Creating eco-friendly picture books that lead to the future: gifts for children and MY STELLA's sustainable initiatives
When we hand books to children, we are also handing over the "future" at the same time. MY STELLA nurtures children's rich imagination through personalized picture books, and at the same time promotes initiatives to protect the global environment in which they live. Here are some of our environmental initiatives that continue to seriously consider the impact of a picture book on children and their future.
Commitment to selecting materials with children's future in mind
Challenges to sustainable paper production
Circular manufacturing with innovative bagasse pulp
The most important thing in the production of MY STELLA's picture books is the selection of materials. Among them, I would like to pay special attention to the adoption of "bagasse paper". Bagasse is sugar cane pomace, which is the raw material for sugar. By reusing this by-product, which would otherwise be discarded, we are effectively utilizing it as a new paper resource.
Environmental Benefits of Bagasse Paper:
- Effectively utilizing by-products of the food industry to contribute to waste reduction
- Reducing dependence on forest resources and reducing deforestation
- Approximately 60% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to wood pulp
- Sustainable paper production as a renewable resource
For the pages of picture books, where color and texture are particularly important, this bagasse paper with low environmental impact is used. It combines vivid color expressions that nurture children's sensibilities with environmental considerations.
FSC-certified paper from responsible forest management
In order to achieve both environmental consideration and quality, MY STELLA uses FSC-certified paper for many pages of its picture books. FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification is an international certification given to timber and wood products produced from forests that are environmentally friendly and economically sustainable in the interests of local communities.
Significance of FSC Certified Paper:
- Prevention of illegal logging and conservation of forest ecosystems
- Respect for the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities
- Promoting sustainable forest management
- Conservation of biodiversity and reduction of environmental impact
This FSC-certified paper is used for hardcovers and binding parts, which are particularly durable. While maintaining the quality of a picture book that can be read for a long time, it also realizes environmental considerations. MY STELLA uses special paper that minimizes environmental impact. At the heart of this is the innovative paper that was born from sugar cane pomace (bagasse).
Building a lean production system
Effective use of resources brought about by print-on-demand
MY STELLA's picture books are "one-of-a-kind books" that are customized for each child. Taking advantage of this characteristic, we have introduced a print-on-demand system using the latest digital printing technology.
Environmental benefits of print-on-demand systems:
- Print only what you need, so you don't have excess inventory
- Reduces paper resources by approximately 40% compared to conventional printing methods
- Significantly reduces the amount of water used during the printing process
- Reduce the number of color proofs and trial prints to prevent wasted resources
This system enables high-quality printing from a single book and significantly reduces environmental impact.
Reducing environmental impact through efficient production systems
We have reviewed the entire manufacturing process and built an efficient production system that is environmentally friendly.
Environmentally Friendly Production System:
- Optimizing manufacturing processes with a carbon footprint in mind
- Simplified packaging materials and the use of materials with low environmental impact
- Introduction of the latest energy-efficient equipment
- Domestic production shortens transportation distances and reduces CO2 emissions
In addition, the binding process is also environmentally friendly. The adhesive uses water-based types whenever possible to reduce VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions.
Environmental and social contribution activities that lead to the future
A forest development project that starts with a single book
MY STELLA is actively engaged in tree planting activities with the aim of returning the paper resources it uses. Through partnerships with environmental NGOs, we support tree planting activities according to the number of picture books sold.
Tree Planting Activities:
- Planting one tree for every 100 picture books sold
- Participation in the restoration project of degraded forests in the country
- Holding regular tree planting events with employee participation
- Providing tree planting experiences that also serve as environmental education for children
This initiative is not just an environmental activity but also serves as an educational platform to foster environmental awareness among the next generation.
Initiatives to Support Global Education
MY STELLA is based on the philosophy of "giving all children the opportunity to read", International NGO "Room to Read Japan" We are promoting collaboration with
Room to Read is an international NGO that has been providing educational opportunities and reading environments to children around the world since its inception in 2000. In particular, it has developed programs for literacy education and girls' education, mainly in South Asia and Africa. To date, it has made a difference in the lives of more than 29 million children.
The joy of reading delivered with MY STELLA:
- For each purchase of one Mystera picture book, donate a certain amount to Room to Read Japan
- Supporting the Publication of Children's Books in the Local Language
- Support for the establishment and operation of school libraries
- Reading instruction training for teachers
- Implementation of the Girls' Education Support Program
One picture book you choose will create another joy of reading somewhere in the world. With that in mind, we will continue to carefully create each book.
Offering organic gift wrapping
! [Organic cotton gift bag]
Gifts made of eco-friendly materials
MY STELLA picture books are often chosen as gifts for loved ones. In order to deliver this feeling in a more environmentally friendly way, we also paid attention to packaging materials.
Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping:
- 100% organic cotton gift bag as standard
- Gentle color with natural dyeing without chemical dyes
- Reusable design reduces waste
- Eliminate plastic packaging materials
Gift wrapping, which maintains the dignity of a gift for a loved one while also being environmentally friendly, symbolizes MY STELLA's commitment to sustainability.
Commitment to a sustainable future
! [Children reading picture books in nature]
MY STELLA's Environmental Declaration
We at MY STELLA are committed to the following environmental initiatives for a prosperous future for children.
- Thorough material selection : We give top priority to the use of materials with low environmental impact in all our products
- Lean production : Maintain and develop a production system that only makes what is needed.
- Reduction of CO2 emissions : We aim for carbon neutrality in all business activities
- Promotion of Environmental Education : Strengthen the dissemination of environmental messages through picture books
- Continuing to contribute to society : We will continue to support reading education and contribute to environmental conservation activities
Our determination to pass on to the next generation
"What I want to leave to my children is not only a beautiful story, but also a beautiful earth."
Based on this philosophy, MY STELLA is continuously evolving its activities to reduce the environmental impact and contribute to society in the production of picture books. The road to sustainable picture book creation has just begun. We are steadily moving forward step by step for a better future.
Choosing MY STELLA picture books as gifts for your child or loved ones not only nurtures the child's "individuality", but also protects the "future earth" in which the child lives. The only special picture book in the world Together with that, why don't you take a small step towards a sustainable future?
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