Smart & Sustainable: The Best Eco-Friendly Printers for Home & Office

How we work, study, and communicate has changed drastically in recent years—and so has our awareness of environmental impact. More people are moving towards greener alternatives in their everyday tech, from smart lighting to energy-saving laptops. One area that often gets overlooked, however, is printing. 

If you print documents regularly, whether at home or in the office, your printer can impact the environment more than you might think. Printing can add up quickly in terms of energy usage, plastic waste, paper consumption and ink disposal. Fortunately, a growing market of eco-friendly printers is now known to be efficient, smarter, and better for the planet. Eco-friendly printing is being environmentally conscious when making printed materials for personal and business needs and opting for sustainable and non-polluting supplies. 

In this guide, we'll discuss what makes a printer eco-conscious, why it matters, and which are the best eco-friendly printers. So, let's get started! 

The Need for Eco-Friendly Printing 

The traditional printing process has a significant environmental cost and adds up quickly. From high energy consumption to piles of discarded ink cartridges and excessive paper usage, conventional printing methods quietly contribute to carbon emissions and landfill waste on a global scale. 

• Ink cartridges: Over 375 million empty cartridges are discarded yearly, most ending up in landfills. 
• Paper waste: Offices still generate vast volumes of unnecessary prints — many of them single-sided. 
• Energy drain: Older printers consume far more electricity than newer ENERGY STAR® certified models. 

And here's the frustrating part: a huge percentage of this waste is preventable. With smarter technology, better user habits, and the right equipment, printing can be efficient and eco-conscious. 

What Features Make a Printer "Eco-Friendly"? 

Let's be honest — printing has a bit of a bad rep regarding sustainability. Ink cartridges that run dry too fast, stacks of wasted paper, machines guzzling energy in the background… it hasn't exactly screamed "green tech" in the past. 

But gone are those days. These days, printer brands are stepping up — and some printers are genuinely doing their bit to cut waste, save energy, and help users be a little kinder to the planet. So, what makes a printer eco-friendly? Let’s discuss: 

Energy Efficiency 

An eco-printer shouldn't be hogging electricity every time you hit "print". Choose models with low energy consumption, ideally with Energy Star certification. Many newer printers have smart power-saving modes — they go to sleep when not in use, then fire up instantly when needed. You won't even notice, but your energy bill might. 

Ink That Goes Further 

Traditional cartridges are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to waste. They're expensive, run out fast, and often end up in landfills. That's why many eco-printers now use refillable ink tanks or high-yield cartridges. You get more pages per refill, less plastic waste, and fewer "low ink" tantrums when printing in a hurry. 

Built to Last, Not Just to Sell 

Cheap printers that start breaking down after a year are not sustainable. A good eco-friendly printer should be reliable and durable—not something you toss in the skip every time it jams. Quality over quantity is the name of the game here. 

Sustainable Materials & Recycling Schemes 

More brands now use recycled plastics in their printers and packaging, which is a solid step forward. Even better, some offer take-back or recycling programmes for used cartridges, parts, and even entire printers. If you're switching to a new model, look for a brand that helps you dispose of the old one responsibly. 

The Benefits of Eco-friendly Printers 

The following benefits are associated with choosing sustainable printers for your home or office needs.  

1. Lower Energy Consumption = Lower Bills 

Eco-friendly printers are built to use less power. They often come with advanced sleep modes, automatic power-off features, and fast warm-up times, so they're not constantly drawing electricity when not in use. Over time, this can noticeably cut your energy bills and lower operating bills, especially if you print regularly or in a shared office space. 

2. Reduced Waste with Duplex Printing 

Most eco-conscious printers offer automatic duplex printing (that's double-sided, for the non-techy crowd). It's one of the simplest ways to reduce paper usage, and once it's set up, you don't need to think about it. 

The result? Fewer reams of paper are used, printouts take up less storage space, and a lot less waste goes into the bin. 

3. High-Yield & Refillable Ink Systems 

Traditional inkjet printers use disposable cartridges that barely last, and replacing them every few weeks adds up both cost and landfill. Eco-friendly models often use: 

• Refillable ink tanks (like Epson EcoTank or Canon MegaTank) 
• High-yield cartridges that print thousands of pages 
• Ink subscription plans that reduce packaging and shipping waste 

It's a more sustainable system, and the print cost per page can be dramatically lower in the long run. 

Even the best printers can encounter paper jams, but eco-friendly models with smarter paper handling features tend to experience fewer issues. 

 Here's how to quickly fix common printer paper jams and keep your printer running smoothly. 

4. Lower Carbon Footprint 

Between reduced energy use, less paper waste, and smarter ink systems, an eco-printer's overall environmental impact is lower than that of a standard model. If you're a business trying to hit sustainability targets or just someone who wants to shrink your carbon footprint, this is a solid step in the right direction. 

Some brands (like HP and Brother) even publish carbon impact data or offer carbon-neutral printer plans—ideal for tracking emissions or reducing environmental impact at work. 

5. Smarter Software for Greener Printing 

Modern eco-printers often include clever print management tools — letting you:

• Set print quotas or limits 
• Default all users to black-and-white or duplex printing 
• Track usage and monitor environmental savings 

This is especially useful in offices, schools, or shared spaces, where print habits can easily spiral out of control. 

6. Recycling is Never Been Easier 

Many manufacturers now offer free cartridge recycling programmes — some even provide prepaid return envelopes in the box. Brands like HP, Canon and Epson also offer take-back services for old printers, making it easier to upgrade responsibly. 

Best Eco-friendly Printer Options Available 

Not every printer is designed to be "Eco-friendly," so finding one can be daunting. To help you in this aspect, we have curated a selection of the best eco-friendly printers, which will not only help you minimise your impact on the environment but also save money on consumables.

Brother DCP-L2620DW 3-in-1 Wireless Printer: Compact and Eco-Conscious

Shop Brother DCP-L2620DW

The Brother DCP-L2627DWXLZU1 is a compact, monochrome laser multifunction printer designed for efficient and sustainable home or small office use. With a print resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi and speeds up to 32 pages per minute, it delivers sharp and fast document printing. Its automatic duplex printing feature reduces paper consumption, contributing to eco-friendly operations. Connectivity options include USB and wireless and supporting mobile printing technologies like Apple AirPrint, Brother iPrint & Scan, and Mopria Print Service. The printer supports high-yield toner cartridges, meaning fewer replacements and less plastic waste over time. You can activate Toner Save Mode for lighter print jobs, which reduces toner use without compromising legibility. There's even a Quiet Mode, which lowers noise levels and helps optimise energy use during printing. 

HP LaserJet Pro MFP 4102fdn LaserJet Printer: A Leader in Energy Efficiency

Shop HP LaserJet Pro

As one of the best examples of an HP wireless printer alternative for offices, the HP LaserJet Pro 4102fdn focuses on energy efficiency, fast print speeds, and robust security. With print speeds of up to 40 pages per minute and a first-page-out time of just 6.3 seconds, it handles high-volume workloads. It supports print, copy, scan, and fax functions and includes automatic duplex printing as standard, helping reduce paper waste. In terms of energy efficiency, it features HP's Auto-On/Auto-Off technology and EcoSmart black toner, with a low Typical Electricity Consumption (TEC) of just 0.40 kWh/week — making it a reliable low-energy printer for environmentally conscious offices. Its robust build, large paper capacity, and advanced security via HP Wolf Pro Security make it ideal for modern office environments. 

Epson EcoTank ET-15000 Printer: A Sustainable All-in-One Printer

Shop EcoTank ET-15000

The EcoTank ET-15000 is a feature-packed A3 Epson all-in-one printer that delivers excellent value, especially for eco-conscious users. With its cartridge-free design, the printer dramatically reduces plastic waste and slashes ink costs by up to 90% thanks to its large refillable tanks. It's compact yet supports A3+ printing from the rear feed, catering to creative professionals and small offices. The printer handles everything from auto duplex printing and faxing to scanning with a 35-sheet ADF, while Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Ethernet make printing from anywhere incredibly easy. Powered by Epson's heat-free PrecisionCore technology, the ET-15000 delivers fast, reliable prints with excellent clarity and reduced power consumption. 

Brother DCP-L2627DWXLZU1 Multifunction Printer: Laser Precision with Smart Functionality

Shop DCP-L2627DWXLZU1

The Brother DCP-L2627DWXLZU1 is a versatile A4 monochrome laser printer which combines printing, scanning, and copying in a single, space-saving unit. This printer uses laser print technology, which is known for delivering sharp, smudge-free text and high-speed performance. With a print speed of up to 32 pages per minute, the DCP-L2627DWXLZU1 can handle high-volume black-and-white jobs with minimal fuss. The built-in automatic duplex printing significantly reduces paper usage, while the Toner Save Mode allows you to extend the life of your toner for less critical jobs. 

On the scanning side, the printer uses a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), which ensures accurate document digitisation, which is especially useful for archiving, emailing, or copying. It includes 128 MB of internal memory for handling moderate print queues and multiple jobs. In terms of connectivity, this model offers USB and wireless printing and support for Apple AirPrint, Mopria, and Brother iPrint & Scan.  

Who are Eco-Friendly Printers Designed for? 

The short answer? Pretty much for everyone. 

Whether printing off schoolwork at home, running a small business, or managing documents in a busy office — switching to an eco-friendly printer can make your life easier and greener. 

• Home Users & Remote Workers 

Eco-friendly home printers are a win-win at home. Cartridge-free models like the Epson EcoTank save you money on ink, and built-in features like duplex printing help reduce paper waste. Plus, they're quiet, compact, and super easy to use. 

• Small Businesses & Offices 

If you're running a business, you know how fast printing costs can add up. Energy-efficient printers cut power bills; high-yield toner means fewer refills, and automated settings help reduce waste without lifting a finger.  

• Creatives & Designers 

Designers, photographers, and creatives need high-quality prints, but that doesn't mean they must be wasteful. Eco-friendly ink tank printers offer vibrant colour output with minimal impact so you can show off your work while keeping things sustainable. 

• Schools & Universities 

From handouts to homework, schools use a lot of paper. Eco-friendly printers with double-sided printing and high-volume capabilities help reduce paper use and costs. Plus, fewer cartridge replacements mean less disruption and more learning. 

• Individuals Who Want to Be a Bit Greener 

You don't need to overhaul your lifestyle to make a difference. Swapping your old printer for one that uses less energy, plastic, and ink is a small change that adds up—especially over time. 

Choosing the Right Green Printer for You 

Choosing greener printers isn't just about slapping an "eco" label on the box — it's about understanding how the printer performs, how much energy it consumes, and how it handles ink, paper, and waste. Start by looking at the printer's energy efficiency rating — models with ENERGY STAR® certification or a low Typical Electricity Consumption (TEC) figure (like 0.40 kWh/week or lower) are much better in the long run. For ink usage, opt for cartridge-free printers that use refillable ink tanks or high-yield toners, which dramatically reduce plastic waste and ongoing costs.  

Features like automatic duplex printing and N-in-1 printing can cut your paper consumption in half by printing on both sides or combining multiple pages onto one sheet. If you print often from mobile devices, look for models with Wi-Fi Direct, AirPrint, or Mopria support so you can skip unnecessary prints by previewing and sending jobs straight from your phone. And don't forget maintenance — front-facing ink tanks with mess-free refill systems or printers with long-life PrecisionCore™ printheads (like Epson's) can save you a lot of hassle.  

Conclusion  

Most of us don't think too much about our printers until they run out of ink or start acting up. But the truth is, the kind of printer you use can actually make a big difference. Not just to your wallet but to the environment, too. 

The good news? You don't have to sacrifice quality or performance to be more eco-conscious. Whether it's a cartridge-free model like the Epson EcoTank ET-15000, a low-energy laser printer like the HP LaserJet Pro MFP 4102fdn, or a compact and reliable option like the Brother DCP-L2627DWXLZU1, there are smart, sustainable printers out there that do the job without all the waste. 

Small features like duplex printing, high-yield ink or toner, and energy-saving modes might not sound exciting, but they do add up in terms of savings, convenience, and the planet. 

So, if you're considering upgrading your printer, now's the perfect time to go green. Explore the best eco-friendly printer range at Box.co.uk — and find a smarter way to print that's better for you and better for the environment.  
Not sure what type of printer is right for your home or office? 
Check out our Printer Buying Guide to help narrow down the best printers options — from laser to inkjet, mono to colour. 

Best Eco-Friendly Printers: Frequently Asked Questions 

What type of printer is most environmentally friendly? 

The most environmentally friendly printers use refillable ink tanks instead of disposable cartridges. Ink tank printers like the Epson EcoTank series generate far less plastic waste. They are ideal for users who print regularly and want to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing print quality. 

What is the best eco printer? 

The best eco printer depends on your needs, but models like the Epson EcoTank ET-15000, HP LaserJet Pro MFP 4102fdn, and Brother DCP-L2627DWXLZU1 stand out. These printers are designed to reduce energy consumption, reduce cartridge waste, and deliver reliable, cost-effective performance over time. 

How do you print eco-friendly? 

To print eco-friendly, use double-sided printing, switch your printer’s eco or toner-save mode, and choose high-yield or refillable ink options. You’ll save on paper, energy, and running costs while reducing waste from cartridges and unnecessary prints. 

What is Eco mode in a printer? 

Eco mode is a built-in printer setting that helps reduce energy use and ink or toner consumption. It’s ideal for everyday printing tasks, letting you print lighter, quicker, and with fewer resources without noticeably affecting document quality. 

How do I recycle printer ink cartridges? 

You can recycle used ink cartridges through your printer brand’s official recycling programme. Brands like HP, Epson, and Brother offer free return schemes where you send used cartridges back by post or drop them off at approved collection points. 

Is a laser or inkjet printer more sustainable in the long term? 

Laser printers are often more sustainable for heavy users due to their high-yield toner and lower energy use per page. However, ink tank inkjet printers are better for lower-volume, colour-focused printing with minimal waste, making them a strong eco-friendly choice for home and creative users.