The magazine, which is published 15 times a year, is printed by Rotocobrhi Madrid, part of the leading European printing group Walstead Group. RBA also uses Holmen TRND 2.0 for their National Geographic Extra editions.

By switching from a traditional 80 gsm MWC paper to Holmen EPIC 60 gsm, the paper weight is reduced by 25%. For an order of 400 tonnes, this means saving a total of 100 tonnes of paper. This not only results in cost savings in purchasing, transport, and distribution – it is also an important step towards lower CO2 emissions.

The main reason RBA uses Holmen EPIC is because they appreciate the quality of the paper. RBA specifically mentioned the following:

•    High bulk – enables the switch from 80 to 60 gsm
•    Brightness 
•    Excellent printing properties – for the best possible reading experience

Holmen's Eva Farriol, Commercial Manager Iberia, has built a strong and long-term relationship with RBA over several years – a clear example of how our commitment and expertise create business.

“I know that for RBA the quality of the paper is crucial not only for delivering an exceptional reading experience but also for reflecting the brand’s values. The visual impact of the images and the tactile feel of the magazine makes each issue more memorable for their readers”, Eva Farriol concludes. She also points out that the publisher carefully selects their paper to meet rigorous environmental standards, ensuring it is responsibly sourced, efficiently produced, and has a low carbon footprint.

An example of the reduced carbon footprint

Let’s look at a comparison. Here's an example of where a publisher is switching from an MWC paper on the market, in the table called “X”, in 80 gsm, to Holmen EPIC in 80 gsm or 60 gsm, with 400 tonnes as a yearly consumption.

Paper MWC paper “X”
80 gsm  
Holmen EPIC 
80 gsm  
Holmen EPIC 
60 gsm  
CO2/tonne
of paper  
340 kg/tonne 93 kg/tonne 93 kg/tonne
Total weight   400 tonnes 400 tonnes 300 tonnes
Saved weight   0 0 100 tonnes
Total CO2   136 tonnes 37.2 tonnes 27.9 tonnes
Reduced CO2     136-37.2 = 
almost 100 tonnes!  
Buy 100 tonnes less paper and reduce CO2
by almost 80%!  

Carbon footprint data is based on the respective company’s product Carbon footprint document, cradle-to-gate, CEPI 1-7. You can always ask your paper supplier to provide the carbon footprint for their product to make your own comparison.

The result of switching to Holmen's paper in this case means buying about a quarter less paper per year for printing the same volume, and at the same time reducing carbon emissions by almost 80%.