For the world around us.

FAQ

• What is sustainable printing?

  Sustainable printing refers to practices and technologies that minimise the environmental impact of printing operations throughout the entire document lifecycle. This holistic approach encompasses using eco-friendly materials, reducing energy consumption, minimising waste, and implementing responsible disposal methods for consumables and equipment. Key elements include using recycled or FSC-certified paper, energy-efficient devices, long-life components, and comprehensive recycling programmes. Kyocera's ECOSYS technology exemplifies sustainable printing through patented long-life drums that eliminate frequent cartridge replacements, significantly reducing landfill waste. Modern sustainable printing practices can reduce operational costs by 20-30% whilst cutting carbon emissions, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and business efficiency work hand in hand. Managed Print Services provide comprehensive solutions for organisations seeking to optimise their environmental footprint.

• What is ECOSYS technology?

  ECOSYS technology is Kyocera's pioneering approach to environmentally conscious printing that combines ecology, economy, and systems thinking. The technology features patented long-life components, particularly drums capable of lasting beyond 600,000 printed pages, which dramatically reduces waste compared to traditional cartridge-based systems where drums are discarded with each toner replacement. ECOSYS devices use a toner-only replacement model, eliminating the need for frequent cartridge changes and reducing consumable costs by up to 50%. This approach minimises landfill waste, conserves resources, and delivers one of the lowest total costs of ownership in the industry. Kyocera's commitment to sustainable product design earned the first-ever Blue Angel environmental label for laser printers in 1997. The ECOSYS philosophy extends beyond hardware to encompass the entire manufacturing process, including the use of recycled materials and renewable energy in production facilities.

• How can businesses reduce their printing environmental impact?

  Businesses can significantly reduce their printing environmental impact through a combination of technology upgrades, policy implementation, and behavioural change. The most effective approach involves conducting a comprehensive print audit to establish baseline usage, then implementing targeted strategies across the organisation. Key strategies include transitioning to energy-efficient devices with long-life components, enforcing duplex printing as default to cut paper consumption by 50%, and restricting colour printing to necessary use cases. Print management solutions provide visibility into usage patterns, enabling organisations to identify waste and enforce sustainable policies. Moving towards paperless workflows through digitisation and document management systems further reduces environmental impact. Implementing sustainable office practices alongside technology solutions creates lasting cultural change that supports environmental goals whilst improving operational efficiency.

• What are the benefits of eco-friendly printing for businesses?

  Eco-friendly printing delivers substantial benefits beyond environmental responsibility, creating measurable business value through cost savings, enhanced reputation, and operational improvements. Organisations implementing sustainable printing practices typically experience 20-35% cost reductions through decreased consumable usage, lower energy consumption, and reduced waste management expenses. Customers increasingly favour environmentally conscious businesses, with 87% of consumers reporting more positive views of companies supporting environmental initiatives. Sustainable printing practices help organisations meet ESG reporting requirements and corporate social responsibility goals whilst attracting environmentally aware customers and employees. Durable print hardware reduces device downtime and maintenance costs, improving workplace productivity. Many organisations also discover that transitioning to sustainable office practices drives innovation through critical thinking and collaboration, giving forward-thinking businesses a competitive advantage in their markets.

• How does corporate sustainability relate to document management?

  Corporate sustainability in document management focuses on minimising environmental impact across the entire document lifecycle - from creation and storage to distribution and disposal. This encompasses both printing operations and digital document workflows, requiring a holistic approach to information management that balances business needs with environmental responsibility. Sustainable document management practices include digitising paper-based processes, implementing secure cloud storage to reduce physical document requirements, and using energy-efficient devices with responsible end-of-life disposal. Organisations benefit from print management solutions that provide complete visibility into resource consumption and environmental impact. Creating a culture of sustainability requires engagement from executive leadership through to frontline staff, establishing clear goals and implementing policies that support both operational efficiency and environmental stewardship. Forward-thinking organisations recognise that sustainable practices drive business transformation whilst addressing growing stakeholder expectations around ESG performance.