How it Works: Converting Paper Consumption Into Positive Environmental Impact

Clients will ask: “What are you doing about sustainability?” or “How can we make our printing greener?” You can now offer a credible, turn-key solution through PrintReleaf.

PrintReleaf has two services: Reforestation and Carbon Offsetting

It works like this: PrintReleaf connects to the software already monitoring your customers’ devices. As your customers continue to print and the pages add up, the platform calculates:

• The forest impact (how many trees were harvested)
• The carbon footprint (the CO2 emissions) 

...associated with manufacturing that paper. Then at the end of each calendar month, the customers' forest impact and carbon footprint are automatically offset through PrintReleaf's Reforestation and Carbon Offseting services.

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Reforestation Service

For every 8,333 pages printed, PrintReleaf plants one standard tree. A standard tree is equivalent to a tree that will eventually grow to be 40 inches high by 7 inches wide at the trunk. This number isn’t arbitrary - it is the most widely accepted formula for equating paper consumption to a standard tree. When the Reforestation service is activated for your customer, this entire process happens automatically (per the Environmental Paper Network). 

Where are the trees planted? That’s up to the client. PrintReleaf partners with reforestation projects around the world - rainforest restoration in Brazil, wildfire recovery in Canada, urban forestry in the UK, and more.

Every customer has a live dashboard that shows exactly how many pages they’ve printed and how many trees have been planted to offset. Customers can choose reforestation projects that align with their values or business footprint. Then, every month the customer will receive Certificates of Reforestation detailing the amount of paper measured corresponding to standard trees reforested.

Here’s the key: PrintReleaf doesn’t just promise impact, we verify results. Multiple independent verifiers like SGS International, Preferred by Nature, and Veritree ensure the trees are planted. PrintReleaf also guarantees survival. Therefore if any standard trees fail to survive, then under the warranty of the PrintReleaf Standard, they will be replanted. 

The PrintReleaf Standard is an open and public document that outlines the operational, financial and organizational requirements for members of our network of certified Global Forestry Partners.

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Carbon Offsetting Service

For every 117,647 pages printed, PrintReleaf offsets one metric ton of CO2. Again, this number isn't arbitrary, it's the most widely accepted formula for equating paper consumption to carbon emissions. When the Carbon Offset service is activated for your customer, this entire process happens automatically (per the American Forest & Paper Association). 

Where is the Carbon offset? PrintReleaf selects Carbon offset projects around the world, managing a diversified portfolio of both reduction and removal projects. 

Carbon Reduction: Carbon reduction projects primarily focus on either utilizing clean and sustainable energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) or initiatives designed to prevent the release of GHGs into the atmosphere that would have occurred without the project.

Carbon Removal: Carbon removal projects are initiatives that actively take carbon dioxide (CO2) out of the atmosphere and store it for the long term either in natural systems like forests or in engineered systems like carbon-storing materials.

 

 

The carbon offset module can be added to the same dashboard as the Reforestation service, that shows exactly how many pages they’ve printed and how many metric tonnes of carbon they've offset. Then, every month the customer will receive Certificates of Carbon Offset detailing the amount of paper measured corresponding to metric tonnes of carbon offset.

Just like the Reforestation service, the Carbon offset service is independently verified. PrintReleaf is authorized to source, issue, and retire carbon credits under both the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS/VERRA) and the American Carbon Registry (ACR). Carbon offset projects registered under both standards are monitored and verified by independent Certifying Bodies. 

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Why This Matters

Because PrintReleaf transforms the story of print. Instead of being seen as wasteful or environmentally harmful, your customer's print volume is converted into positive environmental impact.

PrintReleaf helps customers meet their sustainability goals and delivers tangible results.

And for you, it’s more than a service add-on, it’s a differentiator. You’re not just selling hardware, supplies, and service; you’re embedding a sustainability solution with integrity.

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Customer Portal

The PrintReleaf Customer Portal is the place where customers engage with PrintReleaf to:

• Monitor their positive impact - trees planted, CO2 offset
• Personally select their Reforestation Projects
• Activate their PrintReleaf Profile
• Access custom Social Media Assets

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Certificates

PrintReleaf provides monthly, annual, and lifetime certificates that show pages printed, trees planted, and emissions offset. Certificates are automatically emailed every month to each user registered on your customer's PrintReleaf account. 

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Custom Social Media Assets

Customers can choose from personalized and 'grab and go' content to share their positive environmental impact with their audience. 

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Why These Features Matter

Put together, the features form a powerful value proposition:

• Customer Portal means visibility
• Project choice means personalization
• Certificates mean credibility
• Social Assets mean recognition

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Handling Common Questions

“Will this be a hassle to set up?”
No. It integrates with existing print monitoring tools, runs in the cloud, and requires no hardware.

“How do I know my trees are planted?”
Every forest is independently verified. In addition, PrintReleaf audits projects to ensure survival and replants any losses.

“If we already use recycled paper, how does PrintReleaf benefit us?”
If you use recycled paper, then PrintReleaf will help you to, at minimum, achieve a net-positive impact on the environment. 

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Strengthening Customer Relationships:

The point is to keep PrintReleaf visible. The more often a customer sees their results, the more they value the program - and by extension, the more they value your partnership. You’re helping them look good - and when they look good, they’ll remember who made it possible.

Account Reviews - Download the customer's Lifetime Certificate and include as part of every account review. This will help remind your customer of the positive impact they're making on the environment as a result of their partnership with you and your company. 

Leverage the Social Media Graphics - Remind clients they can download personalized PrintReleaf content to share sustainability commitments and progress with their audience. Make sure to tag the relevant partners and participants, including @PrintReleaf

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PrintReleaf Certified Professional Quiz

Multiple choice questions and one free form response. Once you pass, you'll receive a Certificate to put on your LinkedIn profile and in your email footer as recognition of your ability to bring sustainable printing to your clients.