- Lawrence Ng
Singapore's Printing Conundrum: High Tech, Low Eco-Awareness
In an era of increasing environmental awareness, the printing industry is undergoing a significant transformation. A recent study commissioned by Epson, a global leader in printing technology, reveals intriguing insights into Southeast Asia's attitudes towards sustainable printing practices, with Singapore emerging as a unique case study.
The Road to Sustainable Printing report, which surveyed 1,500 office decision-makers across six Southeast Asian countries, highlights a growing consciousness about the environmental impact of printing. Across the region, 66% of respondents consider sustainability an important factor when choosing a printer. However, the study exposes significant disparities between countries, particularly in awareness levels and willingness to adopt eco-friendly practices.
Singapore presents an interesting paradox in this landscape. Despite being a technologically advanced nation, it shows some of the lowest levels of awareness regarding the environmental impact of printing. Only 21% of Singaporean respondents claimed to be 'very' or 'moderately' aware of printing's environmental consequences, significantly below the regional average of 74%.
However, this lack of awareness hasn't prevented action. Singaporeans demonstrated the greatest reduction in office printing (43%) among all surveyed countries. This significant decrease can be largely attributed to the Singapore government's strong push for digitisation across various sectors. The Smart Nation initiative, launched in 2014, has been instrumental in driving digital transformation, encouraging businesses and government agencies to adopt paperless practices and digital workflows.
When it comes to those "very likely" to pay significantly more for sustainable printing options, Singapore still lags behind some of its regional counterparts. Only 9% of Singaporean respondents fell into this category, compared to 39% in Vietnam and 32% in Thailand. This suggests that, while Singaporeans are generally open to sustainable options, their unwillingness to pay more may be due to the perception that eco-friendly printer features are significantly more expensive.
Epson, despite being a major player in the printing industry, has made the bold decision to phase out all of its laser printers, transitioning fully to inkjet technology. This radical step reflects Epson's ambition to play its part in promoting sustainability, even if it means changing a significant portion of its business strategy. According to Epson, its Heat-Free inkjet printers can reduce energy usage by up to 85% compared to laser printers, significantly lowering the carbon footprint of printing operations. The company argues that this technology not only benefits the environment but also offers long-term cost savings for businesses through reduced energy consumption and fewer replacement parts.
However, this transition faces significant challenges. The study reveals a crucial knowledge gap that Epson must overcome. Across the region, including in Singapore, there's a widespread misconception about which printer type is more eco-friendly. In Singapore, 34% believed laser printers to have a lower environmental impact than inkjet printers, while a staggering 44% were unsure. This means that almost half of the surveyed population doesn't understand the environmental differences between laser and inkjet technologies, presenting a major hurdle for Epson's sustainability push.
The findings present both challenges and opportunities for the printing industry in Southeast Asia. While there's a growing awareness of sustainability issues, there's still significant room for education and improvement, particularly in Singapore. Siew Jin Kiat, Regional Managing Director at Epson Southeast Asia and Executive Officer at Seiko Epson Corporation, notes, "In Southeast Asia, we have observed significant trends that have shaped the business landscape and influenced customer preferences towards sustainability. Rising to these challenges offers further opportunities for innovation and to create impactful change." As the region continues to grapple with environmental concerns, the printing industry stands at a crucial juncture. The success of sustainable printing initiatives will likely depend on a combination of technological innovation, consumer education, and possibly, policy support.
Sustainability awareness in printing varies across Southeast Asia.
Singapore shows low awareness but high reduction in office printing.
Epson is transitioning from laser to inkjet printers for sustainability.
Widespread misconceptions exist about eco-friendly printer types.
Price sensitivity affects adoption of sustainable printing options.