May 2007- Want to “Go Green” With Your Books?

The move toward environment-friendly, “green” business practices has picked up speed this year. Even the printing and publishing industry, not always known as a bastion of earth-conscious manufacturing, has got into the act with a host of green materials and manufacturing processes.

If you’re a self publisher or small publisher who would like to “go green” with your next book, here are a few eco-friendly possibilities:

Recycled Paper
Recycled paper has been in the eco-friendly tool bag for years, but its many formulations and designations can be confusing. For book printing, paper isn’t considered “recycled” unless it meets EPA guidelines for post-consumer content – 30% for uncoated papers, 10% for coated papers.

Beyond that, there are other classifications to consider when selecting a recycled paper. Look for papers that have been processed chlorine-free, as chlorine contains toxins and pollutants harmful to humans and wildlife. There are also several recycled paper formulas that use non-wood or tree-free fibers, sustainably-harvested virgin fibers and other processes that may be important to you.

Keep in mind that recycled papers have a few limitations compared with “virgin” papers. The presence of post-consumer waste content can make for an inconsistent, slightly “dirty” appearance that may not be acceptable for some applications. Also, recycled papers often command a price premium over non-recycled stocks and are not as plentiful, which may lead to production delays if not purchased well in advance. If you’d like to use recycled paper for your books, let IGI Publishing help you select the right stock for your needs and budget.

Soy Inks
Inks made from soybeans are much more eco-friendly than traditional petroleum-based inks. Soy inks are created from non-food soybeans, and can be found in a nearly limitless range of colors and formulations. As with recycled papers, soy-based inks are not as common as regular inks, which may lead to higher cost.

The IGI Advantage
These are just a few of the available environmentally-friendly book production options. By leveraging IGI Publishing’s printing and publishing expertise and supplier relationships, we can help you choose materials, processes and print production partners that allow you to “go green” with your books.