Various materials form the backbone of book production, and at Bonnier Books, we are committed to sourcing and using them responsibly. From the paper we print on to the adhesives that bind our books, every choice is guided by a commitment to sustainability, health, and safety.
Sourcing responsibly means ensuring that paper comes from FSC- or PEFC-certified forests, avoiding high-conservation value areas, and actively combating deforestation. Our approach includes strict adherence to the EU Deforestation Regulation (2023/1115) and a commitment to traceability throughout the supply chain while achieving a high degree of certification of our used materials.
We prioritize materials that minimize environmental and climate impacts. By selecting low-emission papers and working with manufacturers who actively reduce their carbon footprint, we’ve made significant strides in decreasing Scope 3 emissions, which account for most of our footprint. Our focus extends to water usage, air emissions, and waste management at the mills that produce our paper.
Circularity and innovation are also key to our material strategy. By designing products with recyclability in mind and eliminating harmful additives, we’re creating books that align with circular economy principles. Additionally, we’re working to increase the share of recycled materials used in our books, supporting a closed-loop system.
What does low-emitting paper mean?
Paper as a commodity does not emit greenhouse gases, but the production of paper can cause high greenhouse gas emissions. Simply put, the energy source used by the paper mill is extremely important, as paper production consumes a lot of energy. Mills that use energy from renewable sources or biomass residues and source raw materials from nearby forests are better positioned to produce paper with lower greenhouse gas emissions.
What are the benefits of FSC or PEFC?
These certifications are similar but not identical. They go beyond tracking wood from forests to final products. Their main focus is environmental sustainability, ensuring forests are managed to protect biodiversity, water, and ecosystems while preventing deforestation. They also promote fair wages, safe working conditions, and indigenous rights.
What are we doing on circularity?
To address this, we are experimenting in reducing reliance on tree-based materials and increasing circularity in book production. In collaboration with Lessebo Paper and Livonia Print, we launched a groundbreaking recycled book paper in 2024. This paper is made from unprinted recovered paper sourced from our printers, avoids de-inking chemicals, and meets stringent requirements for children’s books. It also boasts an exceptionally low greenhouse gas footprint. This innovation demonstrates that circularity and sustainability in book production are achievable.