Less paper, fewer resources — how digital signage makes companies more sustainable

Every fifth tree that is cut down worldwide ends up in paper production. Statistically speaking, 5 employees already consume more than a ton of paper per year — as much energy as producing a ton of steel. And every ton of paper saved prevents over one ton of CO₂ emissions. The calculation is clear: If you print less, you protect the climate.

Digital signage is a direct lever. Every notice, every action poster, every printed menu, every shift plan on the bulletin board — all of this can be replaced. Not at some point, but right away. And that not only has an impact on the environmental balance, but also on the quality of communication.

Sustainability as a strategic requirement

77 percent of companies worldwide are pursuing net-zero goals by 2050. The EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) obliges more and more companies to make their environmental footprint transparent and demonstrate measures to reduce emissions. Paper consumption is a measurable, directly influenceable factor — and therefore an obvious starting point.

Companies that introduce digital signage aren't just replacing paper. They also replace logistics: no printing jobs, no transport, no assembly, no disposal of outdated materials. The entire life cycle of printed communication is eliminated.

What is actually omitted — and what remains

With connectSignage, typical paper-based means of communication can be completely replaced:

• Promotional and prize posters: Centrally controlled, updated in real time — no printing, no assembly, no waste.
• Notices & bulletin boards: Digital information displays completely replace bulletin boards — paperless, always up to date, visible to everyone.
• Menus & menu boards: Updated daily without reprints — changes in seconds, across locations.
• Road signs & signs: Digital control systems replace printed signs — flexibly adaptable, without using material.
• Shift schedules & HR information: Automatically played out, always up to date — no paperwork required in production and warehouse.

Digital is not automatically green — but significantly better

An honest assessment: Digital does not mean CO₂-free. Displays consume power, servers need energy. But compared to printed materials, the balance is significantly more positive — especially when content changes frequently, is used in many locations and large quantities of print material are replaced.

The use of energy-efficient hardware and a cloud-based CMS that displays content in a targeted manner and without overproduction is crucial. connectSignage runs on a variety of modern SoC displays, which are significantly more energy efficient than older player solutions — and is hosted entirely in Germany.

Sustainability as a competitive advantage

70 percent of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products and services. ESG-compliant corporate governance is increasingly becoming a criterion for tenders, partnerships and investment decisions. Anyone who communicates digital signage as part of their sustainability strategy sends a clear signal — both internally and externally.

For system integrators, this offers a new line of argument for customers: Digital signage is not only more efficient and flexible — it is also the more sustainable choice over printed communication.

Would you like to experience ConnectSignage live?

We'd love to show you how it works. In our free basic webinar, you'll learn about our no-code platform from the ground up — how to create, manage, and publish content. Compact, practical and with space for your questions. The live webinar takes place every two weeks — just find a suitable date.

→ Register now for the basic webinar