Keeping pace with evolving workplace objectives can sometimes feel like mission impossible. How do you meet growing employee demand for state-of-the-art, accessible digital technologies while also addressing regulatory pressure to reduce your carbon footprint?
It is a difficult balance, and it is only going to get tougher. New regulations such as the European Union Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) require greater transparency on resource usage and pollution.
On top of this, increasingly environmentally conscious customers now view vendors through the lens of sustainability. Rethinking your technology strategy to prioritise environmental performance and reduce waste is therefore not just a compliance issue but a business imperative too.
Why packaged print solutions are gaining popularity
As workplace demands evolve, organisations are increasingly looking for complete, easy-to-manage solutions that offer simplicity, predictability and built-in value. In the print space, this has led to growing interest in packaged offerings such as Print as a Service (PraaS).
PraaS provides an all-in-one approach, combining devices, consumables, services, maintenance and support under a single, predictable contract. But it is not only about convenience and cost control. These complete solutions also help organisations advance their sustainability goals, thanks to energy-efficient devices, usage tracking, eco-friendly consumables and recycling programmes integrated from the start.
By offering a streamlined way to manage printing while supporting key workplace trends, from cost predictability to environmental responsibility, packaged print services are becoming the smart choice for modern businesses.
Five ways to embed sustainability into your workplace print infrastructure
1. Use energy-efficient, multifunctional devices
Modern multifunction printers (MFPs) included in PraaS packages are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Sleep modes, low TEC values and certifications such as ENERGY STAR help reduce power usage across the fleet.
Because MFPs consolidate several functions (print, scan, copy) into a single device, they naturally lower energy consumption compared with running separate units.
2. Encourage better habits with built-in tracking and cloud workflows
Sustainability is not just about hardware; it is also about how equipment is used. RICOH PraaS solutions offer usage reporting and smart analytics, so businesses can monitor consumption, reduce waste and promote more responsible behaviour among employees.
The packages also support integrated scanning and cloud printing, reducing reliance on local servers and enabling more efficient, paper-light workflows. This helps employees stay productive while aligning with the organisation's broader environmental goals.
3. Reduce waste with eco-conscious manufacturing and packaging
RICOH offers devices made with recycled materials and delivered in sustainable packaging. This lowers the environmental impact of the products from the outset and supports a more circular approach to technology procurement.
RICOH can also offer remanufactured or refurbished devices, an approach aligned with circular economy principles that can further reduce waste without sacrificing performance.
4. Offset emissions through carbon balancing
For businesses that want to go a step further, RICOH offers carbon offsetting as part of its service. Unlike the technology features that help minimise carbon emissions, carbon balancing enables you to actually remove carbon from the atmosphere, helping you achieve net zero in your print operations.
This typically includes a full lifecycle carbon footprint assessment, from manufacture and transport to usage and disposal, along with access to verified carbon balancing schemes such as reforestation or renewable energy projects.
5. Choose a partner with proven sustainability credentials
There are also objective criteria you can use to assess whether a PraaS provider is truly committed to sustainability. A brief checklist would include:
- Are their environmental services aligned with international standards and best practices, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Oxford Principles for net zero?
- Do they have a proven track record of helping other small and medium-sized businesses implement eco-friendly print practices?
- Do they work with a network of accredited partners and sustainability leaders to support their carbon offsetting initiatives?
- How are they ranked by independent analysts such as IDC for the sustainability of their corporate strategy, products and business model?
A strong partner will have the infrastructure, tools and partnerships to help you meet your sustainability goals without adding administrative burden to your team.
Print as a Service from RICOH
RICOH has helped organisations of all sizes improve the sustainability of their print environments, combining innovation in device design with end-to-end service delivery. The RICOH Print as a Service offering brings together smart technology, robust support and integrated sustainability features that help you reduce impact while staying productive.
ROEL, an authorised RICOH partner in Romania, can help you choose and implement such solutions tailored to your company's needs. Contact us to discuss the options available.
Adapted from RICOH Europe.
