APA sustainability survey results, recommendations released
The Australian Publishers Association (APA) has released the results from its inaugural sustainability survey, along with a set of recommendations for publishers to follow to improve the environmental sustainability of their organisations.
The results are drawn from survey responses from 27 Australian trade, educational, academic and professional publishers surveyed in 2023, ranging in size from the Australian operations of large multinationals to publishers with fewer than 10 staff members.
Among the headline findings was that more than half (56%) of publishers surveyed have a person or team with direct responsibility for their company’s sustainability agenda. Of publishers surveyed, 30% have set their own target to increase recycling; 30% have a target to reduce energy; 26% have a target to reduce waste; and 26% have a target to reduce plastics.
Of respondents, 33% use 100% FSC or recycled paper and cardboard for books; and 22% use 100% FSC or recycled paper but not cardboard. Looking at data, 19% are calculating carbon emissions; and 44% are collecting environmental data from suppliers.
The survey also covered the use of plastic in book production; transportation, returns and pulping; and the use of hard-copy promotional material.
From the survey, the APA’s Sustainability Working Group identified five key areas in which publishers could take action immediately: nominate and resource a staff member or a team to be responsible for sustainability; set up office recycling for paper, glass, soft and hard plastic, metal, batteries and e-waste; commit to 100% FSC or recycled stock for paper and cardboard; reduce or eliminate glitter and foil in book printing; and only supply printed proof copies and point-of-sale materials to booksellers that have specifically ordered them.
‘It’s important for publishers to make a start,’ said UNSW Press CEO and chair of the APA’s Sustainability Working Group Kathy Bail. ‘With these recommendations, every publisher can identify some achievable wins. For instance, we know that appointing someone or a team in your organisation to look after sustainability can be a powerful driver for positive change.’
‘All publishers who responded to our survey believe there are many areas where we can share experiences and improve our practices,’ Bail said. ‘Let’s get on with it and contribute actively to a global effort to make our books more environmentally sustainable.’
According to the APA, industry sustainability surveys are also underway in Europe and the UK, and ‘the Australian responses will help us benchmark local engagement with sustainability against international counterparts’. The full report can be read on the APA website.
Tags: sustainability
Category: Local news
