Introducing

Climate change is an ever-looming threat to both the planet and humanity. According to the Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO, Australia's climate has already warmed by 1.51°C. The 2025 National Climate Risk Assessment warns that even if greenhouse gas emissions were to drastically reduce tomorrow, Australia will face widespread climate impacts. These include more intense and extreme weather events, the loss of important ecosystems and species, and risks to health, the economy and national security. Some of the most vulnerable populations are those in coastal and rural areas and already disadvantaged individuals. In response, the Australian government has set a national target to ‘reduce emissions by 62–70% below 2005 levels by 2035.’

The publishing industry plays a significant role in the impending climate disaster. Research shows that the pulp and paper sector places among the world’s top five energy-consuming industries, with publishing contributing massive amounts of greenhouse gas emissions and waste. 

As such, the publishing industry has an urgent responsibility to mitigate its environmental impact. Fortunately, many publishers in the Australian sector, particularly larger ones, have been making strides towards sustainable practice. A few industry-leading initiatives and studies have also been undertaken. These include the Australian Publishers Association’s (APA) Greener Publishing Guide and Sustainability Survey, as well as BookPeople’s Towards a Sustainable Bookselling Future.

However, the lack of data, integrated research, and comprehensive response to climate change remain prevailing challenges in the Australian publishing industry. 

In the following collection of industry reports, emerging publishing professionals seek to create a snapshot of the current state of environmental sustainability in the Australian publishing industry. We conduct investigations across the various stages of a book’s life cycle, from the mapping of overarching processes, to book production, to distribution and sales. 

Complimentary articles then take a closer look at a number of key industry case studies, along with salient developments in legislation and potential initiatives such as certifications.

Bound concludes with a range of key insights and recommendations garnered across the reports, with the hope that we can move forward better informed and prepared to create a greener future for the Australian publishing industry.