The publishing industry has long been associated with deforestation and environmental degradation, two very negative things. Yet, as climate change intensifies and readers grow more environmentally conscious, publishers are facing increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices (we instituted a position in our company of ‘sustainability and environment lead’).
One of the most direct and ethical shifts the industry can make is transitioning to forest-sustainable paper and we did this several years ago. Globally, the paper industry consumes over 40% of industrial wood traded and accounts for about 26% of total waste in landfills (Environmental Paper Network, 2023), truly shocking. Traditional paper production not only depletes forests but also requires enormous amounts of water and energy while releasing toxic pollutants such as chlorine compounds used in bleaching processes.
As with most things, there is a solution. Forest-sustainable paper, certified by organisations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), ensures that the wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests. These certifications protect biodiversity, reduce carbon emissions, and respect, at least to a degree, the rights of Indigenous communities.
Does it work? Well, a recent study found that books printed on FSC-certified paper reduce carbon emissions by up to 25% compared to conventional paper sources (Green Press Initiative, 2022). Moreover, using recycled or FSC-certified paper has been shown to reduce water usage by up to 50% and energy consumption by around 30% (Canopy Planet, 2021).
For us, the shift to sustainable paper is not just an environmental decision—it’s an ethical one. Publishers can influence cultural narratives. When they make sustainable choices, they signal a broader commitment to responsible stewardship. Ethically, continuing to use unsustainable paper when greener alternatives exist could be construed as an act of negligence.
Furthermore, consumers are paying attention. A Nielsen survey showed that 73% of global consumers are willing to change consumption habits to reduce environmental impact (Nielsen, 2021). In publishing, this translates to readers seeking out publishers and authors who align with their values. We were happy to make this move before it even became a ‘thing’.
Of course, adopting sustainable paper does involve higher upfront costs—FSC-certified paper can cost somewhere between 10–15% more than standard paper and we are aware that smaller publishers can struggle to absorb this given the tight fiscal climate in which all businesses operate. However, long-term benefits—such as brand loyalty, reduced regulatory risk, and alignment with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) frameworks—can outweigh the initial investment.
On this issue, we feel that publishers can lead change by example, proving that great storytelling doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense and we can all be stewards of our world to greater and lesser extents.
References
Canopy Planet. (2021). The environmental benefits of using recycled and FSC-certified paper. https://canopyplanet.org
Environmental Paper Network. (2023). State of the Global Paper Industry Report. https://environmentalpaper.org
Green Press Initiative. (2022). Reducing publishing’s carbon footprint: The FSC-certified paper advantage. https://greenpressinitiative.org
Nielsen. (2021). Sustainable shoppers buy the change they wish to see in the world. https://www.nielsen.com/…/global-consumers-seek…/
