Comparison of print media and electronic media from an ecological perspective

"Electronic media are only sometimes ecologically favourable." Under this title, the client published the IZT study on the ecological comparison of print and online media.

Before these studies were published, there was hardly any concrete data available on the environmental effects of digital media use. Against this background, the IZT analysed various electronic and print media in terms of their environmental impact during production, distribution, use and disposal. Four media comparisons were carried out:

1. book versus e-book,

2. daily newspaper ("Die Süddeutsche") versus online newspaper,

3. print catalogue ("Otto") versus online catalogue,

4. textbook versus online library.

New electronic media such as e-books are seen as resource-saving and environmentally friendly. Traditional print products such as newspapers, books and mail order catalogues are seen as more harmful to the environment. The amount of paper they generate is obvious. Of the German consumers who had already heard of e-books, for example, 60 per cent considered e-books to be more environmentally friendly than printed books.

However, until then, the environmental impact of electronic media had hardly been scientifically analysed in order to be able to make reliable statements. The cost of manufacturing, operating and disposing of electronic devices was not immediately obvious. Even less attention was paid to the energy consumption of network infrastructures in connection with the use of electronic media.

The German Engineering Federation (VDMA) therefore commissioned the IZT to draw up life cycle assessments for e-books, online newspapers and online catalogues (such as "Otto") and then to compare these electronic media with the associated printed products from an ecological perspective over their entire life cycle.