Going Paperless Isn’t Always Greener

Complete Story

05/06/2026

Going Paperless Isn’t Always Greener

Source: TwoSides North America, Januray 2026

Do You Know the Facts About Paper and Electronic Communication?

We often hear that going paperless is the greener choice—but not all of those claims are grounded in science. Let’s sort through the most common myths and uncover the real facts about paper, digital communication, energy use, waste, and what sustainability really looks like in a circular economy.

Paper’s Role in a Circular Economy

As global demand for resources continues to grow, a sustainable future will depend on products with a circular life cycle, that is, highly recycled products that are made with renewable raw materials and energy.

Paper is well-positioned for the circular economy given its unique sustainable characteristics. So why are many companies, government agencies and media organizations encouraging us to “go green” by switching from paper to electronic communications? Clearly, these appeals to help the environment by eliminating paper-based communication are driven by the desire to cut costs, misguided marketing
strategies, or both – not on sound science.

Paper and Digital Communication: A Sustainability Comparison

Paper is made with a renewable natural resource – trees that are purpose-grown, harvested and re-grown in sustainably managed forests. It is produced using mostly renewable, carbon-neutral bioenergy in a process that uses a lot of water but actually consumes very little of it. And paper is recycled more than any other material in the U.S. and Canada municipal waste stream.

In contrast, electronic communication requires environmentally invasive drilling and mining for the finite raw materials needed to manufacture electronic devices and the massive server farms that support them. These devices and server farms are powered mostly by fossil fuel energy, and very few smartphones, tablets, laptops and computers get recycled.

View more information

Printer-Friendly Version

Register Today for the 2026 Michigan Leadership Summit

Leadership, workforce engagement, sustainability, risk management, postal optimization, mergers and acquisitions, and artificial intelligence are all shaping the future of the printing and graphic communications industry. On Thursday, May 21, Graphic Media Alliance will bring together industry leaders and nationally recognized speakers for the 2026 Michigan Leadership Summit in Romulus, Michigan. This full-day experience features seven educational sessions designed to help organizations strengthen leadership, improve operational performance, and prepare for the future of print. Space is limited. Register today and secure your spot for one of GMA’s premier leadership events of the year.

GMAAdvocacy(+): National Industry Coalition Challenges California Recycling Labeling Law

One of the most important benefits of GMA membership is access to advocacy efforts taking place not only within our region, but across the country through our partnership with the Americas Printing Association Network (APAN). In this important update shared through our industry network partners, a broad coalition representing packaging manufacturers, food producers, retailers, agricultural organizations, and print interests has filed a federal lawsuit challenging California’s SB 343 recycling labeling law. As legislation and environmental policy continue evolving across the country, GMA remains committed to keeping members informed, connected, and represented through collaborative advocacy initiatives.

Selling or Buying a Business? What You Need to Know About Workers’ Compensation

Buying or selling a business involves far more than contracts and ownership changes, especially when it comes to workers’ compensation obligations and policy considerations. This important update from Sedgwick outlines what employers need to know about “successorship,” policy transfers, reporting requirements, and potential liabilities tied to business acquisitions, mergers, or sales. GMA members considering a business purchase, sale, or restructuring are encouraged to review this guidance carefully to ensure a smooth transition and protect their organization from avoidable workers’ compensation issues.

Tecnau and Standard Finishing Systems Announce Strategic Partnership

Automation, workflow efficiency, and integrated finishing solutions continue to shape the future of print production. In this announcement, new GMA member Tecnau and Standard Finishing Systems introduce a cooperative partnership designed to deliver integrated roll-fed and cut-sheet finishing solutions for print providers across the U.S. and Canada. For GMA members exploring workflow optimization and scalable automation strategies, this partnership highlights the continued evolution of connected print manufacturing environments.