What Goes Into Our Books

3 October 2023

We’ve been publishing books for almost 60 years. During this time our working practises have changed and developed as technology improves. In recent years, our focus has been working at being more sustainable as we believe by publishing sustainably, we can reduce the effect we have when producing books for today’s readers whilst ensuring the Earth’s future for tomorrows’. Below are just a few examples of how we're ensuring our books match this ethos.

Choosing the right materials
100% of the paper used in the manufacture of our books is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified - the hallmark of excellence in sustainable paper sourcing. FSC is the only wood certification scheme endorsed by WWF, Greenpeace and the Woodland Trust. We've also extended this requirement to our shipping, with our packaging using FSC sourced cardboard and 100% water based ink (so does not contain any toxic chemicals) making them 100% reusable and recyclable.

Choosing the right partners
Our printing partners recycle 98% of the waste produced throughout the business. Paper waste is split into different streams to enable more efficient recycling. We work closely with our logistic partners to find the best solution to transporting our products, both locally and overseas. We are also on the Book Industry Communications (BIC) Green Supply Chain committee and have signed the Publishers Association's Publishing Declares pledge - to ensure alongside our industry partners, we can make a difference.

Choosing the right people
Our people are our most important asset, and this is especially true in our fight against the climate crisis. It is members of our team that have brought around some of the changes already mentioned but also initiated other things such as supplying reusable drinking receptacles company-wide to cut down on our use of single-use plastic and practicing a 'virtual-first' approach to external meetings wherever possible.