Epson, a global leader in professional printing, recently released its report Road to Sustainable Printing: Exploring Attitudes and Behaviours in Southeast Asia. Based on a survey of 1,500 office decision-makers across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, the report explores how printing behaviors have evolved alongside a growing emphasis on sustainability in the workplace. Despite increased awareness of eco-friendly practices, many businesses and individuals still lack a clear understanding of sustainable printing solutions.
Hybrid Working Has Changed the Way We Print
Printing remains a daily task for 40% of office equipment decision-makers and end-users in Southeast Asia. However, hybrid working and the increasing shift to digitalization have led to lasting changes in printing habits. Digital capabilities, once considered optional, have become essential for day-to-day business operations. Many businesses now see digital document-sharing as the first step in their digital transformation journey.
Traditional industries like construction (39%) and retail (40%) are slower to adopt softcopy documents compared to sectors like consulting (50%) and advertising (48%). Smaller businesses (1-50 employees) lead in adopting digital solutions, with 41% switching to softcopy documents. Medium-sized businesses (51-500 employees) follow at 48%, while larger businesses (501+ employees) lag at 45%.
The trend toward hybrid work has also spurred a demand for flexible printing solutions. Forty-four percent of respondents want advanced digital integrations, such as cloud printing, in their workplace. Environmental concerns also drive printing decisions, with 50% of respondents requesting more eco-friendly solutions. Additionally, 80% of respondents find the compactness of printers an important consideration, reflecting the need for productivity and durability within space constraints.
Factors Driving the Shift in Printing Habits
Several factors influence the shift in printing behaviors, including convenience (46%), cost-effectiveness (44%), and increased awareness of sustainable printing practices (41%). These insights highlight the importance of balancing practicality, sustainability, and cost-efficiency in printing decisions. Additionally, businesses need to support employees in catching up with sustainability initiatives in the workplace.
The Intention-Action Gap Despite Increased Awareness of Sustainability
While there is growing awareness of sustainability, there remains a gap between intention and action. Sixty-six percent of respondents say sustainability is an important factor when choosing a printer. Furthermore, 74% of individuals and businesses are “very” or “moderately” aware of the environmental impact of printing. Sixty-three percent are likely to pay more for sustainable printing solutions.
Despite this awareness, sustainable practices like double-sided printing (38%) and paper-recycling initiatives (34%) are still not universally adopted. Jester Cruz, Senior Regional Manager for Corporate Products at Epson Southeast Asia, notes that while many recognize the importance of sustainability, less than a third of respondents are willing to pay for more sustainable measures, creating a significant intention-action gap. Cruz also highlights that, despite this, there is a strong desire for eco-friendly alternatives, with over half of the respondents saying they would switch to an inkjet printer if it had a lower environmental impact.
Misconceptions on the Environmental Impact of Inkjet versus Laser Printers
The report also reveals an ongoing misconception that laser printers have a lower environmental impact compared to inkjet printers. Thirty-four percent of respondents believe laser copiers are more eco-friendly, while only 29% believe inkjet printers have a lower environmental impact. This misconception persists, despite inkjet technology being more energy-efficient.
Epson addressed this misconception by completely phasing out laser printers by the end of 2023. Epson made this decision after evaluating the energy inefficiencies of laser printers, which require heat during the printing process, leading to higher electricity consumption. Cruz points out that office automation equipment, including printers, accounts for as much as 10% of total office power consumption. Epson’s Heat-Free inkjet printers use significantly less electricity, reducing energy consumption by up to 85% and lowering CO2 emissions in the process.
Epson’s Commitment to Sustainable Practices
Epson continues to innovate with energy-efficient solutions and is committed to sustainability as a core business practice. By transitioning to inkjet technology, Epson not only reduces electricity consumption but also helps businesses cut their environmental footprint. Cruz emphasizes that innovation can create economic benefits while supporting sustainability, showing that climate-friendly actions can be both environmentally and economically advantageous.
As sustainability becomes increasingly important for businesses, Epson’s commitment to developing efficient, compact, and environmentally friendly printing solutions will continue to make a difference. With a focus on eco-friendly inkjet technology, Epson is working toward a more sustainable future, proving that sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand.
