Despite futurologists predicting the advent of the paperless office, ink cartridge demand is as high as ever.

It seems every year a new raft of predictions on how future technology will transform our lives is released. Concepts such as interactive TV, flying cars and the paperless office seem to be doomed from the start. Ink cartridge sales are steady despite the fact the UK has embraced the green revolution, recycling and the internet. Ink cartridge demand is still high because having printed pages to hand is still the ultimate way to capture information.

The Paperless Office Myth

Like paperback books, ink cartridge demand endures because of the physical quality of having printed ink on paper. Some futurologists have predicted books will disappear as hand-held computer monitors carry hundreds of novels in their memory banks. But nobody likes to read, especially something they want to read again and again, interact with or refer back to, on a computer screen. Ink cartridge sales in offices across the UK are high because of the need to print off and physically interact with information – from underlining facts, highlighting ideas or isolating thoughts.

The Humble Ink Cartridge

And aside from the physical interaction of dealing with printed off essays, articles, fact sheets or reports, ink cartridges are necessary so we can have convenience and flexibility too. By using a simple black and white ink cartridge, we can print off particular reports and carry them on the commute home. We can read them on the train or in the bath. We can pass documents to colleagues and share ideas. Of course this can be done using a memory stick and a laptop, transferring data so it can be carried from point A to point B, but doing so is expensive, more inflexible, bulky and time consuming. It’s not surprising that despite the predictions of many, the humble ink cartridge is such a staple in office supplies across the country.

Printers in Overdrive

Despite futurologists’ predictions, there’s inventions so integral to how we work effectively, it seems they’ll never die. The ink cartridge manages to ride tides of resistance. Recent figures suggest British office workers use up to 120 billion pieces of paper every year. Ink cartridges and A4 paper for printing machines are kept busy 24-7. An estimated 10% of a businesses turnover is dedicated to paper-related activity.

Print Junkies Gobble Ink Cartridges

Types of ‘print junkies’ have been identified as the drivers behind ink cartridge sales. The ‘old school’ printers who like to print off hard copies of emails to deal with them. The ‘competitive’ printers who believe using the ink cartridge to maximum effect will make them look busier. Most importantly, the ‘trigger happy’ printers who mistakenly print off 60-page documents before checking page length, wasting valuable ink cartridges. An office worker is estimated to print an average of 22 pages of paper every day. Many offices could become more efficient in equipment use. There’s still huge demand for paper and ink in office environments.

Looking for ink cartridge refills? Speak to Inkntoneruk

For all your ink cartridge needs, look no further than Inkntoneruk. It’s one of the UK’s leading supplies of ink cartridge equipment including both new and replacement ink cartridges. To find out more about our excellent selection of ink cartridges just give us a call on 020 8216 5571.