Changing the impact that your workplace has on the environment can be extremely challenging.

When you are powering multiple electronics throughout the working day, such as computers and lights, it may seem impossible to cut down on your carbon footprint.

However, there are some small changes that you can make that will help you work towards a greener office.

One of the simplest options that can have the biggest effect, is duplex printing.

Along with this, you can greatly improve efficiency, and your outgoing costs, by simply utilising this one printing solution.

If you are looking for a small change that you can make to work towards a greener workplace, then read on:

What is duplex printing?

If you have never heard the term duplex printing, then you may not be aware of the benefits that it can provide.

This term refers to printers that have the ability to print on both sides of the paper, by feeding the sheet back into the printer once one side has been printed, and printing onto the other.

A modern all in one printer will usually have this feature inbuilt which allows automatic printing but this is not limited to MFPs.

Printers that can only offer one-sided printing are sometimes referred to as simplex printers.

Why is duplex printing useful?

Double-sided printing actually helps to print pages faster, meaning that larger documents can be printed in less time, while less energy is used and paper is saved which can cut down on costs by up to 50%.

Printing on two sides also opens a world of new media options to choose from. For example, it can be used to make double-sided booklets or a two-sided newsletter, which is great if you are looking for new ways to market your brand.

Added green features

Some Samsung laser printer models feature a one touch eco button, which allows users to print two pages onto one side of the paper, further cutting down paper usage.

As well as this, these printers are able to automatically skip blank pages and come with an in-built toner-save mode, helping to make the most of your consumables.

These features, paired with duplex printing are a great way to prevent unnecessary damage to the environment.

How does duplex printing work?

Using your duplex services is extremely simple.

If your printer can print double-sided, then provided you clicked the correct page set-up options, the printer will automatically produce text on both sides of the page.

With some older devices, your printer may print on one side and then you will need to manually feed the paper back into the printer for it to produce images or text on the other side.

If the printer has duplex capabilities, it will usually have a D after the model number, for example, the Xerox colour printer, VersaLink C405DN.

For this printing method to work, you must ensure that the page set-up options are correct.

If working with Windows then find the Windows print driver and go to Settings, then file – print properties – layout – two-sided printing. At this stage you can also pick how you would like your prints presented, for example if you would like to print a folded booklet, you can select this here.

This nifty function means that this is an energy-saving solution that benefits both you and the environment, simultaneously.