June 28, 2025, 5:23 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The smell of printer ink, the rustle of pages, browsing in a bookstore–there’s a lot of emotional appeal to the traditional book. However, for those concerned with sustainability, it’s time to reconsider: Even if you read only a few books a year, an e-book reader is the more environmentally friendly choice. A new analysis explains why.
A recent study by “Stiftung Warentest” shows: From an ecological perspective, eReaders are worthwhile even for readers who consume only two thick or three thin books annually.
Reading with eReaders Beats Printed Books – Ecologically Speaking
The environmental impact of e-book readers is better than often assumed. According to the July 25 issue of the magazine “Stiftung Warentest,” electronic reading devices are clearly superior to traditional books from an ecological standpoint—even if you read only a few works per year. The evaluation was based on a comprehensive analysis of the entire life cycle, from production to use to disposal.
The environmental impact was measured using damage points. A key finding: The production and disposal of paper and the printing process have a greater environmental impact than the production and transport of eReaders, even if they are imported from Asia.
Paper Fans Harm the Environment More
Particularly avid readers of hardcover books fare poorly. According to Warentest, reading twelve hardcovers a year results in 14.77 environmental damage points. Even reading just three hardcovers still causes 3.80 points. Paperbacks are significantly better: Avid readers accumulate 8.51 points, while infrequent readers accumulate 2.23.
In comparison, an e-book reader over five years impacts the environment with only 1.08 points—regardless of how many books are read during that time. An existing tablet performs even better: Avid readers incur just 0.14 points. Charging the devices has only a minimal effect on the balance due to low power consumption.
Read also: What to Consider When Buying an E-Book Reader
Those Who Still Prefer Books Can Read More Sustainably
Even those who continue to prefer printed books can read more sustainably. Warentest recommends:
- Choose paperbacks over hardcovers: The environmental impact is nearly halved when avid readers opt for paperbacks.
- Choose recycled paper: Books with the “Blue Angel” environmental label cause a quarter fewer damage points.
- Avoid bad purchases: Even as a paper reader, use digital samples from online retailers.
- Pass on books: Read works should be sold, gifted, or donated.
- Libraries or secondhand: Buying or borrowing used books further reduces environmental impact.
Tips for Switching to E-Books
“Stiftung Warentest” also has recommendations for those interested in making the switch:
- Borrow e-book readers: Many libraries lend eReaders that can be tried out without commitment.
- Buy secondhand: Purchasing used readers reduces the ecological footprint.
- Use digital libraries: Borrow e-books from libraries with “Onleihe.” Foreign language books are available through “Overdrive.” The appropriate reading app is “Libby.”
- Support local businesses: Bookstores also offer e-books through their own websites or sell via the platform “Geniallokal.de.”
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Good Devices Starting at 119 Euros
According to Warentest, fear of bad purchases is unfounded. None of the 20 eReaders tested by Stiftung Warentest scored lower than “good.” Even affordable devices are convincing—such as the Tolino Shine 5th Generation (119 euros) and the Tolino Shine Color (149 euros), both with an overall score of 1.8. These devices support Onleihe and play audiobooks via Bluetooth.
Read also: E-Book Reader Amazon Kindle and Tolino Compared
Better displays are available with the Tolino Vision Color (269 euros) or the Kobo Libra Colour (309 euros)—ideal for illustrated works. These also support styluses for highlighting and note-taking. Handwritten notes can also be converted into typed text on these devices.
With material from dpa