--- title: "Book carbon footprint calculator: offset or digital printing | IN TEMPO" description: "Calculate the carbon footprint of a book by paper, print run and offset or digital printing, in France or abroad. Free calculator with publicly available sources." url: "https://www.intempo.fr/en/outils/empreinte-carbone-livre/" lang: "en" --- # Carbon footprint of a book: printing in France or abroad Describe your book to estimate its carbon footprint, from paper to delivery. Compare printing countries, offset and digital printing, paper and print runs. Each result includes an uncertainty range and the sources used. Form: `GET https://www.intempo.fr/en/outils/empreinte-carbone-livre/` Estimates the carbon footprint (kg CO2e) of manufacturing a book print run, from the paper to the delivery, and compares it by printing country, process, paper weight and run. Returns the figures per copy and per run, with their range and the factors used. - Width (mm) (`largeur`): Trimmed page width, in millimetres (80 to 330). - Height (mm) (`hauteur`): Trimmed page height, in millimetres (100 to 330). - Number of pages (`pages`): Number of interior pages, even (16 to 2,000). - Interior paper (`papier`): Interior paper family: offset, bouffant, couche or recycle. - Paper weight (g/m²) (`grammage`): Interior paper weight, g/m² (40 to 200). - Interior printing (`interieur`): `noir`, `quadri` - Cover (`couverture`): `souple`, `rigide` - Laminated (`pelliculage`): oui if the cover is laminated. - Copies printed (`exemplaires`): Number of copies printed (10 to 200,000). - Copies you expect to sell or give away (`vendus`): Copies the publisher expects to sell; optional. - Process (`procede`): `offset`, `numerique` - Planned printing country (`imprime`): Printing country in mind, ISO code: FR, BE, ES, IT, DE, CZ, PL, SI, LV, GB or CN. - Delivery location (`livraison`): Delivery country: FR, CH, BE, ES or GB. - Interior paper emission factor (kg CO2e per tonne) (`facteur`): The mill’s factor in kg CO2e per tonne, cradle to gate; optional. The calculator requires JavaScript. Without JavaScript, you can still read the method, example and factors below. ## Calculating the carbon footprint: scope and method The calculator uses the manufacturing stages described by the International Publishers Association (IPA): paper production, printing and binding, followed by freight to the delivery location. Printing includes paper lost in make-ready and trimming, energy, plates, ink and binding materials. Content creation, bookshop distribution, reading and end of life are excluded. The calculator compares manufacturing and delivery options without covering the book’s entire lifecycle. Each factor has a low, central and high value. The calculation uses each set of values in turn to create three scenarios. The displayed range extends at least 30 % either side of the central value. An option is labelled lower or higher if the difference goes in the same direction in all three scenarios; this conclusion remains dependent on the assumptions used. The initial result is an example: a 200-page novel, 15 × 21 cm, with 1,000 copies delivered to Paris. Change the fields to get an estimate for your book. Sources[IPA, Publishing 2030 Accelerator, livre blanc v4](https://sdg.internationalpublishers.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/white-paper-carbon-emissions-of-a-print-book-methodology-.pdf) [ADEME, Base Empreinte](https://base-empreinte.ademe.fr/) Checked on 12 October 2026 **The example, country by country: a 200-page novel** | Printed in | Range | Paper | Printing | Freight | | -------------- | ---------------- | ----- | -------- | ------- | | France | 0.59 (0.40–0.93) | 0.29 | 0.28 | 0.02 | | Belgium | 0.62 (0.43–1.07) | 0.29 | 0.31 | 0.02 | | United Kingdom | 0.65 (0.45–1.17) | 0.29 | 0.33 | 0.03 | | Spain | 0.66 (0.44–1.15) | 0.29 | 0.31 | 0.06 | | Slovenia | 0.68 (0.45–1.21) | 0.29 | 0.32 | 0.07 | | Italy | 0.70 (0.47–1.31) | 0.29 | 0.35 | 0.06 | | Germany | 0.71 (0.48–1.35) | 0.29 | 0.37 | 0.05 | | Latvia | 0.72 (0.47–1.26) | 0.29 | 0.31 | 0.12 | | Czechia | 0.77 (0.51–1.50) | 0.29 | 0.39 | 0.08 | | China | 0.78 (0.54–1.56) | 0.29 | 0.43 | 0.06 | | Poland | 0.82 (0.55–1.72) | 0.29 | 0.45 | 0.08 | **Electricity emissions by printing country** | Country | g CO2e/kWh | | -------------- | ---------- | | France | 41 | | Latvia | 139 | | Belgium | 150 | | Spain | 154 | | Slovenia | 183 | | United Kingdom | 217 | | Italy | 285 | | Germany | 330 | | Czechia | 401 | | China | 525 | | Poland | 589 | **The 34 factors used, and their sources** Each factor links to its source. The central value gives the estimate; the low and high values are used to calculate the range. Rows marked “our calculation” use values we calculated or adapted from the sources. These still need checking against printers’ data. | Factor | Value | Low and high values | Source | | ------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------ | ------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Uncoated offset paper | 970 kg CO2e/t | 750–1,193 | [Umweltbundesamt, Texte 123/2022 (IFEU)](https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/system/files/medien/479/publikationen/texte_123-2022_aktualisierte_oekobilanz_von_grafik-_und_hygienepapier.pdf) figure 6 p. 37 et figure 15 p. 45 : papier non couché de fibres vierges, moyenne pondérée 971, usine intégrée 751, non intégrée 1 193 | | Bulky book paper | 919 kg CO2e/t | 608–1,193 | [ADEME, Base Empreinte](https://base-empreinte.ademe.fr/) élément 24309, « Papier, moyen », hors utilisation et fin de vie | | Coated paper (our calculation) | 970 kg CO2e/t | 900–1,193 | [Umweltbundesamt, Texte 123/2022 (IFEU)](https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/system/files/medien/479/publikationen/texte_123-2022_aktualisierte_oekobilanz_von_grafik-_und_hygienepapier.pdf) valeur du papier non couché vierge, faute de valeur publique pour le couché | | Recycled paper | 822 kg CO2e/t | 750–900 | [Umweltbundesamt, Texte 123/2022 (IFEU)](https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/system/files/medien/479/publikationen/texte_123-2022_aktualisierte_oekobilanz_von_grafik-_und_hygienepapier.pdf) p. 44 : papier recyclé 15 % sous la moyenne des papiers de fibres vierges (822 contre 971) | | Cover board (our calculation) | 1,000 kg CO2e/t | 623–1,198 | [UK DESNZ, GHG conversion factors 2026](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a6c9748862aaf18d9c62ac9/ghg-conversion-factors-2026-flat-format-revised.xlsx) Material use, « Paper and board: board », primary material production, 1 198 (2026) ; bas : carton plat, part carton de Pro Carton (73 % de 854) | | Greyboard (hardcover) | 670 kg CO2e/t | 670–1,097 | [ADEME, Base Empreinte](https://base-empreinte.ademe.fr/) élément 26738, « Carton, recyclé » (FEDEREC/ADEME, ± 20 %) ; haut : DESNZ 2026, board, closed-loop recycled | | PUR adhesive | 7,000 kg CO2e/t | 4,000–10,000 | [IVK, valeurs PCF typiques des colles (M-RS 2014-29)](https://www.klebstoffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/M-RS_2014-29_Typische_PCF_Werte_engl_v3_PDFv2__final_.pdf) p. 2 : colles réactives (dont polyuréthanes), 4 à 10 kg CO2e/kg | | Lamination film (PP) | 2,000 kg CO2e/t | 1,920–2,575 | [ADEME, Base Empreinte](https://base-empreinte.ademe.fr/) élément 20845, « PP - polypropylène » ; haut : DESNZ 2026, plastique PP mis en forme | | Ink and toner | 3,264 kg CO2e/t | 1,870–3,264 | [EuPIA, empreinte de l’encre de référence (2020)](https://www.eupia.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Eco_Footprint_and_Screening_of_Virtual_reference_01.pdf) p. 2 : encre de référence générique européenne, « Global Warming Potential … 3264 g CO2 eq » par kg ; bas : ADEME élément 20637, encre couleur offset, 1 870 kg/t | | Printing plant energy, offset, softcover (our calculation) | 1,040 kWh/t | 800–4,000 | [VTT Research Notes 2560 (2010)](https://publications.vtt.fi/pdf/tiedotteet/2010/T2560.pdf) tableau 4 p. 38 : offset feuilles, 800–1 040 kWh/t de produits ; haut : le livre relié du tableau E5.1 | | Printing plant energy, offset, hardcover (our calculation) | 4,000 kWh/t | 1,040–4,000 | [VTT Research Notes 2560 (2010)](https://publications.vtt.fi/pdf/tiedotteet/2010/T2560.pdf) tableau E5.1 : énergie achetée 0,50 kg CO2e par livre relié cousu de 500 g, réseau finlandais à 250 g/kWh ; bas : tableau 4 | | Printing plant energy, digital, softcover (our calculation) | 1,600 kWh/t | 1,230–4,700 | [VTT Research Notes 2538 (2010)](https://publications.vtt.fi/pdf/tiedotteet/2010/T2538.pdf) l’offset broché, plus 560 kWh/t (430–700) : tableau 12 p. 64, 0,53–1,02 Wh par A4 en offset, 2,1–2,3 en électrophotographie ; imprimerie numérique mesurée à 2 900–3 300 kWh/t (p. 64) | | Printing plant energy, digital, hardcover (our calculation) | 4,560 kWh/t | 1,470–4,700 | [VTT Research Notes 2538 (2010)](https://publications.vtt.fi/pdf/tiedotteet/2010/T2538.pdf) l’offset relié, plus 560 kWh/t (430–700) : tableau 12 p. 64 | | Share of that energy that is electricity (our calculation) | 0.9 | 0.87–0.9 | [UK DESNZ, Energy Consumption in the UK 2026, table C3.1](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6aac02112f29b38884818687/ECUK_2026_Consumption_tables.xlsx) tableau C3.1, SIC 18 (imprimerie) : électricité 141,3 ktep sur 157,6 en 2025, 313,6 sur 360,7 en 2017 | | Grid losses (our calculation) | 0.079 | 0.05–0.1 | [ADEME, Base Empreinte](https://base-empreinte.ademe.fr/) élément 43642, « Électricité - 2024 - mix moyen - consommation » : 51,9 g CO2e/kWh, dont transport et distribution 3,8 | | Natural gas | 0.243 kg CO2e/kWh PCI | 0.243–0.243 | [ADEME, Base Empreinte](https://base-empreinte.ademe.fr/) élément 13515, « Gaz naturel », Europe | | Ink per tonne of books, offset | 6.5 kg/t | 5–8 | [VTT Research Notes 2560 (2010)](https://publications.vtt.fi/pdf/tiedotteet/2010/T2560.pdf) tableau 4 p. 38 : offset feuilles, 5–8 kg d’encre par tonne de produits | | Toner per tonne of books, digital | 26.8 kg/t | 11–39 | [VTT Research Notes 2538 (2010)](https://publications.vtt.fi/pdf/tiedotteet/2010/T2538.pdf) p. 67 : 26,8 kg de toner par tonne de produits ; VTT 2560, tableau 4 : 11–39 kg/t | | Make-ready sheets per colour and form (our calculation) | 60 feuilles par couleur et par forme | 45–125 | [Heidelberg, Speedmaster XL (Printing Impressions, 2011)](https://www.piworld.com/article/automation-heidelberg-s-xl-vlf-series-presses-achieves-systematically-shorter-makeready-times/) 180–250 feuilles de calage en quadrichromie ; haut : allocation BPIF 2012, 500 feuilles (Hamerlinski et Pyr’yev p. 5147) | | Aluminium offset plate | 7.66 kg CO2e/m² | 5–9.58 | [Eco3 et Telusio, empreinte carbone des plaques offset (alcircle, 2025)](https://www.alcircle.com/news/offset-plate-of-eco3-helps-to-reduce-carbon-footprint-115473) « around 7.66 kg of CO₂ per square meter » pour une plaque de 0,3 mm ; 0,15 mm : près de 5 kg ; 0,40 mm : 9,58 kg | | Running waste, offset (our calculation) | 0.05 | 0.03–0.1 | [VTT Research Notes 2560 (2010)](https://publications.vtt.fi/pdf/tiedotteet/2010/T2560.pdf) tableau 4 : 1,1–1,3 t de papier par tonne de produits en offset feuilles, coupe et calage compris | | Running waste, digital (our calculation) | 0.03 | 0.02–0.06 | [VTT Research Notes 2560 (2010)](https://publications.vtt.fi/pdf/tiedotteet/2010/T2560.pdf) tableau 4 : 1,05–1,17 t de papier par tonne de produits en électrophotographie | | Adhesive thickness on the spine | 0.45 mm | 0.3–0.6 | [Henkel, Technomelt PUR 3317 BR, fiche technique](https://datasheets.tdx.henkel.com/TECHNOMELT-PUR-3317-BR-en_GL.pdf) p. 1 : « the thickness of the adhesive film should be 0,3 – 0,6mm » | | 2.5 mm greyboard | 1,575 g/m² | 1,260–1,890 | [Smurfit Westrock, Wrexen carton de reliure, fiche technique 2025](https://produktinfo.blauer-engel.de/uploads/pdf_uploads/16011/Datenbl%C3%A4tter_SW_Wrexen_Buchbinderpappe_geklebt_08_2025.pdf) 2,0 mm = 1 260 g/m² ; 2,5 mm = 1 575 ; 3,0 mm = 1 890 | | Lamination film | 22.5 g/m² | 16.2–24 | [Cosmo Films, film de pelliculage BOPP, fiche technique](https://www.cosmofilms.com/public/uploads/pdf/24635913949.pdf) 12 µm BOPP + 12 µm EVA = 24 µm | | Truck, groupage | 0.18 kg CO2e/t.km | 0.0875–0.341 | [Ministère de la Transition écologique, guide Information GES des prestations de transport (2018)](https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/publications/Info%20GES_Guide%20m%C3%A9thodo.pdf) messagerie, porteur articulé 40 t (traction) : 180 g CO2e/t.km ; bas : camion complet, ADEME élément 43643, 0,0875 ; haut : messagerie, porteur 19 t (collecte et distribution), 341 g | | Full truck (from 6 t) | 0.0875 kg CO2e/t.km | 0.0755–0.0993 | [ADEME, Base Empreinte](https://base-empreinte.ademe.fr/) élément 43643, articulé 34 à 40 t, gazole B7 ; bas : 40 à 44 t (43647) ; haut : moins de 34 t (43651) | | Container ship, Asia – North Europe | 0.0055 kg CO2e/t.km | 0.0055–0.0055 | [ADEME, Base Empreinte](https://base-empreinte.ademe.fr/) élément 28203, porte-conteneurs, Asie – Europe du Nord | | Container ship, Asia – Mediterranean | 0.007 kg CO2e/t.km | 0.007–0.007 | [ADEME, Base Empreinte](https://base-empreinte.ademe.fr/) élément 28201, porte-conteneurs, Asie – Méditerranée | | Ratio of road distance to straight-line distance | 1.25 | 1.1–1.35 | [Green Book Alliance, Book Carbon Calculator, FAQ](https://gbacarboncalculator.org/en/faq) « Calculation Methodology » : distance haversine × 1,25 ; haut : IPA § 5.3.5, + 35 % | | Paper bulk (thickness per weight), Offset (uncoated) | 1.3 cm³/g | 1.2–1.4 | [Arctic Paper, Amber Preprint, fiche technique](https://www.paper.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Amber-Preprint-Data-Sheet-11-24.pdf) Amber Preprint, 104 µm à 80 g | | Paper bulk (thickness per weight), Bulky (novel paper) | 1.8 cm³/g | 1.5–2.3 | [Holmen BOOK, fiche technique](https://www.holmen.com/globalassets/board-and-paper/products/book-paper/technical-data-holmen-book-pdf/) Holmen BOOK 1,6 / 1,8 / 2,0 et Bulky 2,3 ; Munken Print Cream 1,5 / 1,8 / 2,0 | | Paper bulk (thickness per weight), Coated (illustrated book) | 0.8 cm³/g | 0.74–0.9 | [IGEPA, Magno Satin et Magno Gloss, fiches techniques](https://image.igepa.de/file/IGEPA_1628_MagnoSatin_Datenblatt.pdf) Magno Satin 0,82 à 115 g, 0,90 à 250 g ; Magno Gloss 0,74 | | Paper bulk (thickness per weight), Recycled | 1.25 cm³/g | 1.2–1.3 | [Cyclus Offset, fiche technique (Blauer Engel)](https://produktinfo.blauer-engel.de/uploads/pdf_uploads/14169/TS_DE_CYCLUS_OFFSET_95_00_01052021.pdf) Cyclus Offset, 1,25 à tous les grammages | Umweltbundesamt, Texte 123/2022 (IFEU) (Publication fédérale, citée avec sa source, checked on 12 October 2026) · ADEME, Base Empreinte (Licence Ouverte / Open Licence (Etalab), checked on 12 October 2026) · UK DESNZ, GHG conversion factors 2026 (Open Government Licence v3.0, checked on 12 October 2026) · IVK, valeurs PCF typiques des colles (M-RS 2014-29) (Notice publique de la fédération, checked on 12 October 2026) · EuPIA, empreinte de l’encre de référence (2020) (Publication de la fédération, citée avec sa source, checked on 12 October 2026) · VTT Research Notes 2560 (2010) (Rapport public, cité avec sa source, checked on 12 October 2026) · VTT Research Notes 2538 (2010) (Rapport public, cité avec sa source, checked on 12 October 2026) · UK DESNZ, Energy Consumption in the UK 2026, table C3.1 (Open Government Licence v3.0, checked on 12 October 2026) · Heidelberg, Speedmaster XL (Printing Impressions, 2011) (Communiqué du constructeur, checked on 12 October 2026) · Eco3 et Telusio, empreinte carbone des plaques offset (alcircle, 2025) (Étude commandée par le fabricant, citée avec sa source, checked on 12 October 2026) · Henkel, Technomelt PUR 3317 BR, fiche technique (Fiche technique publique du fabricant, checked on 12 October 2026) · Smurfit Westrock, Wrexen carton de reliure, fiche technique 2025 (Fiche technique publique du fabricant, checked on 12 October 2026) · Cosmo Films, film de pelliculage BOPP, fiche technique (Fiche technique publique du fabricant, checked on 12 October 2026) · Ministère de la Transition écologique, guide Information GES des prestations de transport (2018) (Licence Ouverte (Etalab 2.0), checked on 12 October 2026) · Green Book Alliance, Book Carbon Calculator, FAQ (Méthode citée ; ses résultats ne sont pas repris, checked on 12 October 2026) · Arctic Paper, Amber Preprint, fiche technique (Fiche technique publique du fabricant, checked on 12 October 2026) · Holmen BOOK, fiche technique (Fiche technique publique du fabricant, checked on 12 October 2026) · IGEPA, Magno Satin et Magno Gloss, fiches techniques (Fiche technique publique du distributeur, checked on 12 October 2026) · Cyclus Offset, fiche technique (Blauer Engel) (Fiche technique publique, checked on 12 October 2026) ## Frequently asked questions **Offset or digital printing: which emits less CO2?** Digital printing generally emits less on a short run: offset requires plates and make-ready sheets. Offset can become the better option beyond a few thousand copies, and sooner where electricity has higher emissions. Vary the print run to compare the two processes. Offset make-ready uses sheets to adjust ink levels and colour registration: 180 to 250 sheets for a four-colour form on a modern press, up to 500 in British allowances. It also requires an aluminium plate for each colour and each side of the sheet, with a footprint of about 7.7 kg CO2e per m². The calculator assigns no plates or make-ready sheets to digital printing. The digital presses studied by VTT use roughly two to four times as much electricity per page than offset. Offset therefore becomes the better option sooner in Poland than in France. The crossover depends in particular on the assumptions for plates and make-ready. In the case studied for HP, a digital press manufacturer, it is around 5,000 catalogues. Sources[Heidelberg, via Printing Impressions](https://www.piworld.com/article/automation-heidelberg-s-xl-vlf-series-presses-achieves-systematically-shorter-makeready-times/) [Hamerlinski et Pyr’yev, BioResources, 2014](https://bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu/BioRes_09/BioRes_09_3_5147_Hamerlinski_P_Method_Minimizing_Paper_Requirements_5587.pdf) [Eco3 et Telusio, via alcircle (2025)](https://www.alcircle.com/news/offset-plate-of-eco3-helps-to-reduce-carbon-footprint-115473) [VTT Research Notes 2538](https://publications.vtt.fi/pdf/tiedotteet/2010/T2538.pdf) [HP et EarthShift, ACV de l’impression commerciale](https://earthshiftglobal.com/client_media/files/pdf/HP%20Commercial%20Printing%20LCA.pdf) Checked on 12 October 2026 **FSC, PEFC or recycled paper: how does it affect the carbon footprint?** FSC and PEFC cover forest management and material traceability; they do not certify a carbon footprint. In the UBA study, recycled paper emits about 15 % less than the average for virgin-fibre papers. Virgin-fibre paper production can emit less than recycled paper production when the pulp and paper are made at the same site. The calculator therefore does not always show a reduction for recycled paper: the result depends on the assumptions used. Sources[FSC](https://fsc.org/en/about-us) [PEFC France](https://www.pefc-france.org/la-certification-pefc/) [Umweltbundesamt, Texte 123/2022](https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/system/files/medien/479/publikationen/texte_123-2022_aktualisierte_oekobilanz_von_grafik-_und_hygienepapier.pdf) Checked on 12 October 2026 **Can I call a book « eco-friendly » or its printing « sustainable »?** These terms require supporting evidence. The EU directive provides for a ban from 27 September 2026 on generic claims (« eco-friendly », « green », « low-carbon ») without recognised excellent environmental performance, and on product neutrality claims based on offsetting. A numerical comparison must state the options compared, its scope and its method. When quoting a result, state its scope and make clear that it is an estimate, with a link to the method: “about 0.5 kg CO2e per copy, from paper production to delivery, printed in France, indicative estimate”. A claim such as “printed in France, X % less CO2” also requires naming the country used for comparison and keeping the book and print run the same. In Switzerland, since 2025, the unfair competition act has required climate claims to have an objective and verifiable basis. Whoever makes the claim must be able to substantiate it. Sources[Directive (UE) 2024/825](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/FR/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32024L0825) [OFEV, aide à l’exécution sur les allégations climatiques](https://www.bafu.admin.ch/dam/fr/sd-web/2A-QevWNsJQK/UV-2561%20Vollzugshilfe%20klimabezogene%20Angaben%20im%20Sinne%20des%20UWG_FR.pdf) Checked on 12 October 2026 **Does an Imprim’Vert printer emit less CO2?** Not necessarily. Imprim’Vert covers hazardous waste, liquid storage, products that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction (CMR), awareness and quarterly energy monitoring. None of its five criteria sets a CO2 emissions threshold. Source[Imprim’Vert](https://www.imprimvert.fr/) Checked on 12 October 2026 **What is the carbon footprint of a book?** A novel’s footprint is roughly half a kilo to a kilo of CO2e. ADEME estimates 0.68 kg to manufacture a 300-page novel. The Finnish VTT study gives 1.16 kg for a 500 g hardcover book. The studies cover different scopes. For the same novel, ADEME estimates about 0.9 kg over its entire lifecycle, including freight. Paper, printing process and printing country influence the carbon footprint: the calculator lets you compare these choices. Sources[ADEME, digitalisation des services culturels, rapport final (2022)](https://www.enssib.fr/bibliotheque-numerique/documents/71160-evaluation-de-l-impact-environnemental-de-la-digitalisation-des-services-culturels.pdf) (checked on 13 October 2026)[VTT Research Notes 2560](https://publications.vtt.fi/pdf/tiedotteet/2010/T2560.pdf) (checked on 12 October 2026) **What is the carbon footprint of a book’s paper?** Paper often accounts for half the carbon footprint, sometimes more. To use less, adjust the paper weight, page count or format. Ten grams less per m² directly reduces the amount of paper needed. Without comparable public European data for these papers, the calculator uses ADEME’s average for bulky paper and the uncoated paper factor for coated paper. If your mill supplies a factor covering the same scope, enter it. Sources[Umweltbundesamt, Texte 123/2022](https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/system/files/medien/479/publikationen/texte_123-2022_aktualisierte_oekobilanz_von_grafik-_und_hygienepapier.pdf) [ADEME, Base Empreinte](https://base-empreinte.ademe.fr/) Checked on 12 October 2026 **Printing in France, elsewhere in Europe or in China: what difference does it make?** The printing plant’s electricity explains much of the difference: 41 g CO2e per kWh in France in 2025, 589 in Poland and 525 in China. In our example delivered to Paris, freight emits less than manufacturing for every printing country. About 75 % of copies sold in France are printed there; the others come mainly from Spain, Italy, Poland and Asia. Books printed in black only are mostly made in France; illustrated children’s books are almost all imported. The calculator assumes palletised groupage freight, or a full truck for heavier print runs. For China, it combines sea and road freight. It uses the same paper factors in every country: this is an assumption for comparison, not a description of each supply chain. Sources[Ember, via Our World in Data](https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/carbon-intensity-electricity) [Guide Information GES des prestations de transport](https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/publications/Info%20GES_Guide%20m%C3%A9thodo.pdf) [Livres Hebdo, 1er juin 2026](https://m.livreshebdo.fr/article/edition-limprimerie-francaise-cultive-sa-difference) [BASIC, étude de la filière papier et livre (2018)](https://fill-livrelecture.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/BASIC_Etude-Filiere-papier-et-livre_20181217_AVAL.pdf) Checked on 12 October 2026 **Does the print run change the carbon footprint per copy?** Yes: unsold copies have also been manufactured. In France, about 13 % of books shipped are pulped. In our novel example, printing 1,300 copies to sell 1,000 increases the footprint per copy sold by about 20 %, compared with a run limited to expected sales. Enter how many copies you expect to sell or give away: the calculator compares your print run with that quantity. It does not include any subsequent reprint in this comparison. Source[SNE, charte environnementale de l’édition](https://fill-livrelecture.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/001-CHARTE-ENVIRONNEMENTALE-SNE-NUMERIQUEEXT.pdf) Checked on 12 October 2026 **Paper book or e-reader: which has the smaller carbon footprint?** Under ADEME’s assumptions, paper books emit less if you read infrequently: about 0.9 kg CO2e per new 300-page novel, compared with 45 kg for an e-reader over its entire lifecycle. The e-reader becomes the better option above 10 books read per year, or 20 if each paper book is read twice. This calculator only covers manufacturing and freight for a print run. It compares printing options, without comparing paper books with e-readers. Source[ADEME, digitalisation des services culturels, rapport final (2022)](https://www.enssib.fr/bibliotheque-numerique/documents/71160-evaluation-de-l-impact-environnemental-de-la-digitalisation-des-services-culturels.pdf) Checked on 13 October 2026 **How does this differ from Livrempreinte or the GBA calculator?** Livrempreinte, the French book sector’s tool from the SNE publishers’ association, and the Green Book Alliance calculator require an account. IN TEMPO’s calculator is open to everyone, without an account, and publishes its factors. This calculator uses public factors to compare your production choices before you request a quote. Sources[Livrempreinte, conditions d’utilisation](https://www.livrempreinte.fr/cgu) [Green Book Alliance, FAQ](https://gbacarboncalculator.org/en/faq) Checked on 12 October 2026 **Does this calculation count as an official carbon assessment?** No: it is an estimate for comparing production choices, without certification or endorsement by the organisations cited. To establish your book’s footprint, work with your printer or a consultancy using data from its production, and state the scope and method. Sources[IPA, Publishing 2030 Accelerator, livre blanc v4](https://sdg.internationalpublishers.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/white-paper-carbon-emissions-of-a-print-book-methodology-.pdf) [Livrempreinte, conditions d’utilisation](https://www.livrempreinte.fr/cgu) Checked on 12 October 2026 ## Ready to go from an estimate to the figures in an actual quote? IN TEMPO helps you choose the paper, printing process, print run and printer, and explains what each choice means for your book. 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