Some Of The Biggest Benefits Of Going Paperless

Julie Starr • May 20, 2020



When it comes to creating a more sustainable office, there are few steps are beneficial to the environment as going paperless. From taking that single step, you can cut out up to 60% of the waste produced by the average office environment. However, there are benefits well beyond the environmentally friendly nature of paperless business. Here, we’re going to look at other benefits and how they affect your bottom line, customer satisfaction, and more elements that can make or break your business.

It saves a lot of money

Aside from cutting down on your waste, going paperless also cuts down on your reliance on physical resources that can be, above all else, expensive. When your business runs on paper, it also runs on the need for printing technologies. As such, you need to purchase not only the paper, but the printer, ink, and toner. Furthermore, you are likely to purchase a scanner to make sure you have a digital backup of your most important files. All of this can be very costly and they’re not one time costs, either. You are even going to need to pay for printer and scanner maintenance, repair, or replacement, as some point down the line. While going paperless isn’t cost-free, due to the need for storage devices and (in most cases) Cloud backup, it tends to be a lot more cost-effective.

You can free up a lot of space in the office

Not only do you have to purchase all the resources for printing those documents, but when you have a lot of paper, you need to spend even more money on storage. However, that storage doesn’t only take up funding, it also takes up space in the office. Filing cabinets are far from small, too. The more paper you use, the more quickly you can eat up space in your office. Having more space freed up in the office can help you space out employee workspaces , allowing them to work more productively, to reduce accidents and injuries, and generally improve their satisfaction with how they work.

It can lead to more efficient communication

Paper has long been one of the most important tools in business communication. From mailing important letters to keeping documents internally, it was all done on paper not too long ago. However, by moving to digital alternatives, you can greatly improve how your business communicates. Document templates and signature management , for instance, can help you create a consistent, professional image that applies across the whole business. It’s also a lot easier to manage and organize an email inbox and to respond to customer queries and concerns a lot faster when you don’t have to worry about posting them. More efficient communication means fewer misunderstandings and greater collaboration in the workplace.

Secure your important documents

One of the benefits of not having all of your most important documents printed on paper is that they are harder to simply snatch from the office or to lose along the way. There are some risks, of course, with digital documents. However, by investing in cybersecurity measures like encrypting important data and backing them up on Cloud storage servers, you can make them much safer than they would be if they were kept in physical form. As such, you can make sure that important business and customer data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. When it does, it can lead to major financial, legal, and PR liability for the business. Invest in paperless storage alongside the right digital security and the chances of this happening to you will diminish tremendously.

It’s easier to organize

One of the security risks of going paperless is that important documents can simply get lost, even if no-one nefarious has taken them for their own ends. Even when you invest in organization and storage tools like filing cabinets, having too much paper will eventually make it nigh-impossible to keep track of all of the documents that you need. There’s a risk of losing track of digital files, of course. However, it’s much easier to organize and store them , and you can quickly find them by searching your hardware and Cloud storage for relevant terms, as well. This makes sure you can keep track of important documents and also reduces the time spent locating and fetching them when needed.

They allow for much more flexible work

Let’s consider the situation: you’re out of the office but you’re in the middle of talking to a client and you need a certain document with relevant information quickly. If you’re working in an office that relies mostly on paper, then you might have to drive into the office to retrieve that document or risk giving misinformation to the client, leading to potential problems down the line. If your office is paperless, however, then you’re more likely to be relying on Cloud document storage, which means you can simply go online, find the document that you need, and make sure the client gets the right information.

It’s good marketing

A lot of business owners will opt for more sustainable measures because they believe in them and they believe in their part in protecting the environment. However, there are also market motivations to go sustainable, as well. There is a growing portion of consumers that are much more concerned about doing business with those who reduce waste as much as possible. By making a commitment to sustainable work practices such as going paperless, and even publishing case studies on how your business has managed it, you can give your brand the kind of boost it needs to make a connection with customers. Fulfilling your social corporate responsibility can help you maintain your business reputation, leading to a stronger connection with your customers.

All of the benefits above can make the decision to go paperless all the more convincing. However, it’s important you keep the sustainability of it all in mind first and foremost. If you’re not committed to making the business a more environmentally friendly body, it’s easy to go back to bad habits.

A Greener Supply Chain with Micro Fulfillment

By Julie Starr • May 23, 2025
A sustainable supply chain is made possible with some major shifts and minor changes that you may not consider at first. One of these is micro fulfillment, where strategically placed warehouses provide streamlined services to a smaller area. So, what are some of the benefits of changing your logistics? From consolidated deliveries to minimal eco-impact, here are a few. Closer Customer Proximity There are a few ways that micro fulfillment centers are revolutionizing the courier industry. Reduced emissions, local sourcing, and support for urban stability are just three of the many examples. Compact logistics are quickly becoming a solution for businesses that want to make a difference, and through small warehouse space for rent , as and when needed, environmental footprints are diminishing as companies deliver services and goods to a smaller customer area. Consolidated Delivery Options Efficiency is everything in business, but it is even more critical when a company is looking to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. Through a micro-fulfillment system, a business is able to reduce the overall number of trips that a courier has to make. With consolidated deliveries concentrated in a smaller geographic area, there are many more options available that contribute to a lower impact, including efficient use of fuel for lower emissions. A Greener Supply Chain with Route Efficiency A company can make many changes when becoming the green link in the supply chain for a healthier logistical operation. However, an average home delivery round for a standard courier service is 50 miles, with 0.42 miles between each drop-off, producing 181g of carbon each. Focusing on a smaller area through micro fulfillment reduce the associated issues with couriers: Being closer to delivery routes reduces the need for extra shipping options. Electric delivery vehicles can be used as there is no need to recharge them. Knowledge of the area helps with routes as drivers can avoid congested areas. Lower Environmental Impact Of course, all efforts to go green and become more sustainable through logistics are to reduce the environmental impact that a business has on the area. Micro fulfillment contributes to this in a way that a wider operation cannot. Shorter routes and enhanced inventory management actively reduce waste. There is also much less energy used, as micro fulfillment centers are designed to be energy-efficient, and EVs and less transport contribute to emission reduction. Enhanced Socioeconomic Benefits There is also a social and economic impact of a business. An enhanced and more sustainable business using local micro fulfillment centers instantly creates more jobs, helping to prop up the local economy. Of course, the efficiency of this type of logistical operation also results in happier customers, increasing the chance of repeat business. From a business perspective, you demonstrate a commitment to ongoing sustainability , appealing to eco-conscious customers. Summary Being closer to customers for delivery helps create a greener supply chain when used with micro fulfillment centers. Local couriers and employees also know the area and can avoid congested areas for streamlined operations. However, there are also social and economic benefits such as job creation, improved customer experiences, and enhanced brand reputation.

Sustainability in Ecommerce: 3 Ways to Make Progress Where It Matters

By Julie Starr • May 21, 2025
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have—it's essential. That’s true across every industry, and ecommerce is no exception. But let’s be honest: building a more sustainable ecommerce business isn’t always straightforward. From packaging to supply chains to last-mile delivery, the challenges are real—and often feel like they’re outside your control. But here’s the good news: sustainable ecommerce is absolutely possible. And it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Small, strategic shifts can make a meaningful difference—not just for the planet, but for your customers and your brand’s longevity. Here are three actionable ways you can move the needle toward a more environmentally responsible ecommerce business. Choose Sustainable Packaging That Works for People and Planet Packaging is often one of the most visible and wasteful—aspects of ecommerce. From oversized boxes to plastic fillers, the impact adds up fast. But it doesn’t have to. Thoughtful, sustainable packaging design can dramatically reduce your environmental footprint. Start by right-sizing your shipments to reduce excess material and emissions. Opt for recycled, recyclable, or compostable materials that align with circular economy principles. Better yet, one option is to design custom boxes with sustainable materials, for example. These custom packaging solutions eliminate unnecessary layers while enhancing your brand’s presentation. These aren’t just more sustainable choices, they’re smarter ones. Today’s customers care about where materials come from, and where they end up. Your packaging can reflect your commitment to both. Partner with Purpose: Choose Sustainable Suppliers Your supply chain is an extension of your brand and one of the most powerful levers you have to reduce your environmental impact. You could end up using more than a few suppliers when you’re running an ecommerce company . It’s always worth making sure these are as sustainable as possible . While you may not control every aspect of your suppliers’ operations, you do control who you choose to work with. Prioritize suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. Look for transparency in sourcing, third-party certifications, and a clear track record of environmental and ethical practices. Ask the right questions: Are their materials responsibly sourced? Do they minimize waste and emissions? How do they treat their workforce? Choosing partners who align with your values not only improves the sustainability of your products—it strengthens your brand’s integrity and resilience. When your supply chain reflects your mission, it creates trust and long-term value across your business. Lead with Impact: Promote Environmental Awareness Sustainability doesn’t stop at your supply chain. As an ecommerce business, you have a unique platform to elevate environmental causes and inspire meaningful change within and beyond your operations. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of highlighting and supporting various sustainable initiatives and causes around the world. One powerful way to do this is by supporting organizations and initiatives that align with your values. Whether it’s donating a portion of your profits, partnering with mission-driven nonprofits, or amplifying important causes across your website and social channels, your advocacy matters. By shining a light on solutions and inviting your customers to participate, you strengthen your brand’s purpose and build a community rooted in shared responsibility. This isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business. Sustainable ecommerce is entirely possible. With the right mindset and a few strategic shifts, your business can lead with integrity, reduce its footprint, and become part of a much-needed transformation in the digital economy.