By Petr Kramerius, Regional Manager at Infosource
November 2024, According to many experts, AI has the potential to drive sustainable practices within the print industry by optimising energy efficiency, reducing waste, and enhancing predictive maintenance across the entire print lifecycle. However, its application comes with challenges, including the environmental cost associated with data centres and e-waste. Addressing these concerns while leveraging AI can help the industry transition toward net-zero emissions.
The print industry faces unique sustainability challenges, with the environmental impact extending beyond devices to paper and consumables like ink and toner. Many manufacturers have adopted circular principles and sustainable designs, incorporating recycling programs and offering refurbished products. However, as organisations increasingly expect print suppliers to help measure and minimise their environmental impact, AI is emerging as a critical enabler for sustainable practices.
AI can transform the print lifecycle by driving energy efficiencies, optimising operations, and improving sustainability credentials. Here are some ways AI can be applied:
- Energy Efficiency and Design
AI can optimise energy use by selecting renewable sources and developing intelligent solutions. It can also aid in designing devices for lower emissions by using data from current hardware to enhance future energy efficiency and meet right-to-repair legislative requirements. - Predictive Maintenance and Demand Optimisation
AI can analyse IoT- connected multifunction printers (MFPs) data to detect potential issues and enable proactive maintenance, reducing emergency repairs and service emissions. AI can also predict printing demand based on historical data, adjust device utilisation and manage workflows to minimise waste and energy consumption. - Supply Chain and Waste Management
AI enhances supply chain efficiency through demand forecasting and inventory optimisation, reducing energy and transport impacts. It can also support the four Rs—repair, refurbishment, reuse, and recycling—to extend product longevity. - Print Consumables and Carbon Offsetting
By analysing their environmental impact, AI can recommend more sustainable toner and ink choices. It can also aid in monitoring and validating carbon offset programs, ensuring emissions reductions are accurately tracked. - End-User Experience
AI can help users minimise waste by automatically adjusting printer settings, promoting hybrid paper-digital workflows, and providing cybersecurity protections to prevent unauthorised printing.
Despite AI’s apparent benefits, there are still some hurdles to overcome. The high energy consumption of AI-powered data centres and the rapid development of AI technology complicate the measurement of its carbon footprint. Additionally, ethical concerns, regulatory variations, and data privacy issues must be addressed.
The print industry has an opportunity to harness AI for sustainable growth. Suppliers can enhance their sustainability credentials and improve business performance by addressing environmental challenges and implementing AI strategically. Quick adaptation and partnerships with AI technology leaders will be essential for driving product and service innovation as AI evolves.
