London – Publisher Penguin is launching Naked Books as a way to offer a more eco-conscious reading experience.
Created to mark its 85th anniversary in business, the Naked Books initiative taps into a preference among readers to invest in physical books while being mindful of the materials and processes required. They are instead printed on recycled paper with organic ink, and feature no cover, no chemicals, and no wasted resources; the results is a product that more closely resembles the original manuscript produced by authors.
Available to purchase via the Penguin website, the books will be printed on demand and delivered using carbon-neutral transportation. With lockdown inspiring a greater affinity towards reading physical books over e-books, publishing initiatives that also prioritise environmental factors are likely to resonate with younger readers.
We first identified Generation Z readers’ preference to engage in traditional book formats in Young Bibliophiles. Now, publishers like Penguin are inspiring them further while reducing impact on the environment.