Behind the Industry’s Push for ‘Responsible Paper Use’
—Martin Rowe, vice president, Lantern Books
The Treatise as a Destination and a Map
“I am the CEO of a book manufacturer, but sometimes I turn to my experiences as a cyclist for inspiration. I have learned from cycling that if you do not have a planned route, you can waste a lot of energy trying to get to a destination. In fact, you might end up hopelessly lost and not make it at all.
The Book Industry Treatise on Responsible Paper Use is much like one of my cycling itineraries. It not only describes a destination, but also serves as a road map toward an industry that is more socially responsible. The treatise is a unique example of varying interests coming together to carve out a tangible and reasonable path forward. With a clearly stated destination established, each of our businesses can set plans and milestones that will help us reach the goal.
Thomson-Shore followed this approach to achieve an average use of more than 30 percent post-consumer recycled fiber in our total production in less than three years. The success of accomplishing this goal has convinced me that our industry can make a significant ecological and social impact on our world. At Thomson-Shore, we embrace the Treatise because it charts a course for how our industry can make a better future, and that is a compelling journey worth taking.”
—Myron Marsh, president-CEO, Thomson-Shore, Inc.
Trends in the Right Direction
“Book publishers are choosing recycled fibers over virgin in greater numbers. ... In the past five years, more than 20 new eco-book papers have been developed . ...Eighteen U.S. printers now stock book papers with recycled and/or [Forest Stewardship Council-certified] pulp, and many are offering recycled house sheets to avoid extra cost to the publisher.
