Cutting costs 'is harming sustainable printing'

Sustainable printing has becomes less of a priority as businesses shift their attention to cutting costs in the current financial climate.

This is the view of co-founder and chief executive officer of analyst firm Context Jeremy Davies, who told Computer Business Review that while "green was very fashionable three or so years ago", the number of initiatives aimed at encouraging firms to use eco-friendly printers has dropped.

"The concern is with saving costs, so green is not too high on the agenda," he remarked.

Mr Davies noted some firms are adopting a more environmentally-friendly print infrastructure through the use of more efficient printers, but this is simply a by-product of attempting to reduce outlay.

Senior product marketing manager for OKI Printing Solutions Alan McLeish added the print industry is taking steps to improve its green credentials, by developing machines that draw less power than their predecessors.

Sharla Neyland of the Going Green blog recently suggested printing companies need to encourage their clients to include recycling messages on promotional material such as flyers.

Posted by Rachel North