The environmental impact of book production

The environmental impact of a book's life cycle is comprised of the raw-materials used in its production, the transportation of the book, the energy consumed during production and the waste created. Finished books are packaged and transported to the client. Packaging materials and the transportation of end products create their own share of the impact.

During the production of books, pollutants are emitted into both water and air. In addition, solid wastes are created. The most significant air emissions are sulphur dioxide (S02), nitrogen oxides (NOX), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and greenhouse gasses. The most significant greenhouse gasses produced during a book's life cycle are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and dinitrogen oxide (N2O). The total quantity of greenhouse gasses has been expressed as carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2-eq).

Greenhouse gasses, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are created in the production of electricity and heat, where fossil fuels (for example, oil, carbon and natural gas) are used. In addition, emissions are produced by the use of fuels during transportation. Electricity and heat are consumed during printing and the manufacture of raw-materials.

The solvents, adhesives and printing colours used during printing, and the alcohol in the cleaning solvents and humidification water all release VOC emissions. COD emissions are produced during pulp and paper production.

Solid wastes can be divided into toxic wastes - for example, printing inks and other residual chemicals, which are directed to the hazardous waste processing plant. In addition, materials are left over from the process and these can then be recycled. The most significant recycled materials are paper, cardboard and printing plates. Mixed waste is taken to the waste landfill site.