News Summary

In a recent podcast featured on BookNet Canada, Simon Crump, an experienced environmental consultant for Book Industry Communication (BIC), elaborates on the implications of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) for the book industry. The EUDR aims to prevent deforestation and land degradation by regulating commodities including timber, rubber, soy, palm oil, coffee, cattle, and cocoa, which significantly impacts the book industry’s supply chain. Crump discusses the challenges and opportunities the regulation presents, such as increased data recording and management requirements for publishers and printers. He highlights the importance of the industry utilizing existing certifications like FSC and PEFC to align with the new regulations. Crump also emphasizes the collaborative efforts needed across the book supply chain to ensure compliance by 2025, with smaller enterprises having until June 2026 to comply. Practical steps for Canadian publishers include mapping their supply chain and engaging with printers and suppliers regarding EUDR preparedness. Various resources, such as BIC’s Green Hub and seminars by FSC and PEFC, are recommended for publishers looking to understand and comply with the EUDR. Overall, the regulation is seen as a stepping stone towards a more sustainable book supply chain worldwide.