The Paperless Office Could Mean More Than Good Marketing

For years, technology companies and inventive dreamers alike have been conjuring a possible future where innovation will completely replace paper in the American workplace. Like flying cars and meals in pill form, the paperless office has at times sounded completely achievable and a total pipe dream. But in an age of internet fax services, ever-present e-mails and an internet connection in every pocket, a paperless office could be achieved today. So what's the hold-up?

While some offices are veritable electronics stores—complete with TV monitors and video chat stations—there are still over 210 billion faxes sent every year. And old habits die hard. But while a little good publicity isn't enough for most offices to take the time to swap paper prints for iPads and swap ancient fax machines for online faxing, some real savings might. With 210 billion pieces of paper flowing from office to office and few recycling their paper—according to recent studies, only 5% of paper used in US offices will be recycled—technology becomes far more sustainable.

In 2009, stationery and office supply wholesalers numbered 2,518 and generated $19.1 billion revenues, according to Dun & Bradstreet. This multi-billion dollar industry is financed through businesses stuck to the old way of doing things. With help from online fax services and other technologies, businesses could save tens of thousands per year.

But the bottom line isn't the only thing that stands to benefit. The online fax industry claims it takes 4 trees on an annual basis to meet the needs of fax machines within one large U.S. based company. And according to the EPA, more than 17 million trees are annually cut down in order to produce enough paper for the United States alone. There are several reasons to switch to the more sustainable, more environmentally friendly choice. And unlike a flying car, this improvement will improve air quality.