Keys to leadership
The report shows publishers have the power to make a real difference when they commit to implementing paper procurement policies and production efficiencies, and encouraging suppliers to support forest conservation initiatives.
The environmental footprint of newspapers is the single largest of all publishing sectors. So, industry leaders have the potential to make among the most significant contributions toward protecting the world’s forests, species, and climate and improving forest management.
Our study of eco-performance within the sector identified five areas that are fundamental to leadership on the environment:
• Sustainability is incorporated into the core of the company’s operations.
• The protection of endangered and high conservation value forests is advanced by eliminating endangered forest fiber from the supply.
• Recycled newsprint is given preference due to its smaller eco-footprint.
• Production efficiency is maximized, thereby minimizing waste.
• The development of non-wood papers, such as straw papers, is supported as an alternative to virgin wood.
Performing above the fold
The report profiles the industry players who stand out above the fold on the environment. These publishers’ efforts show the path for companies interested in making a difference for our planet through their business practices.
Here is just a sample:
The Globe and Mail — Setting a course with environmental direction
The Globe and Mail has developed a robust Sustainable Paper Mandate and is making consistent progress on implementing its policy by engaging suppliers on conservation issues throughout the supply chain. The Globe and Mail is a member of the Boreal Business Forum, which includes a select group of customers and investors committed to tracking and supporting the implementation of the world’s largest conservation initiative, the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement. The publisher is also involved with a group of C-suite conservation leaders called Canopy Club, which engages suppliers on conservation issues.
Hearst— Lending muscle to landmark conservation initiatives
Hearst, owner of the San Francisco Chronicle and Houston Chronicle, is also engaged in the Boreal Business Forum and is supporting successful conservation outcomes in other sourcing areas. Hearst has created the Being Green Report specifically to benchmark its environmental performance. A trendsetting initiative of eco-transparency, such sustainability reports are a great way for leaders to ensure their companies are engaged responsibly on environmental issues and to highlight their successes to external stakeholders and partners.
The Guardian— Embracing sustainability
The Guardian’s Environmental Vision and Paper Purchasing Policy is accompanied by environmental performance reporting that aims to cover all aspects of its operations. Sustainability is at the heart of procurement processes as the company recognizes that its suppliers represent a key part of the operational impact. But, sustainability is not limited to paper purchasing; it is one of the Guardian’s eight priority business areas where the company strives to live its sustainability values throughout its entire business operations.
McClatchy— Setting the bar for recycled content
McClatchy, owner of the Kansas City Star, Sacramento Bee, Charlotte Observer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and Miami Herald, has made high-content recycled newsprint a priority. Last year, 99 percent of the newsprint used by McClatchy newspapers was made with some recycled fiber. With an across-the-board average recycled content of 70 percent, McClatchy is an industry leader.
The Times of India— Partnering with advertisers
Leading up to World Environment Day 2011, the Times of India launched a 45-day campaign with an advertising partner, seeking to generate ideas to help build a greener planet. For every idea received, the company bought 10 kg of used newspaper. On the final day, the Times recycled these old newspapers to create a 100 percent recycled newspaper colored green. The green message that the newspaper brought to life was “Forests: Nature at your service” — highlighting that forests play a key role in our battle against climate change. Not surprisingly, the initiative won a Cannes Lion 2011 award for creativity.
The New York Times — Championing better forest management
The New York Times Co. purchases a portion of its newsprint from FSC-certified mills and consistently promotes the importance of implementing FSC with its suppliers. The company also regularly reviews its suppliers’ progress in increasing the percentage of its forest regions certified by FSC. As more of its suppliers’ operations switch to FSC, the Times Co. looks forward to the opportunity to increase its use of FSC-certified newsprint.
Métro Montréal — Going all the way with FSC
Métro Montréal, one of the world’s largest chains of free dailies, developed a leading-edge environmental policy that commits the newspaper to working with suppliers and Canopy to promote sustainable forest management and the protection of endangered forests. With the policy launch, Métro Montréal became the first newspaper in North America to guarantee it will use only FSC-certified newsprint with at least 40 percent recycled content.
Trailblaze, or follow
Every newspaper publisher has the opportunity to choose where to sit in the pack when it comes to environmental performance and advocacy. Unlike those at the back of the pack, those out in front come with built-in competitive advantages, appeal to advertisers and consumers, improved efficiencies, and direction-setting brand associations.
Find Canopy and Green Press Initiative’s complete newspaper leadership report at canopyplanet.org/business/newspaper/above-the-fold/
About Canopy
Canopy (canopyplanet.org) safeguards the world’s forests, species, and climate by harnessing the power of the marketplace and changing business practices. They work with more than 700 North American book publishers, magazines, newspapers, and commercial printers to phase out the use of endangered forests and catalyze the supply of environmental solutions.