Sustainability of the CEWE PHOTOBOOK

Abstract

Sustainability has become a key indicator in the reception of consumers, not only for companies but also for products. The CEWE PHOTOBOOK is the number one brand product of photo books in Europe with a market share of about 25 %. This paper shall focus on aspects of sustainability of the CEWE PHOTOBOOK with a wide ecological view, including both, aspects of production technologies as well as the product.The product's total carbon footprint is calculated and discussed, starting with the order process via production by electrophotography, including both liquid and dry toner technologies, and finishing followed by the delivery processes. Further aspects are the product's longevity as well as its fate as waste, discussing both, recycling by de-inking or waste incineration.For the production process occupational health and safety is of utmost importance. Ozone generation, exhaust of VOC, cleaning methods, and work protection at UV coating or PUR glue binding of the book blocks are to be considered. The total environmental impact of the production process encompasses energy consumption, waste water protection, and full responsibility of production waste streams. Taking care of deinking problems in recycling paper mills down the waste supply chain is just one example.