Hardware

Can Printers Be Part of a Higher Ed Sustainability Program?

Printers were once thought of as environmentally harmful, but companies such as HP are helping to drive a sustainability-based future for the machines.

Alexandra Shimalla

Alexandra Shimalla is a freelance journalist and higher education writer.

Sustainability efforts are not a new concept, but printers aren’t often thought of as part of those efforts. Instead, campaigns might focus on recycling, reducing waste or increasing remote work to cut down on staff commuting to campus.

“People tend to believe that sustainability is only about the environment, and they forget that it is also about society and the economy,” says Noelle Peutat, global strategic sustainability lead for HP’s large-format printing business unit.

Given that discrepancy, “sustainability in the printing business is not easy to define, as it depends a lot on how customers see it,” says Peutat.

Printers have long been considered environmentally unfriendly because they rely on paper and ink in a digital age, not to mention the amount of energy traditionally required to power these machines.

However, companies such as HP have been making strides to make printers and all of their component parts more sustainable, from increasing awareness of take-back programs, using more sustainable paper, purchasing safe ink and taking advantage of technology to reduce waste.

LEARN MORE: Explore the full lineup of HP printers that help support sustainability efforts.

How Printers Became Sustainable Tools

Paper companies have been producing more sustainable paper for years, despite the common misconception that paper is inherently bad and tied to deforestation. A good rule of thumb is to look for paper companies that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. These certifications show that “fiber-based products are from responsible sources,” Peutat says.

HP goes a step further and partners with the World Wildlife Fund to “balance the impact of the non-responsibly sourced paper by restoring, managing and protecting the forests,” she says.

To reduce the amount of paper waste, it’s also wise to install the software associated with printers, such as HP Click. This software allows users to clearly see what their final documents will look like, reducing the potential for reprinting and creating paper waste.

In Europe, there’s a directive called the Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment. Global printing manufacturers must comply with this rule, which has led to significant sustainability changes for companies.

For example, HP’s latest T850/950 series machines are made at least partially from recycled plastic. In addition, all of their printers are rated by ENERGY STAR, which is a U.S. certification for imaging products that considers how machines use energy as well as the amount used.

HP has also taken steps to reduce the use of single-use plastic in its packaging.

For ink, Peutat recommends looking for a certification from UL ECOLOGO. UL Solutions highlights products, including ink, that are safest for humans and the environment.

Many companies and organizations also offer recycling programs, such as HP’s take-back program, HP Planet Partners. These programs can properly dispose of the machines, as can local recycling centers.

As for paper, Peutat encourages users to bring nonconfidential documents to local recycling centers for sustainable disposal. Campuses can offer recycling bins alongside trash cans for use by students, faculty and staff (if they’re not offered already).

The most sustainable thing you can do is buy something you will use the most.”

Noelle Peutat Global Strategic Sustainability Lead, HP Large-Format Printing

Printers Support Sustainability Initiatives in Higher Education

Older printers come with a host of issues: They require more energy and more ink. They’re also prone to image quality issues, which can increase waste as users reprint, Peutat says.

Printers are also potential gateways for cyberattacks.

“There is a growing threat of cyberattacks at every level,” Peutat warns.

In 2020, a team of researchers from Cybernews hijacked 28,000 printers in an effort to raise awareness about these vulnerable cybercrime access points.

“Newer printers are prepared for cyberattacks,” Peutat says. “They are more secure and avoid being an entry point.”

Newer machines come outfitted with encryption tools to keep campuses secure.

While there will be an upfront cost to invest in new printers, colleges and universities can save in the long run by reducing costs associated with energy, ink and paper. Many printers also come with automatic shut-off or sleep functions, so the equipment doesn’t use energy after business hours.

Peutat advises institutions to look for EPEAT-certified printers, a certification managed by the Global Electronics Council. Their website scrutinizes printers based on social and environmental impacts.

Given the rise of sustainability efforts, Peutat also warns institutions to be thorough in their research. Avoid falling for greenwashing, or misleading advertising, by finding evidence of any claims.

She also recommends keeping the big picture in mind.

“The most sustainable thing you can do is buy something you will use the most. Ask resellers, sales representatives or look for information on your own to make sure you buy the best fit,” she says.

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