Why Paper Waste is Costing Your Restaurant

In the restaurant business, efficiency is essential—but so is sustainability. Restaurants handle hundreds of orders each day, and most still rely on traditional kitchen printers that churn out long paper tickets. This creates hidden costs and unnecessary waste. But there's a smarter solution. A Kitchen Display System (KDS) eliminates the need for printed tickets and helps modern restaurants go paperless, save money, and run smoother kitchens.

In this blog, we’ll explain what a KDS is, how it compares to traditional kitchen printers, and how much money and paper your restaurant could save each year by making the switch.

What is a Kitchen Display System (KDS)?

A Kitchen Display System (KDS) is a digital screen system that replaces printed order tickets in restaurant kitchens. Instead of printing out each order on thermal paper, KDS displays all incoming orders on a monitor in real-time. It connects directly with your POS (Point-of-Sale) system, allowing servers to send orders instantly to the kitchen.

KDS tools typically include timers, item tracking, and sorting functions to help your kitchen staff prioritize tasks and reduce mistakes. It's a smarter, more efficient way to manage food orders.

Digital Kitchens Are Replacing Paper Printers

More restaurants are upgrading from thermal kitchen printers to digital kitchen display systems. This transition isn’t just about going paperless—it’s about saving money, reducing clutter, and improving service speed.

Why many kitchens are switching to KDS:

• Printed tickets can get lost, smudged, or misread.

• Printers require constant restocking of paper and ink ribbons.

• Paper waste adds up quickly—and so do the costs.

• KDS updates orders instantly and improves kitchen communication.

Benefits of Using KDS in Restaurants

Using a Kitchen Display System provides several clear benefits for restaurant operators:

• Reduces paper waste: Orders are handled digitally—no more thermal paper.

• Saves money on supplies: No more purchasing paper rolls or replacing printer ribbons.

• Improves accuracy: Real-time updates minimize miscommunication and food waste.

• Speeds up service: Orders appear on-screen as soon as they’re placed.

• Organizes kitchen workflow: Staff can sort tickets by prep time, course, or station.

• Environmentally friendly: A paperless kitchen means a greener operation.

How Much Paper Does a Restaurant Use Daily?

Let’s break down how much paper a typical restaurant goes through using printed kitchen tickets:

• Average length of a printed order: 12 inches

• Number of tables per day: 230

• Daily usage:
  230 tables × 12 inches = 2,760 inches (or 230 feet) per day

• Annual usage:
  230 feet × 365 days = 83,950 feet (about 15.9 miles of paper)

Cost of Printer Paper vs. Going Digital

Now let’s look at the actual cost of that paper use:

• One thermal paper roll (230 feet) costs about $1.30

• Annual rolls used:
  83,950 feet ÷ 230 feet = 365 rolls/year

• Annual cost:
  365 rolls × $1.30 = $475 per year (on paper alone)

This does not include:

• Printer maintenance and replacement parts

• Ink ribbon costs

• Staff time spent replacing rolls or troubleshooting printer issues

By switching to a KDS, you can eliminate these recurring expenses.

Environmental Benefits of KDS

KDS isn't just good for your business—it’s good for the planet. A single restaurant can save:

• Nearly 84,000 feet of paper per year

• Energy and water used in thermal paper production

• Waste sent to landfills and pollution from printer ink and ribbons

As consumers grow more eco-conscious, a sustainable kitchen setup is a smart way to align your brand with green values.

Should Your Restaurant Switch to a KDS?

If your restaurant is still relying on kitchen printers, you may be spending more money and creating more waste than you realize. A Kitchen Display System can help you save money, reduce clutter, improve order accuracy, and create a more sustainable operation.

At Peblla, we help restaurants make the switch to smart, efficient technology. Our KDS solution is designed to simplify your kitchen operations while reducing costs and environmental impact.

Ready to go paperless?
Learn more about Peblla’s Kitchen Display System and how it can help your restaurant operate smarter—every day.

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