Book Publishing Follows a Greener Path
Book publishers see the writing on the wall, and the color is “green.” Consumers are growing increasingly sensitive to the environmental impact of books, putting publishers at risk of alienating readers over sustainability issues. Authors including heavyweights like Alice Walker (The Color Purple) and J.K. Rawlings (Harry Potter) are also getting into the act by insisting that their books be printed on 100% postconsumer recycled paper.
Publishers interested in attracting younger readers should likewise take note. The 2007 Market Initiatives Trend Report indicated that 70 percent of readers in the 18-34-age category have more confidence in publishers that use eco-sensitive papers.
Trend Follows General Marketplace
Book publishers aren’t alone in feeling the pressure to go green. Nielson online research reveals that the online buzz about protecting the environment grew 50 percent last year. Research director Jessica Hougue believes that bloggers attention to issues like pollution and toxins reveal an important intersection between personal health and environmental wellness.
But Will Consumers Pay?
Although there is a solid argument that more environmentally responsible book manufacturing saves money in the larger scheme, the reality is that green production usually increases the cost of books in retail stores. The big question book publishers always ask, “Will consumers pay?”
A recent study co-sponsored by Book Business, Co-op America and Green Press Initiative indicates that 80 percent of consumers who had purchased a book in the past six months said they would be willing to pay more for a book printed on recycled paper. Here are the percentages consumers said they are willing to spend:
- $1 more per book: 42%
- 75¢ more per book: 4%
- 50¢ more per book: 14%
- 25¢ more per book: 19%
How Much Do Green Practices Really Count?
There is a strong case for printing papers containing postconsumer fiber, though it’s always worth mentioning that paper is just one component of a green manufacturing supply chain. According to the Green Press Initiative, a nonprofit organization working with the book industry to create paper-use transformations that promote sustainability, a shift from the U.S. book industry’s 2006 collective average use of 5 percent postconsumer fiber to 30 percent by 2011 would yield the following savings:
- 524 million tons of greenhouse gasses
- 2.1 billion gallons of water
- 264 million pounds of solid waste
- 4.9 million trees
Choosing the Right Book Manufacturer
There are many facets to publishing a green book that extend well beyond paper. Not every printer has the same knowledge of green printing or the corporate commitment to uphold the highest environmental standards. Transcontinental is a true “green” partner that not only offers a broad range of recycled paper options, but also strives to bring environmental responsibility to every aspect of the manufacturing process.
We offer:
- Chain of custody certification at many of our manufacturing facilities.
- 100% digital workflow to eliminate chemicals, proofing materials and more.
- Plate-free, toner-based digital printing.
- Demand-based production and fulfillment options.
- Recyclable PUR binding glues.
- Paper purchasing policies that promote the use of environmentally preferable papers.
- Compliance with environmental laws including federal, provincial/state and municipal/local laws.
- Cooperation with other public and private bodies to develop systems for the recovery, re-use and recycling of our products.
- A commitment to continuously improve our environmental performance.
- Monitoring our performance in carrying out our environmental policy.
- Transcontinental Management Team and the Sector Management Teams that are responsible for ensuring the implementation of all elements of our environmental policy.
- Openness and dialogue with all stakeholders including employees, regulators, neighbors, shareholders, suppliers, customers and the public concerning the environmental impacts of our activities, with the objective to be responsive to their legitimate concerns.
Our responsibility for the environment is expressed in our Environmental Policy, which was first put in place in 1993.
What’s more, we can help you form an environmental manufacturing and distribution strategy while helping your answer questions from your customers and authors.
Click here to have one of our representatives contact you for a “green” consultation today. You can also download our latest white paper on Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Books.
