Going Green With E-books

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"The study, in which we collaborated and contributed data, was carried out by KTH," explains Erik Larsson, environmental manager at Bonnierförlagen, which, together with Adlibris and Elib, represented Bonnier in the study. "Similar studies have been conducted for magazines, but we wanted to focus on books. And KTH, as an independent research institute, felt like the most appropriate partner."

The study was carried out by the Center for Sustainable Communications at KTH. Its aim was to compare the environmental impact of printed books and e-books. The basis for calculation was a so-called simplified Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), a method for measuring the potential environmental impact and resource consumption throughout a product's life cycle, from raw material extraction to production, use and disposal.

Producing a book from start to finish is a lengthy process. First timber is cut and shipped to a paper mill, where it is then turned into paper pulp. Then there is transport and distribution to the retailer, which could be either a physical or online bookstore.

One particularly interesting finding in the study is that the most significant environmental impact is caused by the manufacture of e-readers. This means that the more books you read on an e-reader, the less each book affects the environment.

"In order for an e-reader to pay off in terms of its effect on the climate, you would need to read at least 33 e-books during the product's estimated two-year life cycle, according to the study," says Merete Lind, production manager at Bonnier Publications. "This may sound like a lot, but the assumption is that those with an e-reader read more than the average consumer."

The study also compared the environmental effects of traditional and wood-free paper. Wood-free paper contains little or no lignin, or wood pulp, which otherwise causes paper to yellow over time. Wood pulp is removed chemically. In this case, however, a clear winner was hard to find.

"Considering all the data that I've gathered together with colleagues, it's clear that the question of environmental impact is complex and that simple answers aren't as available as one often hopes," says Merete.

"The study is of course interesting for us, because consumers will demand greater environmental responsibility and better awareness from companies," explains Erik. "We constantly review production techniques, and if suppliers fail to meet our environmental standards, we'll find others to replace them."

How books affect the climate

Carbon dioxide equivalents (a measure of a product's net carbon emissions):

• A bound fiction book purchased in a physical bookshop: 1.3 kilos

• A bound fiction book purchased from an online retailer: 1.1 kilos

• An e-book purchased from an online retailer and viewed on an e-reader (if a total of 48 e-books are read): 0.87 kilos

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