What Publishers Might Need to Know about the EU Deforestation Regulation

The EU's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) has been effective since June 29, 2023, and concerns book publishers because it involves those trading in various commodities, including wood-derived products such as print books. For those engaged in the EU market it is important to be aware of these regulations.

Some EUDR highlights include::

• The EUDR encompasses seven key commodities and their derived products and includes printed books.

• Market Restrictions starting December 30, 2024, or June 30, 2025 (for micro/small businesses), products must meet deforestation-free criteria to access or export from the EU.

• Companies placing products in the EU market must provide due diligence statements affirming that products are deforestation-free and legal (according to the laws of the country of origin).

Here are some articles that we at GBA found informative:

Industry Advice Notice

from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry

10 key things to know about the new EU Deforestation Regulation

from White & Case Global Law Firm

How is FSC addressing EUDR?

The EUDR is a reality – what does this mean for Canadian companies?

from the Forest Stewardship Council

Photo by Olena Bohovyk on Unsplash

2024 Sustainability Trends!

The past few years have presented a challenging landscape for businesses worldwide and in many cases sustainability initiatives end up on the backburner.

However, the relentless march of climate change, as evidenced by record global temperatures in 2023, has underlined the urgency of addressing environmental issues. As we step into 2024, businesses face a pivotal moment where they must strike a balance between immediate financial pressures and long-term sustainability goals.

Raconteur's recent article, 2024 Sustainability Trends: Looking Beyond Carbon and New Approaches to ESG Data, delves into these critical shifts and emerging trends and highlights the urgency for businesses to recalibrate their sustainability strategies.

Read the Article Here

Communicating Your Company's Sustainability Efforts

In today's climate-conscious world, consumers are increasingly mindful of the environmental impact of the products they purchase, including books. As the book publishing industry works toward more sustainable practices, effectively communicating your company's efforts in the book supply chain is vital.

Here's how book publishing industry professionals can convey their sustainability practices to their audience:

Transparent Supply Chain: Start by ensuring transparency throughout your supply chain. Detail the steps taken to reduce carbon footprints, such as using recycled paper or eco-friendly printing methods. Highlight partnerships with sustainable paper suppliers and eco-conscious printing houses. Not sure how to talk about sustainability in the supply chain? Start with GBA's Publisher-Printer Sustainability Checklist.

Storytelling Through Content: Use your social media platforms to tell the story of your sustainability journey. Feature behind-the-scenes content showcasing efforts to minimize waste, recycle materials, or reduce energy consumption during the production process. Engage readers with narratives about sustainable initiatives taken by authors, illustrators, or contributors.

Engage Authors and Collaborators: Encourage authors, illustrators, and contributors to align with your sustainability goals. Collaborate with them to create content that emphasizes environmental consciousness. Showcase their eco-friendly initiatives or choices in book creation.

Certifications and Labels: Obtain and display recognized certifications, to assist in validating your company's sustainability efforts. Need assistance navigating this? See BIC’s Environmental Accreditation Badges and Standards Map.

Continuous Improvement: Emphasize your commitment to continuous improvement in sustainability practices. Communicate future goals and initiatives, showcasing a proactive approach to reducing the environmental footprint of book production.

By effectively communicating your company's sustainability efforts in the book publishing supply chain, you not only align with environmentally conscious consumers but also contribute positively to a more sustainable future for the industry. Transparent and engaging communication is key to fostering trust and loyalty among readers who prioritize eco-friendly choices.

Remember, sustainability is not just a practice—it's a journey and a story worth sharing.

Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash