With increasing digitisation and concerns over their carbon footprint, Southeast Asian businesses are under increasing scrutiny to meet environmental sustainability goals. From decarbonising supply chains to adopting renewable energy, businesses need to meet the demands and expectations of their investors, customers, and even employees to align with global sustainability standards.
Yet, amidst these high-profile efforts, smaller, everyday operational areas - such as printing - remain largely overlooked.
Traditionally viewed merely as an office function, printing is an untapped opportunity to drive decarbonisation and cost efficiency. For senior business decision-makers, the question is no longer whether to adopt sustainable practices, but how to integrate them across all aspects of operations.
Printing presents a strategic opportunity for businesses to implement measures aimed at reducing their carbon footprint.
Printing remains pervasive and crucial in the corporate world, with 40 percent of offices across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam using printers daily, according to findings from a report titled “Road to Sustainable Printing: Exploring Attitudes and Behaviours in Southeast Asia” by Epson.
Printing is a critical part of the ESG equation
To meet their sustainability goals, organisations are investing in visible, large-scale projects such as green buildings, expansive solar farms, and energy-conscious data centres. While these endeavours are undeniably important, they often divert attention from understated yet equally effective day-to-day improvements.
Printing directly contributes to energy consumption, waste generation, and carbon emissions, factors that influence an organisation's ESG metrics.
Debunking the misconception that laser printing is more sustainable
Businesses regard sustainable printing as a key consideration in operational strategies; however, they remain unclear on eco-conscious options. There is a misconception about laser printers being more eco-efficient when compared to inkjet printers.
Laser printers, long favoured for speed and durability, operate by using heat to fuse toner onto the paper. While effective, this process is energy-intensive, contributing to high operational costs and elevating greenhouse gas emissions.
In contrast, Epson Heat-Free business inkjet printers offer a different approach by eliminating the need for heat in the printing process. This shift not only cuts emissions but also addresses common pain points of frequent maintenance and high operating costs. However, the belief that laser printers have a lower environmental impact highlights the need for awareness.
Several industries in Southeast Asia have used Epson Heat-Free printing. This includes Daikin which has utilised Epson business inkjet1 printers for its corporate office in Singapore and Thailand’s Bodindecha (Sing Singhaseni) School in Bangkok.
In banking and healthcare, where reliability and efficiency are important, businesses report cost savings and improved operational resilience. Government agencies, too, are leveraging this technology to meet strict environmental standards while maintaining high productivity.
Quantifiable benefits support the case. Businesses transitioning to Epson Heat-Free business inkjet printers have achieved up to 85 percent2 less carbon dioxide emissions and up to 59 percent2 fewer replacement parts.
These improvements translate to lower operational costs and reduced environmental footprint, outcomes that resonate strongly with both internal stakeholders and external regulators.
As organisations face mounting pressure to demonstrate progress on sustainability goals, every aspect of operations including printing-must align with this objective.
A future built on sustainable choices
Heat-Free inkjet printers enable businesses to integrate sustainability into their core operations without compromising efficiency. The move toward sustainable printing solutions signals a broader shift in organisational thinking.
Leaders are increasingly recognising that smaller operational changes can drive impacts. While major decarbonisation efforts remain vital, innovations like Epson Heat-Free printing technologies provide a scalable, accessible way to enhance sustainability across industries.
The journey toward sustainable operations begins with informed decisions. Epson has engaged with office equipment decision-makers and end-users across Southeast Asia, to understand unique challenges and aspirations. The insights reveal a clear trend: sustainable printing solutions are no longer optional. They are essential for organisations aiming to pivot and thrive in a world that is increasingly turning its attention to sustainability.
Explore how Epson’s Heat-Free printing technology can elevate your business by boosting operational efficiency and supporting your sustainability goals.
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1 Annual CO2 output calculations were based on JEMAI-LCA Pro, Cedar tree CO2 absorption calculations were based on Japan Forestry Agency standards of 8.8kg CO2 per annum per tree.
2 Testing was commissioned by Epson and conducted by Keypoint Intelligence. One competitor model was selected from worldwide best-selling vendor* in the 65ppm and 70ppm colour laser multi-function printer. Epson Work Force Enterprise WF-C20600 with 60ppm (equivalent model in Europe was used during the evaluation). Consumables and periodic replacement parts required to print 1M pages. The weight includes all used consumables, periodical replacement parts and their packaging. Test printed pattern used was ISO24712. Source: IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Hardcopy Peripherals Tracker 2020Q2, Units Share by Company.
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