Paperless invoicing 'to become standard'

News Article - Monday, January 05, 2009

filed under: Regulatory

The European Commission is set to make proposals next year that will aid businesses in streamlining their use of online paperless invoicing, it has been reported, news which may be of interest to companies wishing to begin accounting for carbon emissions.

James Murray, writing on the online pages of Business Green, said the proposals will be designed to help firms reduce their administrative costs and their carbon emissions.

In addition, previous research has suggested that such a standard could enhance productivity and reduce printing, paper and delivery costs.

"Advocates of the approach also claim that it would deliver huge environmental savings, cutting carbon emissions associated with paper production and postal deliveries," Mr Murray stated.

However, he explained that to date, developments had been "hampered" due to some firms requiring paper invoicing as a way to retain hard copies.

Meanwhile, a new survey by Waste and Resources Action Programme and the Environment Agency, Local Government Association has found that prices for recycled materials had stabilised.