Sustainability in Book Production

Book production, like the production of all consumer goods, and with the best will in the world, is not completely CO2 emission-free possible. However, the resulting emissions that do get produced can be identified and compensated for with each order. If you decide on climate neutrality for your order, we can have it certified by our partner natureOffice and you can place the “printed climate neutrally” logo with a tracking ID on your printed product. For the CO2 compensation (guideline value: approx. 1% of order value) you choose one of the environmental projects to which the amount will be donated. The scope of these projects range from technology transfer and support for social structures in emerging markets, reforestation projects in South America and nature conservation in Europe's largest freshwater area, the De Biesbosch National Park in the Netherlands, through to the care of our regional forests in the Rhön, Taunus or in Hunsrück.

80% of all emissions caused by a print product are attributed to the paper used. Careful paper selection, therefore, is essential for an environmentally friendly book. The production of recycled paper consumes around two thirds less energy, water and CO2 compared to virgin fibre paper. From an ecological point of view, recycled paper is always the better choice as a result. The “Blue Angel” label, which our favourite recycled paper also proudly bears, guarantees that paper fibers are 100% obtained from waste paper and that no harmful chemicals or optical brighteners are added in the process.

However, it’s worth noting that paper fibers can only be recycled between five to seven times before they become brittle. In addition, paper must sometimes meet requirements that go beyond recycling. That is why we also depend upon fresh pulp. Globally recognized seals such as FSC® and PEFC™, which our standard and premium papers carry, provide assurance here about our adherence to strictly controlled, responsible and sustainable forestry management.

Printing plates and inks both belong to the printing process. Here, too, we pay the utmost attention to detail in order to save energy and we use our raw materials with care. As a result, the exposure of our printing plates works without the need for a developing machine and thus, without requiring chemicals or water.

The mineral (oil-free) organic inks for sheetfed offset printing used in our production contain vegetable-based binders. The ingredients of these printing inks are both registered and controlled according to the EU chemical regulation REACH. They enable extended washing intervals of the inking units and require, at most, only minor adjustments. They also have ‛high rub resistance’’ which prevents the need for additional protective coating.

Producing vegan books means that no animal products are used in the production of the book block and the book cover. This primarily concerns the use of animal-based adhesives, inks, and binders, which are often used in conventional book manufacturing processes.

Vegan book production, on the other hand, relies on plant-based alternatives such as soy, corn, or potato starch as binders and on inks derived from plant-based raw materials. The use of recycled paper and sustainable printing processes can also be part of vegan book production.

Many things, such as waste separation and proper waste disposal, are a matter of course for us as a German company. We also like to closely monitor our partner companies, from the paper mills to the freight transporters, to see what is being done at each stage for environmental protection. Along with the certificates, is our focus on a general awareness of the effects of our actions and our production. In our production halls, we use regenerative energy sources and modern machinery, which produce efficiently, and with little waste, and therefore is as environmentally friendly as possible.

In addition, we have also consciously opted for individual book production, where we can guarantee low material costs and low subsidies for each individual production with the right equipment for each editions’ range. This means that we don’t require mass processing systems that combine a wide range of different production elements for better planning and machine utilization; this method signifies that many tons of printed paper go straight into the wastepaper.

To protect your books from damage caused by transport, storage or weather, we usually shrink-wrap them in foil. The amount of waste produced in this process is minimal and recyclable. However, if you are still on the look-out for plastic-free packaging, we have various solutions for you. We pack on request with separator sheets in cardboard boxes or offer various gift packaging.