World Environment Day 2025: Combating Plastic Pollution Through Smarter Print Solutions

‍Plastic Pollution in the Print Ecosystem ‍

Every year, millions of toner and ink cartridges end up in landfills. These cartridges, primarily made of plastic, take hundreds of years to decompose. Beyond the cartridges, printers themselves are often discarded rather than repaired or recycled, adding to the mounting e-waste crisis. Moreover, many businesses still rely on inefficient, decentralised print setups that encourage overproduction and underutilisation. These practices not only waste paper and energy but also contribute to the demand for consumables encased in plastic.

How Managed Print Services Help Tackle Plastic Waste

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1. Consolidation and Optimisation of Devices
By analysing and rationalising print fleets, MPS providers reduce the number of physical devices in use. Fewer printers mean less plastic production, fewer consumables, and reduced energy consumption.

2. Cartridge Recycling Programmes
At Bryan S Ryan, in conjunction with our Environmental Sustainability partner WBT Ltd, we support businesses in achieving their ESG goals through a transparent and efficient cartridge recycling programme. Our simple process ensures empty toner cartridges are efficiently recycled and/or repurposed, supporting the circular economy and aiming for zero landfill.

3. Sustainable Hardware Choices
As a national distributor for Kyocera and a Gold Partner for Canon, Bryan S Ryan is proud to work with manufacturers who lead the way in sustainability. Kyocera devices are designed with long-life components and minimal environmental impact, while Canon is committed to reducing single-use plastics and promoting resource efficiency. These partnerships allow us to offer greener machines that help our clients reduce both their carbon and plastic footprints.

4. Digital Transformation and Paper Reduction
Document digitisation, cloud printing, and secure document workflows mean less reliance on physical printouts. Reducing print volumes lessens the need for plastic-encased cartridges and extends the life of existing hardware.

Supporting a Circular Economy in Print

The concept of a circular economy is gaining traction, particularly when it comes to managing electronic and plastic waste. MPS solutions can play a vital role in shifting businesses from a linear ‘use-and-dispose’ model to a more sustainable approach.

By embracing remanufactured cartridges, leasing printers instead of purchasing them outright, and committing to preventative maintenance, businesses can significantly reduce their contribution to plastic waste. Furthermore, MPS providers can help implement print policies that encourage responsible use across the workforce.

World Environment Day is a Catalyst for Change

World Environment Day offers the perfect opportunity for businesses to re-evaluate their print and document strategies. It’s not just about going paperless – it's about making smarter decisions that reduce environmental impact across the board.

As a leader in the print solutions space, Bryan S Ryan champions the integration of eco-conscious practices within everyday business operations. Partnering with an experienced MPS provider ensures not just cost-efficiency, but meaningful progress towards environmental sustainability goals.

Take Action: Your Sustainable Print Journey Starts Today

If your organisation is looking to cut costs, increase efficiency, and reduce its plastic footprint, Managed Print Services are a strategic starting point. On this World Environment Day, let’s commit to smarter, cleaner, and greener print solutions.