How Much Paper Is Used in One Day?

Paper production is one of the largest industries in the world, with more than 300 million tons of paper produced every year. The companies from this sector steadily provide your business with paper, allowing you to print, take notes, and copy your documents.

You probably burn through large quantities of paper on a daily basis, but what’s the exact number?

U.S. Paper Consumption

Overall, U.S. paper consumption has risen from just over 90 million tons to about 210 million over the last two decades. Americans have consumed more paper than six individuals combined in Asian countries in the last 10 years.

The numbers are similar for office consumption:

On average, each office worker consumes about 10,000 paper sheets per year.
Printed forms are a major expense for S corporations. These companies have to allocate over $120 billion every year to cover it.
Your employees may spend approximately 35% of their time finding information in filing cabinets.
Average four-drawer file cabinets hold between 10,000 and 12,000 documents.
If you lose paper records after a flood or fire, you’re 70% more likely to go under.

Many Companies Are Going Paperless

There are several advantages of minimizing reliance on paper documents:

Lower risk of losing documentation – Storing documents in a digital format eliminates the risk of losing paperwork and spending hours trying to track it down. Various platforms can store your data safely, including smartphones and computers.
No snail mail – By keeping your documents in digital format, you don’t have to deal with snail mail. You can collaborate using cutting-edge devices.
Easier management – You can more easily manage certain documents on your computer and smartphone. Many devices come with robust software that let you find the necessary file within seconds.
Improved connections – When storing your papers digitally, you can access them anywhere if you have an internet connection. This lets you retrieve the documents, whether at the office or on a trip.

The Cost of Going Paperless

Going paperless requires you to scan your documents. The cost of doing so depends on several factors:

Paper preparation – Your files may have numerous clips, fasteners, and staples. Likewise, you might need to sort them according to certain sections. The longer the preparation, the more your scan provider will charge you.
Volume – Scanning your pages in bulk lowers the cost of going paperless. Many providers offer discounts for this service.
Indexing criteria – You can easily find information by entering specific details, such as the name and phone number of your customers or partners. If you wish to add extra data to your papers, like addresses, it takes more time and money.

A Robust Scanner and Printer Are Essential

Whether you want to go paperless or simply reduce your reliance on physical copies, you need high-quality printing and scanning components. The better your gear, the less paper you waste and the smoother your transition.

You can turn to Copylite for exceptional office supplies. With more than 40 years in the industry, we have the experience to recommend the right products for your business. Go through our assortment and find the desired item.