Canongate Books: Pioneering Sustainability in Publishing
Canongate front cover
Canongate Books, a renowned independent publisher in the UK, has become a trailblazer in sustainability within the publishing industry. Under the leadership of Caroline Gorham, the company made history as the first trade publisher in the UK to earn B Corporation (B Corp) certification. This certification underscores Canongate's unwavering commitment to environmental and social responsibility, setting a new standard for the publishing sector.
A Commitment to Sustainable Publishing
Caroline Gorham, Production Director at Canongate, highlights that achieving B Corp certification was not just about meeting industry standards—it was about embedding sustainability into every part of the company’s operations. This rigorous certification process, which took more than two years to complete, required changes across five key areas: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. By formalising their commitment to sustainability, Canongate is leading the charge for positive change in publishing.
Building a Sustainable Supply Chain
Canongate’s commitment to sustainability extends to its entire supply chain. The company works closely with sustainable printers and suppliers who share its eco-conscious values. For instance, Canongate partners with CPI Print, who are revolutionising the printing process with innovations like carbon calculators and chemical-free printing. The company also prioritises local sourcing, reducing the carbon footprint of transporting materials.
In response to new EU regulations, Canongate is working to ensure that all its products meet stringent environmental standards, from anti-deforestation regulations to the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), further strengthening its commitment to sustainable practices.
Making a Lasting Impact
Beyond its operational changes, Canongate Books is actively involved in community engagement. They support local charities like Social Bite, which empowers homeless individuals, and donate books to organisations like the Scottish Book Trust. This community engagement is an essential part of their sustainability strategy, fostering a company-wide culture of responsibility and accountability.
The publisher’s sustainability efforts also include a focus on recyclability. By prioritising recyclable materials and collaborating with other industry leaders, Canongate is making strides toward reducing waste in the publishing process.
Looking to the Future
As Canongate continues to innovate and lead in sustainability, the company is also investing in the future. From adapting to EU digital standards for e-books and audiobooks to exploring ways to make their products more sustainable, Canongate is setting an example of how an industry can evolve in an environmentally responsible way.
For more details on Canongate Books’ journey to sustainability, and how they are transforming the publishing industry, read the full feature in our latest magazine.