Eco-Friendly Printing Practices For Hospitals and Clinics

From patient records to prescriptions and administrative documentation, printed materials remain essential in hospitals and clinics. But as sustainability takes a larger role in healthcare operations, there’s increasing interest in printing smarter—not less.

Rethinking Sustainability in Print

Unlike digital infrastructure—which has its own significant carbon footprint—paper does not rely on fossil-fueled data centers to function. In fact, paper’s recyclability and renewability make it a key part of the circular economy. The issue isn’t paper itself—it’s how we use it.

In healthcare, where documentation is critical, the focus should be on improving printing practices, not eliminating print entirely. These thoughtful adjustments can reduce energy use, streamline workflows, and align healthcare facilities with broader environmental goals.

Smarter Printing Practices for Healthcare Facilities

If your clinic or hospital is looking to reduce environmental impact without compromising operations, here are three practices to consider:

1. Using Certified Sustainable Printing Materials 
   Choosing paper that’s FSC®- or PEFC®-certified, made from recycled fibers, or processed without chlorine ensures that your print materials support responsible forestry and clean water practices. These papers aren’t just environmentally sound—they’re high quality and widely available. 
   
   
2. Incorporate Eco-Friendly Inks & Toners  
   Switch to vegetable- or soy-based inks when possible. Compared to traditional petroleum-based options, these alternatives produce fewer VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and make printed documents easier to recycle—an important consideration in facilities with high-volume usage.
   
   
3. Implement Print Management Software(PMS)
   Rather than reducing access to print, PMS tools empower teams to make better, data-informed printing choices. Track usage by department, set rules to prevent unnecessary jobs, and improve overall document security—while reducing waste and inefficiencies.
   

A Thoughtful, Balanced Approach

The healthcare sector is increasingly expected to lead by example when it comes to environmental responsibility. But that doesn’t mean turning away from paper—it means choosing paper wisely and using it efficiently. Sustainably sourced paper supports carbon sequestration and forest health, while smart technologies ensure resources are used with care.

Partner With a Trusted Print Solutions Provider

At SumnerOne, we know print—because we’ve been doing it right for over 70 years. We work with healthcare facilities of all sizes to recommend the right equipment, tools, and materials to make sustainable printing practical and effective.

Whether you’re looking to reduce emissions, lower energy usage, or simply manage your workflows more efficiently, our team is here to help—with advice and a wide range of eco-conscious solutions.

Interested in implementing eco-friendly practices and having a reliable print technology provider? Just contact us to get started.