Papyless

Papyless refers to a hypothetical state or condition characterized by the complete absence of paper or paper-based products. It implies a society or environment where information storage, communication, record-keeping, and other functions traditionally reliant on paper are exclusively conducted through digital or other non-paper alternatives.

The term encompasses a move away from physical documents such as books, newspapers, letters, receipts, and forms. A "papyless" office, for example, would utilize electronic documents, digital signatures, and online collaboration tools instead of printed materials.

The concept of a papyless society is often associated with environmental sustainability due to the reduced demand for trees and the energy required for paper production. It is also linked to increased efficiency in information management, as digital data is often easier to store, search, and share than physical paper records.

While complete elimination of paper is rarely achieved in practice, the term "papyless" is commonly used to describe efforts to significantly reduce paper consumption through digitization and other strategies. The level of "papylessness" can vary depending on the specific context and application.