Sustainability at Bonnier Books UK

The climate crisis is the defining fight of our times

As a 200-year-old family-owned business, we think in generations, not quarters. We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our operations and publishing activities through measurable, verifiable actions across our value chain.

We aim to publish books responsibly while working collaboratively with our industry partners, as we seek to spread the joy of books and storytelling for generations to come.

We measure and report our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across Scope 1, 2 and 3, using recognised methodologies aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Our progress and goals are outline below:

Taking climate action

Defined GHG baseline year

Initial GHG reduction target: 25% reduction across Scopes 1, 2 and 3

This initial target was first achieved in 2023

Our 2025 results show a 38% total reduction

100% renewable energy backed by certificates in our office operations

Renewable energy backed by certificates used in the printing and binding of 90% of our books

GHG reduction target

55% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions

50% reduction in Scope 3 emissions

GHG reduction target

90% reduction across Scope 1, 2 and 3 before reaching net zero

Steps forward

We are a signatory to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), with validated emissions reduction targets and robust methodology, aligned with a 1.5°C pathway.

Bonnier Books UK is a founding member of Publishing Declares, an industry-wide climate commitment. As a member of the Independent Publishers Guild, we participate in the Sustainability Industry Forum (SIF) and won the IPG’s Independent Publishing Award for Sustainability in 2025.

Building a responsible supply chain

We work with suppliers and partners to improve environmental performance across our supply chain, with an approach focused on measurable impact areas.

Find out more

Materials and paper sourcing

Paper is a key contributor to the environmental footprint of printed books. With this in mind, we maintain a dedicated sourcing policy covering all paper used across our UK publishing.

100% of paper used in UK trade and mass market titles is FSC™-certified, independently verified against responsible forestry standards

Our internal production systems guide teams toward lower-impact paper and print specifications

We maintain internal data on paper grades and associated emissions to support informed decision-making

These measures are designed to reduce environmental impact while maintaining product quality.

Working Together

We collaborate across the Bonnier Books Group to improve environmental performance and to develop new solutions to the challenge at hand. Our work together includes: a global CSR advisory structure; ongoing research and development into materials and production methods; and shared reporting frameworks, including ESRS-aligned disclosures.

Read up on the Group’s sustainability strategy and latest results in our 2025 ESRS inspired Annual Review, which outlines our methodology, scope, and progress.

Download Report

Tree planting

We support reforestation projects intended to contribute to ecosystem restoration and community development. Over 10,000 trees have been planted across multiple regions since the initiative first began, bringing biodiversity benefits and employment opportunities in local communities. We currently work alongside B-Corp-certified Carma on the project.

Note that these initiatives are separate from our emissions reduction targets and do not replace the need to reduce emissions across our operations and supply chain.

Transparency and reporting

Environmental impacts occur across the full lifecycle of books, including raw material extraction, printing, transport, retail, and end‑of‑life. Our sustainability activities focus on specific areas of tangible action and do not wholly eliminate these impacts.

We are committed to ensuring that the information we publish on our environmental impact is:

Based on measurable data and recognised methodologies

Regularly reviewed and updated

Supported by independent frameworks and certifications where applicable

Additional detail, including definitions of scope, methodologies, and reporting boundaries, is available in our GRI Annual Review.

Reach Out

For further information about our sustainability approach or data, please contact our sustainability team.

Get in touch