In a world increasingly dominated by digital technologies and despite decades of innovation and advancements in digital documentation management, paper continues to bear its hold. Paper continues to challenge the notion of a fully digitised workplace. The vision of a paperless office has long captured the imagination of businesses worldwide.

The idea of a paperless future gained significant attention in the mid-70s, led by an article in the Businessweek written by the head of Xerox’s research lab. This vision described a workforce effortlessly navigating digital screens. However, paper consumption, use of printers and printer ink continued in its upward trajectory. It continued growing in use by 50% between 1980 and 2011.

The transition from traditional paper-based systems to electronic and digital documentumentation management initially proposed a reduction in physical paper usage. The reality paints a different office picture we now use more paper than ever before. Consider these statistics:

• One billion photocopies are made each day (Source: Forrester Research)
• The annual growth rate for the amount of paper produced by the average company is 25%. (Source: Gartner)
• There are over four trillion paper documents in the US alone, and this number is growing at a rate of 22%, or roughly 880 billion paper documents a year. (Source: Coopers and Lybrand)
• According to a study by Oki Systems, despite expectations of a paperless future, printing and paper remain integral to office life, with 92% of over 2000 respondents reporting daily printing activities and nearly half printing more than 10 pages each day, highlighting a persistent reliance on traditional documentation methods

In a world that demands immediacy, the ability to quickly access relevant information remains a challenge. Highlighting the limitations of digital solutions in addressing organisational needs.

The indispensable role of paper becomes evident across various domains, from printing shipping labels to school projects, legal documents to medical forms. Even as hybrid work models becomes more popular, home printing volumes have surged, accompanied by a rise in ink subscription services. Research indicates a substantial increase in home printing, with 63% of individuals admitting to printing more, citing the need for physical documents for signatures or archival purposes.

Printers, once heralded as harbingers of a paperless future, remain indispensable tools in today’s workplaces and households. Despite technological advancements, the demand for printing persists, further underlining the enduring relevance of paper. 

Alongside printers, the consumption of printer ink has also seen a notable surge, fueled by increased home printing volumes and the need for high-quality output. Amidst the ongoing reliance on printers and paper, the demand for printer ink cartridges from leading brands remains crucial. Renowned for their quality and compatibility, Brother, Canon, Epson and HP ink cartridges ensure uninterrupted workflow and high-quality prints.

Authors Abigail J.Sellen and Richard H.R.Harper, in their book “The Myth of the Paperless Office,” describe how the introduction of new technology often fails to eradicate paper but instead changes its use or reshapes its role. “More commonly, the introduction of new technology does not get rid of paper; it increases it or shifts the ways in which it is used.” For many, the tactile experience and perceived reliability of physical records offer a welcome respite from digital fatigue. The director of sales for OpenText, a leading enterprise-information-management software company, attests to this, finding solace in printing out documents for offline review, providing a much-needed break from prolonged screen exposure.

While digital technologies have undoubtedly revolutionised how we work and communicate, the vision of a paperless office remains a distant goal. The continued use of paper and printing underscores its continued importance in modern workflows, prompting us to reconsider the balance between digital efficiency and the tangible benefits of traditional mediums. As organisations navigate this balance, it becomes increasingly clear that achieving a fully digitised workplace requires a different approach that acknowledges the value of paper and printing in the digital age. Acknowledging printers as vital tools, bridging the gap between the digital and physical spaces.