The French Book Chain uses a single logistics platform called Prisme where all the packages of books to be delivered to bookstores out of Paris, Belgium and in Luxembourg are gathered and sorted out. This allows bundling the flows of books to bookstores as well as returns, as therefore lowering shipping fees and contributing to a cleaner environment. It is currently used by 350 publishers/ distributors and 2500 booskellers.
The Book Chain Project, since 2016 has aimed to build better supply chains for books and help publishers make informed buying decisions. The Component Chemical Screening program, for instance, enables print suppliers to submit exact chemical breakdowns of each book component that can then be screened and flagged to publishers in order to substitute any components of concern.
The Holtzbrinck Publishing Group, including publishing houses Droemer Knaur, Kiepenheuer & Witsch, Rowohlt, S. Fisher and Argon, announced in the beginning of March 2020 that they are labelling their new books with a new green logo on climate neutrality, referring to the klimaneutralerverlag.de (climatneutralpubliser), and committing to climate neutral production and transparency in climate communication.
In 2018, as evidence of their commitment to the SDGs, the French Publishers Association presented a Survey on the Environment and Manufacturing (covering the time between 2015-2018). The report concluded that French publishers have gradually adopted more eco-responsible policies throughout their supply chain – such as an increase in the purchase or use of certified or recycled paper for textbooks, for instance.
Every year since 2011, RELX – a global provider of information-based analytics – has granted the Environmental Challenge Award to projects that demonstrate how they can provide sustainable access to safe water and sanitation. These projects make a tangible difference in the lives of people around the world. The RELX SDG Resource Centre also provides access to academic research in the areas of science, law and business that helps to broaden understanding of the SDGs worldwide.
AFCC is the leading festival in Asia focusing on children’s books and stories and young adult (YA) fiction. AFCC promotes the creation and appreciation of quality children’s literature and YA with a focus on Asian themes. Speakers at AFCC 2021 touched on diverse representation in books, translation, inclusivity and mental health for children.
‘Plastic Free: The Inspiring Story of a Global Environmental Movement and Why It Matters’ by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz and Joanna Atherfold-Finn is published by NewSouth in Australia. It is printed and packaged without using plastic. Dry trap varnish is used on the cover rather than plastic lamination. The reverse side of the board, effectively the rough, uncoated side, gives the cover added texture. Metal straps are used to secure the book boxes on pallets. All plastic shrink-wrapping is avoided.
Environment Guidelines for the whole book chain:
a. Design
b. Paper
c. Printing
d. Reprints
e. Storage
f. Transport
g. Marketing
Survey on publishers’ consumption of paper: Every other year, since 2013. In 2018, 95% of paper used was PEFC or FSC certified or recycled.
Survey on unsold books: returns, pulping and recycling. Every other year 100% of pulped copies are recycled.