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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Sustainable Printing: How to Go Beyond Ink

How to Go Beyond Ink is an article from Printing Impressions. The article explores how printing companies wanting to be more environmentally conscious can explore options beyond ink and substrate.

“Instead of focusing on the chemistry of the products or the chemistry that you’re using, really review sustainability practices that you’re actually utilizing in production,”

- Theresa Vanna, chair of the board of directors, Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP)

Click on the following link to take you to the article.

Photo by Art Lasovsky on Unsplash