a visual reminder that encourages employees to recycle rather than toss paper in the general waste. This simple placement can make recycling a natural habit and subtly shift the office culture towards more sustainable practices, reducing the amount of paper waste that ends up in landfills.

Partnering for a Sustainable Office

At Westcountry Group, we are committed to supporting your office’s sustainability efforts with eco-friendly, high-quality paper products. Our range of certified paper supplies meets rigorous environmental standards, ensuring that each sheet contributes to a greener, more efficient workplace.

Please contact us today to explore how our paper supplies can support your needs. Call 0330 030 0330, email: paperorders@westcountrygroup.com or visit our website.