More good news on the Book Campaign from Egmont Books

Posted by admin — 25 August 2005 at 8:00am - Comments

Kensuke's Kingdom: cover detail

We're celebrating more good news for our Book Campaign, as leading childrens' publisher Egmont Press has announced plans to publish its first novel on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) paper.

Kensuke's Kingdom, by award-winning author Michael Morpurgo, is due out this September. It will be printed on paper certified by the FSC, which guarantees that the virgin fibre used in the paper comes from environmentally and socially responsible sources.

At the same time Egmont has also announced a new paper policy to 'green' its book production move the company towards sourcing recycled paper and virgin fibre from FSC certified sources. Director Cally Poplak said, "We feel that to be a responsible children's publisher, we must consider the world our consumers are growing up in and make sure that the fantastic books we publish are printed on environmentally responsible paper."

Speaking for Greenpeace, Forest Campaigner Belinda Fletcher said, "Both Egmont's new procurement policy and the printing of Michael Morpurgo's book on FSC certified paper are very positive steps forward for the UK publishing industry. We very much hope other children's publishers will follow Egmont's lead."

Egmont's announcement follows a growing trend amongst UK book publishers, who've been encouraged by the Book Campaign to maximise recycled content in their books and to ensure any virgin fibre comes from FSC certified sources.

Since the launch of the campaign two of the largest UK publishing houses, Pearson, who own Penguin, and Random House have both adopted 'ancient forest friendly' policies with regard paper sourcing.

Over 200 authors have signed up to support the campaign, including Michael Morpurgo, Anne Fine, JK Rowling, Helen Fielding, Philip Pullman, Jacqueline Wilson, John O'Farrell, Ben Elton, Penny Vincenzi, Charlotte Bingham, Andy McNab, John King and Ian Rankin.

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