Save Paper, Save Money: Your Wallet & the Planet Will Thank You!
In today’s digital age, most of the businesses are still using paper cards, but seeking ways to operate more sustainably and cost-effectively. One such area is the use of digital business cards. Unlike paper business cards, digital business cards offer significant environmental and cost benefits. Let’s explore how they contribute to sustainability and provide real-life cost savings, particularly in the Malaysian market.
Environmental Benefits
1. Reduced Paper Consumption
First and foremost, printing business cards require paper, which means trees need to be cut down. On average, one tree produces about 20,000 business cards. Considering that approximately 100 billion business cards are printed each year globally, this results in the destruction of around 5 million trees annually. By switching to digital business cards, we can significantly reduce the demand for paper and help preserve forests.
2. Lower Water Usage
Moreover, the production of paper is water intensive. It takes about 17,000 gallons of water to produce one ton of paper. With the vast number of business cards printed each year, this translates to billions of gallons of water consumed. Digital business cards eliminate the need for paper, thereby conserving water resources.
3. Reduced Carbon Footprint
Besides that, the production, transportation, and disposal of paper business cards contribute to carbon emissions. The paper industry is responsible for approximately 569 million pounds of CO2 emissions annually. Digital business cards, on the other hand, have a much lower carbon footprint as they do not require physical production or transportation.
4. Less Waste
Nevertheless, physical business cards often end up in the trash, contributing to waste. Digital business cards are reusable and do not generate physical waste, making them a more sustainable option.
Cost Benefits
1. Elimination of Printing Costs
Printing business cards can be expensive. In Malaysia, the cost of printing a single business card ranges from RM0.20 to RM0.50, depending on the quality and quantity. For a company with 100 employees, printing 200 cards per employee annually can cost between RM4,000 and RM10,000. Digital business cards eliminate these printing costs entirely.
2. No Reordering Expenses
With paper business cards, any change in contact information or job title requires reprinting, leading to additional costs. Digital business cards can be updated instantly at no extra cost, saving both time and money.
3. Reduced Storage and Distribution Costs
In addition, storing and distributing paper business cards involves additional expenses. Digital business cards are stored electronically and can be shared instantly via email, QR codes, or NFC, eliminating storage and distribution costs.
4. Long-Term Savings
Clearly, while there may be an initial cost to set up digital business cards, the long-term savings are substantial. For example, if a company spends RM60 per employee annually on paper business cards, switching to digital business cards can save thousands of ringgit each year. For a company with 500 employees, this could mean savings of up to RM30,000 annually.
Conclusion
Finally, digital business cards offer a modern, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative to traditional paper business cards. By reducing paper consumption, conserving water, lowering carbon emissions, and eliminating waste, they contribute significantly to sustainability. Additionally, the cost savings from eliminating printing, reordering, storage, and distribution expenses make digital business cards a smart choice for businesses of all sizes. Embracing digital business cards not only supports environmental goals but also enhances efficiency and reduces operational costs.