The new Two Sides Trend Tracker Report 2025 clearly shows that paper still has a firm place in communication - and is even preferred by many people. The survey polled 12,400 people in 17 countries worldwide, including countries in Europe. The result: consumers value print - and want to decide for themselves whether they want to communicate on paper or digitally.

Costs instead of climate

More and more companies are pushing their customers into digital communication - often with the argument "more environmentally friendly". However, 56% of European respondents are aware of this: There is one main goal behind this - to save costs. Only a fraction believe that sustainability is the main reason for the switch.

The desire for freedom of choice is even clearer: 76 % of consumers demand to be able to choose between paper and digital - especially for invoices or account statements. And: 65% are of the opinion that no additional costs should be charged for paper invoices.

Digital overload is growing

The report also shows the downside of the digital world:

• 57 % are concerned about their data security.
• 50 % feel overwhelmed by all the screen time.
• 48 % fear the health consequences of digital overuse.

In addition, the environmental impact of digital communication is often underestimated: the IT sector already causes 4-6 % of global electricity consumption and about 2 % of global CO₂ emissions. In addition, there is a record high of e-waste - 62 million tons in 2022, of which only a fifth was recycled.

Print as an important antithesis

The message of the report: print and digital are not competitors, but rather Supplementary channels. At a time when digital exhaustion is on the rise, print offers credibility, trust and relief. And: the paper and printing industry in Europe secures more than 640,000 jobs.

👉 More insights can be found in the Two Sides Trend Tracker Report 2025.