The paper books They have been singled out for having a significant environmental impact because they are made from cellulose, which is obtained from trees. However, with the advancement of technology, numerous more sustainable alternatives have emerged.
The rise of e-books over recycled paper
Today, there is a notable expansion of the digital book or e-books. Despite their environmental benefits – such as reduced paper use – not all readers prefer this format due to the tactile experience of a physical book, its visual impact and the disconnection from screens.
Another more sustainable option for fans of physical books is printing on recycled or on certified paper, which comes from a sustainable forestryThis alternative helps reduce environmental damage without completely eliminating the physical format.
The trend of using recycled or certified paper in book printing has gained momentum within the editorial industry. The pressure is not only coming from consumers, but also from authors. A clear example of this is the program Friends of the Forest Books, an initiative that has the support of more than 250 authors, including JK Rowling, José Saramago and Günther Grass, who have promoted the publication of some of their works in recycled.
The importance of certified paper
In addition to opting for recycled paper, it is crucial to ensure that the paper used for the first time has the FSC certification (Forest Stewardship Council). This certification guarantees that forestry has been carried out in an environmentally responsible manner, taking into account both biodiversity and the rights of local communities.
Using recycled paper not only reduces the demand for new raw materials, but also decreases the consumption of Energy in manufacturing, which contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Recycled paper in the publishing industry
Despite the growing interest in green printing, many publishers still claim that recycled paper books They are more expensive to produce. However, this perception is changing as paper recycling becomes more common and manufacturing processes are developed and optimized to reduce costs.
Mexico is one of the countries that has made great strides in this area, with a high number of books printed on recycled paper. These types of initiatives serve as an example for other countries to boost their publishing industries. Towards sustainability, thus contributing to the protection of forests and biodiversity.
The Forest-Friendly Books programme remains one of the most successful initiatives to encourage this change, and its growth shows that both the demand and supply of books printed on recycled paper are increasing. The ultimate goal is to reduce the environmental impact of the publishing industry.
Conclusions and the role of the consumer
Caring for the forests is vital to preserving the health of our planet. The paper industry has the ability to reduce its carbon footprint if a conscious effort is made to adopt more sustainable practices. However, consumers also play a key role by choosing books printed on recycled or certified paper, encouraging the industry to adopt these practices as the norm.
The future of printed books, therefore, does not depend only on digital technology, but on a real shift towards more environmentally responsible production. If we all collaborate, whether by buying e-books or books printed on recycled paper, we can make a significant difference in the conservation of natural resources.
Good afternoon, I would need advice since in my company we want to recycle the paper we use and package it to make agendas or something like that. Can you advise me of a company that does it?