An Eco-Friendly Resource: Pinnacle Press’ new director of publishing is set to promote environmental initiatives

When book-component printer Pinnacle Press hired Deborah Bruner as its new director of publishing in late December, she also assumed an additional role: director of eco-friendly initiatives.

Bruner says she will not only work with publishers in regard to their print needs, but she also will help them incorporate eco-friendly papers into their business without “blowing their bottom line.” She spoke with Book Business Extra about the growing trend of printers focusing on eco-friendly business practices and how she will support publishers who are considering using more recycled stock.

Book Business Extra: What is your role going to be with Pinnacle Press?
Deborah Bruner: My primary role will be offering customers Pinnacle Press services, and to some degree [parent company] Kohler Print Group services: book-component as well as some commercial and short-run, four-color printing. When I was production and design manager at Cornell University Press (CUP) from 1996 to 2005, Pinnacle Press was one of [CUP’s] main suppliers, so I have first-hand knowledge of Pinnacle Press and the high levels of service and printing the company offers. In addition, Pinnacle Press was not only the first component printer to positively respond to my request to stock a specific recycled paper for book jackets, but they also began a stocking program with [that paper] grade and offered it at price parity with [paper made with virgin fibers]. In 2005, I became director of book publishing papers at New Leaf Paper, and worked with Pinnacle Press and Kohler Print Group to expand their offerings of recycled stock.

Extra: How can book publishers benefit from a printer bringing on someone who has such an extensive background in working with environmentally friendly printing procedures and products?
Bruner: I can save production managers a lot of time by being a resource for them. For many years, I have given workshops to help publishers and authors understand everything from the benefits of vegetable-based inks to paper-bleaching methods to [Forest Stewardship Council] certification. I can help publishers sort out the fact from fiction in choosing the most eco-friendly options. More and more publishers are curious about lessening their eco-footprint, but they are not sure what steps to take, and that’s where I can help.