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Our commitments to the environment
Taking action at each step in the book lifecycle
The climate crisis has led Hachette Livre to pursue a comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing the environmental impact of its business at each step in the book lifecycle. From design to distribution, this commitment is reflected in effective actions to shrink the Group’s carbon footprint, protect biodiversity, and optimize resource use, in particular by reducing plastic and improving supply chain traceability. Implemented by all business units across the world, this strategy is paired with measurable goals, solid partnerships, and rising employee involvement.
Reducing the impact of production and distribution
Eco-design is incorporated from the start of the book creation process. Our publishers opt for optimal formats and paper weights, while limiting non-essential elements.
The Group is taking a more streamlined approach to production, reflected in the 12% reduction in the number of new releases between 2019 and 2025.
Using data analysis and innovative solutions such as Lightning Source France (print on demand) and Ritméo (automated reprinting), Hachette Livre adjusts its print runs with agility to limit unsold copies and waste.
Combating deforestation and promoting biodiversity
- 99,9 %of the paper used by the Group is FSC® or PEFC™ certified, as of 2025
Hachette Livre has improved fiber traceability in line with the EU regulation against deforestation and forest degradation (EUDR). Initiatives are also being undertaken to protect forest ecosystems and improve supply chain transparency.
Local biodiversity is a priority at the Group’s sites. The head office in Vanves has been designated a refuge by the French League for the Protection of Birds (LPO), the Maurepas logistics site is home to a conservation grazing project, and environmental improvements are underway at the London, Barcelona and New York sites.
Several Group buildings have been awarded environmental certifications for their excellent energy efficiency, such as NF HQE, BBC, LEED and BREEAM.
The Louis-Hachette garden in Vanves is a bird protection league refuge.
Reducing plastic use
The low-plastic plan launched in 2020 aims to reduce the volume of plastic used in France by 25% by 2030. Significant progress was made between 2019 and 2025:
- - 47%plastic in box sets (products and packaging)
- - 25%plastic in logistics operations
Similar initiatives are being implemented in other countries: plastic-free small packages in Spain, recycled plastic wrap in the United Kingdom, and alternatives to plastic packaging in the United States.
Conserving resources and giving products a second life
Shrinking our carbon footprint
Hachette Livre has been measuring its greenhouse gas emissions since 2009. In 2024, the Group met and exceeded the target set in 2021 of a 30% reduction between 2019 and 2030, and is now aiming for a more ambitious reduction of 50% by 2030.
This goal is backed by a structured low-carbon strategy aligned with the principles of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and included in Lagardère group reporting.
The potential for carbon reduction primarily lies in the eco-design of products, the adjustment of print runs to reduce overstock, streamlined inventory management, reduced carbon intensity among suppliers, and more efficient book shipping in the Group’s four main markets.
Giving products a second life and cutting down on waste
The Group’s approach to waste management involves systematic sorting of plastic and cardboard at all distribution centers. Any unsold books not redistributed are recycled completely.
Upcycling initiatives are also being implemented: Gigamic and Blackrock turn promotional banners into pencil cases and bags, and Lightning Source France repurposes scrap paper into notebooks. In the United Kingdom and the United States, 75% of damaged pallets are reused in the supply chain or recycled.
Innovating together to step up the environmental shift
Engaging our employees
Group employees take part in workshops, training and company events for the environment.
In France, initiatives such as Fresque du Climat, the MyCO₂ workshops, Biodiversity Day, and Cyber World Clean Up Day are highlights on the calendar.
In 2025, the biannual Eco-design Week drew more than 200 participants.
Employee projects are recognized annually at the Hachette Livre Eco-Challenge, which will soon be expanded to the United Kingdom and the United States.