Summary

In this report we focus on eco-efficient services in the newspaper industry, made possible through the use of information and communication technology (ICT). Eco-efficient services are services which represent an added value and create significant environmental benefits compared to alternatives. We want to know if ICT-developments in the newspaper-industry can be eco-efficient, and if so, to what extent application can lead to dematerialization.

The information in this report is based on research through literature, including many articles from newspapers, magazines and the Internet (see Appendix), and interviews with several people working in the Dutch newspaper-industry. We have tried to map some of the ICT-related developments in the newspaper-industry that could be relevant to eco-efficient services or dematerialization. We have also tried to establish the main drivers and barriers for these developments, as well as their environmental aspects.

Newspapers are suffering from increasing competition provided by other media, such as radio, television, the Internet and other publications. They may have to look for new ways of distributing their information services in order to survive. From an environmental point of view such developments might be favourable, in that they can lead to a reduced use of resources, most notably paper.

We have identified several ICT-related technologies that could help increase the eco-efficiency of newspaper-services:

• On-line newspapers on the Internet. The World Wide Web is rapidly being integrated into every day society. Many companies, including newspaper-publishers, are investing in the development of on-line services. The potential market is huge, but also somewhat uncertain, due to rapid changes in technology and erratic behaviour of the on-line community. It is still very difficult to charge money for on-line services, and current computer hard- and software pose a barrier to the majority of potential users. Also, with the current equipment, environmental benefits are questionable.

• Modern, small-volume printing techniques and concepts, such as print-on-demand and distribute-then-print. These can facilitate the printing of personalised copies of newspapers and other publications. This way, only requested information is printed, not wasting paper on unwanted content. Additionally, stocks and excess printing can be reduced (just-in-time principle) and distribution lines shortened. Unfortunately, in some implementations, distribute-then-print might be unfavourable from an environmental point of view. Also, equipment and infrastructure for these methods require a large investment. The technology is there, but it may take the printing and publishing industry some time to really start using it.

• The Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) for mobile telephones. This protocol basically provides an Internet-gateway for mobile communication equipment with limited display capabilities. The WAP makes it possible to access network information services, including news services, from any location covered by a mobile phone network. Although some newspaper publishers (e.g. De Telegraaf) have plans to provide WAP-services, these cannot be considered an alternative to the regular newspaper. This is mostly due to limited content and display capabilities, and the relatively high cost of use. Still, this technology may prove of use in the future development of a true, wireless electronic newspaper.

• The News Tablet. This is a true electronic newspaper, in the form of a flat tablet with a display, based on current portable computer technology. Content can be loaded into the tablet at "recharge points" located at newspaper-stands, subway-stations, etc. A Japanese newspaper is willing to try a small-scale experiment with these devices, but there is little information on this subject. The news tablet is an important step towards a real alternative for the traditional newspaper. There are, however, still some technical limitations which make it rather expensive and impractical compared to its paper counterpart, and would therefore probably prevent introduction on a larger scale.

• Electronic paper (e-paper) and electronic ink (e-ink). Electronic paper combines the benefits of paper (readable, portable, flexible, etc.) with those of an electronic display (reusable, interactive, etc.). The technology is still very much under development. But this development is making good progress and has attracted interest and investments from various big companies, including newspaper publishers. Electronic paper could be used in the form of an "electronic book" (e-book), which contains multiple pages and some miniature computer components. It can display any type of printed information, including a newspaper. E-paper is a simple concept, using very little material and even less energy, but there is a possibility of rebound effects resulting from new applications.

We have tried to asses the position of Dutch newspapers on the subject of (possibly) eco-efficient ICT-developments and dematerialization. To this end we have interviewed four people:

• An interim information-manager looking into the possibilities for a print-on-demand project at Het Parool, an Amsterdam newspaper.
• The co-ordinator of environmental affairs at De Telegraaf, a popular Dutch newspaper.
• The head of quality and environment at PCM, an important newspaper-publisher.
• The chief editor for the on-line version of the quality newspaper NRC Handelsblad.

New ICT-developments are implemented by newspaper-publishers mostly out of fear of "missing the boat" at some later stage. On-line newspapers are currently the most important development, though the content is still somewhat limited with most newspapers. Het Parool is also thinking of introducing a locally printed (print-on-demand / distribute-then-print), customisable newspaper as an experiment, to attract younger readers.

The new developments are currently not allowed to compete with the traditional newspaper, which remains the primary product. New products and information services are only meant as an addition, to retain or attract more readers. Eco-efficiency is never a consideration.
 

We have concluded that, in the current situation, ICT-developments are not eco-efficient. They will not yet lead to dematerialization, as new products and services are merely an addition to the traditional newspaper, which is still preserved and protected at all times by the publishers involved..

There are, however, several large-scale trends in the newspaper industry which may prove favourable to dematerialization in the long run. These include:

• Electronic distribution of information over computer networks, reducing the need for material carriers and mechanical distribution.
• Increasing possibilities for selecting and providing relevant information for the reader, thereby decreasing the amount of unwanted information printed.
• Increasing scale and combination of services, which may facilitate eco-efficiency.

• Opening new markets, attracting new readers
• Retaining current readers
• Saving costs
• Fear of getting behind and losing out on future developments

• Conservatism among both producers and consumers
• The need for large investments in new technology and infrastructure
• Uncertainty about new markets
• Limitations of new technology, especially concerning user-friendliness and methods of payment

The eco-efficiency of ICT-developments is difficult to quantify, due to the complexity of the electronic equipment, its many possible uses and the rapid changes in technology and its use. To get an indication of eco-efficiency one would probably need to carry out a full Life-Cycle Analysis (LCA) on the traditional newspaper and its newer incarnations.

Summary created April 2000 by Levien van Zon (levien @ scum.org)

Full document (in Dutch): http://environmental.scum.org/bcm2/
PDF-version: http://environmental.scum.org/bcm2/greenpaper.pdf