Best printer options for green printing practices

With advances in green printing taking place each and every year, more consumers are starting to become aware of how they print. We know how managed print services can help save us time, money and also help the environment, and we try to implement effective practices to reduce waste wherever we can. Many of us may use non-harmful ink and recycled paper even. Nevertheless, how many of us take a moment to think about the actual printer we use, and whether or not it is the best eco-friendly printer option?
* Laser ink printers
The most commonly used printer type, laser ink or ink jet printers use a specialised ink system when they print. Ink cartridges are used, which are replaced when they run out, and some models offer refillable cartridges that can be refilled rather than thrown away. While these printers are the least sustainable in terms of waste, ink usage and other factors, you can lessen the impact by following green printing practices such as recycling your empty ink cartridges, using eco-friendly recycled paper or minimising the amount of printing that you do. Many printer manufacturers are implementing green printer solutions too, making this type of printer more sustainable.
* 3D printers
Used by designers, architects, engineers and many other industries, 3D printing is a specialist way of creating a tangible 3D object based on a design made through computer software (CAD or computer aided design). While this option is different to regular printing of paper, studies have shown that 3D printing offers a unique and hugely beneficial way of recycling - by using recycled waste products such as glass, plastic and metals, 3D printers that create new objects are using the ultimate recycling system, in an eco-friendly way that minimises carbon footprint and waste.
* Digital printers
Digital printers are another popular option for green printing. These printers use far less ink and chemicals, and use a plate to print. Rather than laser printing, which impregnates ink into paper during the printing process, digital printers imprint a digital image onto the surface of the paper instead. The costs are much less for this type of printing, making it a popular option for photo printing as well as for items such as business cards, letterheads, envelopes and other corporate material - even promotional items such as t-shirts, mugs or magnets can be printed using digital printing.
* Portable printers
A recent trend has seen portable printers come into the market, offering an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to tradition, often large printers. These printers use much less ink, and are ideal for home use or for small office. As they are generated through an alternative power source such as USB or battery, they do not require electricity to run, making them very low impact on the environment.
* Print companies
Yet another solution for best printing practices from an environmental point of view is to outsource your printing to a green printer company. These companies use a number of eco-friendly printing options, from the type of paper that they use to the type of ink and printers used. This ensures that the entire printing process is as green and sustainable as possible, for a low impact solution that is far more cost-effective than you may have thought. Many managed print services offer this service or advice on outsourcing your print needs.