A new year always brings a sense of improvement. Fresh goals, fresh viewpoint, and the quiet desire that we can do things a slightly better than before. While we step into 2026, sustainability isn’t just a resolution at Austin Macauley Publishers; it’s a responsibility we take seriously.
Books have always been one of the major reasons to shape minds and preserve stories. At the moment, they are also part of a bigger conversation about how we care for the world around us.
That’s why according to news from the European Parliament, excluding printed books from the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), has been a welcome progression for publishers in Europe. It acknowledges the distinct role books play in creative expression, education and culture, while still inspiring responsible environmental practices amongst industries.
For Austin Macauley sustainability has not just been about ticking regulatory boxes. It’s about long-term thinking, ethical options, and making sure that great stories don’t come at the cost of the planet.
Publishing With Purpose
Publishing is a complex process. From manuscript to bookshelf, each phase has an environmental footprint. Paper, printing, shipping, marketing, every step matters. That’s why we’ve spent years investing in greener practices across our publishing cycle, refining how we work rather than waiting for external pressure to do so.
One of the most crucial areas is managing paper sourcing. Paper will always be a major part of publishing, but where it comes from and how it’s produced makes a difference. By working with suppliers determined to encourage sustainable forestry and responsible sourcing, we make sure that the stories we print don’t damage the ecosystems that inspire them.
Another important step of our process is print-on-demand availability. Traditional large-scale print runs can lead to too much stock, storage problems, and waste. Print-on-demand lets us produce books as they’re needed, decreasing overprinting and making sure that resources are used efficiently. It’s a better model both environmentally and economically and one that benefits authors, readers, and the planet alike.
Digital Where It Makes Sense
Sustainability isn’t just about what we print, it’s also about what we don’t. Throughout the years, Austin Macauley has progressively accepted digital-first marketing, decreasing the printing of excessive promotional materials. Online campaigns, digital catalogues, and virtual outreach help us connect with readers worldwide while minimising unnecessary resource use.
This shift doesn’t take away from the magic of physical books. Instead, it supports them ensuring that when something is printed, it’s done with intention.
More Than a Trend
Being “green” can sometimes sound like a passing trend or a marketing phrase. For us, it’s neither. Sustainability is how we work as an international publisher with offices in London, Cambridge, New York, and Sharjah. It shows how we see the future of publishing that is considerate, responsible, and aware of the larger consequences.
Good books are meant to last. They’re passed between hands, reviewed after some years, and admired across generations. It only makes sense that the way we publish them shows that same sense of affection and longevity.
Looking Ahead
Our commitment remains clear as 2026 unfolds and that is to carry on refining our practices, listening to new ideas, and reshaping where we can because sustainability isn’t a destination, it’s a journey.
Stories shape the world and how we bring them into it matters.
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