Print On-Demand is Sustainable and Eco-Friendly

Published on 19 March, 2021 | Last modified on 10 June, 2026

Find out how print on-demand technology delivers sustainable printing, allowing you to print documents without negatively impacting the environment.

Some business documents will never stop being printed, such as training workbooks, project proposals, and marketing materials. However, printing doesn’t have to conflict with your organisation’s green initiatives. With the proper research, you can find printing services that use print-on-demand technology and sustainable processes to produce documents without negatively impacting the environment. Read on to learn more – or see our full guide to print-on-demand for corporate document management for a broader overview.

Table of Contents

What is sustainable printing for documents?

Also known as eco friendly or green printing, sustainable printing is the principle of making sure that every part of your printing process is as environmentally friendly as possible. While printing requires certain resources – such as lumber for paper, energy for powering facilities, and fuel for transportation – sustainable printers find ways to mitigate their impact on the environment.

One way we reduce printing’s environmental impact is to use print on-demand technology.

What is print on-demand?

Print on-demand uses digital printers to produce documents at a moment’s notice.
Print on-demand technology does not require manual set-up. So, you can print as few as 1 copy of your document without creating any waste.
Switching to print on-demand is your first step in sustainable printing. As opposed to traditional printing, on-demand requires no test jobs and no minimum quantities. This means less paper waste.

Mimeo’s Mimeo Print platform is built on this model – upload your documents, order exactly what you need, and have them delivered next day anywhere in the UK with no minimum order. Request a quote to get started.

Questions to Ask Your Document Printing Company

If sustainable printing is your goal, then it is important to ask your print vendor as many questions as possible. This way, you can determine how they think about environmental impact. Below are essential questions to ask.

About the Printing Process

Do they offer on-demand print? Is it a good fit for your project?
On-demand print (or digital printing) is a great solution when you are concerned about reducing waste. However, if you are printing ten thousand copies of a magazine, then off-set printing will still be the best solution. Be open with your printer about your project so they can match it with the best option for you.

Do they offer recycled paper stocks?
Using recycled paper stocks is an easy way to reduce your documents’ impact on the environment. Ask about whether they have any recycled paper stocks and, if so, what variety. For example, do they offer multiple weights (which translates to thickness of the paper)? Do they offer recycled paper for both color and black and white printing? Do they offer recycled stock for materials other than paper, such as tabs or binding materials?

How toxic are the materials they use?
Environmental impact is not just about how much paper you use. Toners and protective coatings can contain toxic materials. Be sure to ask about the sustainability of materials other than paper.

If they work with print partners, what kind of sustainability measures do their partners follow?
If you are based in the US but need to deliver print materials to Saudi Arabia, your printer probably uses a partner to get the job done. Be sure to ask about the printers’ global network and their sustainability policies.

About the Shipping Process

Once your documents are printed, they have to get to your destination(s) somehow, and that method can have a big impact on your environmental footprint.

How direct is their shipping process?
The first question is whether or not they handle shipping. Some local printers only deliver to your office, leaving you to complete any further shipping, an inefficient process that increases your eco-impact. The most sustainable shipping will be as direct as possible.

Do their shipping partners have any sustainability policies?
If your printer ships your documents across the country or world, the next question is which shipping partners do they use and what are those partners’ sustainability policies. Mimeo works closely with our shipping partners across the UK and Europe, and we prioritise partners who are Green Seal or SFI (Sustainable Forest Initiative) certified to keep our environmental impact as small as possible.

About the Waste Process

No matter what kind of printing you choose, there will be waste. For example, if you print a spiral-bound document with a full-bleed cover, there will be wasted trim paper. Toner cartridges and other machine supplies also end up in the waste pile. That is why it is important to ask your printer how they handle waste.

Do they recycle waste paper?
Ask your printer how they handle waste paper. Some machines are designed to limit the amount of waste paper produced. For extra paper that doesn’t make it into your document, ask whether it is put directly into the trash or recycled.

Do they recycle toner cartridges?
Be sure to ask how they handle toner cartridges. Are they able to be reused multiple times? Once at the end of their lifecycle, do they go back to the manufacturer for recycling? All of these processes can help reduce your print environmental footprint.

Do they recycle machines?
Many print machines are designed to be returned to the manufacturer for recycling. For example, all of Mimeo’s color presses can be disassembled for remanufacturing. Be sure to ask how your printer handles their equipment to factor into your sustainability calculations.

Environmentally-friendly printing is crucial to being a responsible world citizen in the twenty-first century. The good news is that it is possible to find printers who produce documents in a sustainable way. With the right questions, you can select the best partner for your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is print-on-demand more environmentally friendly than traditional printing?

Yes – print-on-demand significantly reduces waste by producing only what is needed. Unlike traditional bulk printing, there are no minimum quantities, no test jobs, and no leftover stock to discard. This reduces paper consumption, energy use, and transport emissions.

What is sustainable printing?

Sustainable printing – also known as eco-friendly or green printing – means minimising the environmental impact of every stage of the print process, from the paper and inks used to the shipping method and waste disposal. Print-on-demand is one of the most effective ways to make printing more sustainable.

What questions should I ask a print vendor about sustainability?

Ask whether they offer on-demand printing, recycled paper stocks, and low-toxicity toners. Find out how they handle waste paper and toner cartridges, whether their equipment is designed for remanufacturing, and what sustainability policies their shipping partners follow.

Does print-on-demand use recycled paper?

Many print-on-demand providers, including Mimeo, offer recycled paper stock options across different weights and formats. Ask your provider about the specific recycled stocks available for your document type.

How does direct shipping make printing more sustainable?

The more direct the shipping route, the lower the carbon footprint. Some printers only deliver to your office, leaving you to redistribute materials – adding unnecessary transport legs. A provider that ships directly to end destinations, whether a training venue, home address, or regional office, reduces overall emissions.

What you should read next

Print-on-Demand for Corporate Document Management: A Scalable Approach for Modern Businesses

How On-Demand Print Reduces Your Document Waste

Why Move to Online, On-Demand Printing?

Mimeo Marketing Team

Mimeo is a global online print provider with a mission to give customers back their time. By combining front and back-end technology with a lean production model, Mimeo is the only company in the industry to guarantee your late-night print order will be produced, shipped, and delivered by 8 am the next morning. For more information, visit mimeo.com and see how Mimeo’s solutions can help you save time today.