Why the Publishing Industry Should Care About COP28

Between November 30 and December 12, government representatives from various countries will gather in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for COP28.

COP stands for Conference of the Parties, and this is the 28th annual meeting organized by the United Nations to focus on finding ways to tackle climate change.

At COP28, these representatives will discuss and create agreements aimed at dealing with the challenges posed by climate change. These agreements are significant because they hold governments accountable for taking action to protect our planet.

People who are involved in publishing and making the book supply chain more eco-friendly have a crucial role in addressing climate change. Here's why COP28 matters to them:

1. Global Impact: Climate change affects everyone, including the publishing industry. Extreme weather events, such as floods or droughts, can impact paper production, printing, and transportation of books. COP28 discussions can lead to global agreements that may influence how industries operate sustainably.

2. Policy Changes: Decisions made at COP28 can result in new policies and regulations related to environmental protection. These policies might encourage or even require companies in the book supply chain to use sustainable materials, reduce carbon emissions, or implement eco-friendly practices.

3. Market Trends: Agreements from COP28 can influence consumer preferences and awareness of these trends better helps book industry professions to understand market demand for eco-friendly materials and practices.

4. Innovation and Collaboration: COP28 discussions often encourage innovation and collaboration among industries to find solutions. Those in the book supply chain can learn from global discussions, adopt new technologies, and collaborate with other sectors to make their processes more sustainable.

COP28 is not just a meeting for governments—it's an opportunity to stay informed, advocate for sustainable practices, and contribute to a healthier environment for future generations.

Learn more on COP28's website.

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Two Sides: A Not-for-profit, Global Initiative for Sustainability

Two Sides is a non-profit global initiative dedicated to highlighting the eco-friendly and aesthetically appealing qualities of print, paper, and paper packaging.

The Two Sides campaign involves the collaboration of businesses across various sectors, including forestry, pulp and paper manufacturing, packaging, inks, pre-press, press, finishing, publishing, printing, envelopes, and postal services.

Two Sides operates across regions such as Europe, North America, South America, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

See the Two Sides Myths and Facts on the sustainability of Print, Paper and Paper Packaging.

Learn about the Two Sides Anti-Greenwashing Campaign.

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The BIC Green Supply Chain Committee

Sustainability is a pressing concern in today's world, and the book publishing industry is no exception. Book Industry Communication (BIC) is taking significant strides toward sustainability with its Green Supply Chain Committee. These initiatives are designed to address environmental issues, align with the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals, and contribute to reducing the industry's environmental footprint. Let's dive into the latest updates and projects.

1. BIC's Principles of Offsetting Project:

Launched in October 2023, this project aims to evaluate global carbon offsetting programs. It's a collective effort to provide book industry organizations with essential insights for informed choices regarding offsetting programs. Simon Crump, an experienced consultant, leads a dedicated team of BIC member volunteers.

2. BIC's Sustainability and Environmental Data Reporting Project:

Commencing in June 2023, this two-part project seeks to establish regular industry reporting for sustainability in the UK book industry supply chain.

• Part 1: Clarifying current industry sustainability data practices.

• Part 2: Determining priority areas for reporting and monitoring, along with best practices for data sharing.

3. BIC's Designed for Recycling Project, Part 2:

This project, initiated in March 2023, continues the work from Part 1's life cycle assessment of books. The focus here is on recommending recyclable book design and improving manufacturing efficiency.

These projects, evaluating offsetting programs, enhancing data reporting, and promoting recyclable book design, are essential steps toward a more sustainable future for book publishing. Stay tuned for updates on these impactful initiatives.

See BIC's website to learn more..

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