1. Efficient Printing Technology App
PrintEco’s software automatically reformats Microsoft Office documents to reduce the amount of paper used when printing. PrintFriendly’s software is similar, but is more applicable to web-based applications as it removes advertisements when printing.
2. Problem: Paper Waste
Excess amounts of paper are printed from Microsoft office and web-based applications. This problem is directly related to paper consumption, as increased amounts of paper wasted necessitates more paper consumed. Depending on where/how the paper is sourced, this could contribute to deforestation.
3. Stakeholders:
- The technology companies, PrintFriendly & PrintEco and their employees
- Customers & their employees that use paper
- Partners, such as the paper manufacturer Domtar
- Forest landowners who provide material to paper manufacturers
- Local communities affected by forestry
- Waste companies disposing of or recycling paper
4. Process for technology implementation:
- Offer both free and a pay per month (no advertisement) versions of the technology available for download on company website
- Foster relationships with businesses and brands that promote sustainability in order to sell the printing technology
- Analyze data used for each customer, identifying time, money, and resources saved as a result of using the technology
- Partner with paper manufacturers such as Domtar, for additional exposure and promotion of responsible paper life-cycle
- Collaborate with competitors to reach broader customer base (PrintEco has recently sold their company to PrintFriendly)
- Potentially collaborate with the government to form policies that require businesses to use the technology
- Potentially create incentives for businesses to use this technology
Article: http://www.sustainablebrands.com/news_and_views/startups/arpan_shah/printeco_partnering_competitors_double_down_sustainable_printing