In South Korea, the average paper consumption per person is approximately 190kg per year, significantly higher than the global average of 60kg. To combat the increasing use of paper, many organizations in Korea have adopted paperless initiatives to reduce paper dependency in the workplace.
Paperless, or digital document management, refers to the use of electronic documents instead of paper-based records to create a more sustainable and efficient work environment. According to the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA), by 2023, the electronic document market is expected to grow by 2.1 trillion KRW, while businesses implementing paperless solutions could save up to 1.1 trillion KRW in costs. Many companies have already transitioned to electronic contracts and digital approvals to minimize paper waste.
Despite challenges such as technological adaptation, habit changes, and security concerns, many companies are actively pursuing digital transformation across various industries. Businesses are focusing on the efficiency and cost-saving benefits of going paperless rather than its limitations.
Most successful paperless initiatives involve electronic contracts, digital approvals, and online documentation—streamlining administrative tasks. However, in offline or field-based industries, many processes still rely on handwritten logs and manual inspections, highlighting areas for improvement.
One of the key reasons for this gap is the generational divide. While younger employees quickly adapt to digital systems, on-site workers—who often belong to an older demographic—may struggle with new technology. To bridge this gap, businesses must provide an intuitive, user-friendly interface that makes digital tools accessible to all employees, regardless of their tech proficiency.
Saemaul Geumgo has been actively promoting a paperless campaign since November 2021, aiming to minimize paper usage and eliminate unnecessary paperwork, contributing to environmental protection.
Shinhan Bank has set a goal to reduce paper consumption by 200 million sheets annually. The bank is digitizing investment brochures and contracts for trusts and funds, replacing paper documents with mobile notifications and emails to cut down on waste.
SK Telecom has eliminated paper receipts at its stores and branches, replacing them with mobile receipts. In 2021 alone, the company issued 18 million digital receipts, saving 81 tons of paper, 1,377 mature trees, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 51.84 tons.
In 2022, Hyundai Department Store became the first in the industry to significantly cut down on paper receipt issuance. Instead of printing receipts, customers now receive digital receipts through the store’s mobile app, aligning with the company’s commitment to the paperless movement.
Shopl, a digital workforce management solution, streamlines operations for industries like retail, hospitality, and fieldwork, covering everything from attendance tracking to task management.
With features like facial recognition-based clock-ins, checklists, and real-time issue reporting, Shopl enables businesses to manage employees without paper-based documents, using only mobile devices and PCs.
The paperless movement not only helps protect the environment but also significantly improves efficiency. Companies worldwide are reducing paper usage and embracing digital transformation. If you want to streamline operations and eliminate unnecessary paperwork, it’s time to go paperless!
