Going fully paper-free sounds ideal, but for most organisations, it’s not practical. From contracts and compliance documents to client-facing materials, print still plays a valuable role in daily operations.

But here’s the good news, you don’t need to be entirely paperless to reduce waste, cut costs, and improve efficiency.

The smarter move? Go paper-less with a more thoughtful, managed approach to print.

The Myth of “Paper-Free”

Businesses often feel pressure to go entirely digital, driven by sustainability goals or the desire to modernise. But for many teams, certain workflows still require print whether it’s for signing documents, presenting professionally, or complying with industry standards.

If teams turn to unmanaged solutions or workarounds, trying to eliminate paper altogether can lead to frustration, inefficiencies, and even increased costs.

What Going “Paper-Less” Really Means

More organisations are choosing to go paper-less rather than chasing a paper-free ideal, reducing their reliance on print while making the output they need smarter, greener, and more cost-effective.

At Principal, we help businesses strike that balance using practical, in-house strategies that deliver real results. Our paper-less approach includes:

-  Monitoring and Reporting: Using software like Papercut to track usage, set print rules, and spot wasteful behaviours.

-  Duplex and Scanning Workflows: Encouraging double-sided printing and digital scanning to reduce unnecessary output.

-  Quarterly Reviews: Providing usage data and strategy insights to keep teams on track and budgets under control.

It’s not about banning paper, it’s about using it more wisely.

The Benefits of a Balanced Print Strategy

Organisations that embrace a paper-less mindset enjoy:

-  Lower costs: By eliminating wasteful printing and improving control.

-  Better sustainability: Through reduced paper consumption and more efficient devices.

-  Increased visibility: With regular reporting and smarter tools.

-  More autonomy: By managing print in-house, not outsourcing blindly.

Whether you’re a law firm needing secure print, a school focused on sustainability, or a growing SME trying to manage output across multiple sites, a flexible print strategy makes all the difference.

Smarter Printing Starts Here

At Principal, we support businesses across the UK with sustainable, cost-effective print solutions that match your needs, not just the latest trends. If you're still relying on some print, you're not alone.

Let’s help you go paper-less, not paperless.