The Top 30 Book Manufacturers
Publishers also have a heightened interest in using recycled papers and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, the best way to combine these objectives in the production of books is not always clear. …
The bottom line is that this issue is complex. … Recently, we’ve seen even more significant increases in the cost of recycled paper than in the cost of virgin paper. This is driven by the high demand for recycled fiber. China is buying much of this. Stepping up municipal recycling efforts in this country would help boost supply, thereby bringing down the cost of recycled fiber. It would also directly address the GHG emission problem mentioned above. Paper recycling rates in the U.S. are quite a bit lower than those of many other developed countries. Are there ways the book industry can help stimulate greater municipal recycling?
Matt Steinmetz is the publisher and brand director of Publishing Executive.