Leading circular economy and ethical business, World of Books Group, has released its latest impact report, revealing strong progress towards its sustainability goals, including becoming carbon neutral ahead of target.
At the same time, World of Books Group reported another successful year in rehoming preloved books, with nearly 16 million sold via Wob, which is the equivalent of over 516 thousand trees (or 1,400 trees every day). Additionally, 79 tonnes of books, CDs, DVDs and games, which would otherwise have been destined to landfill, were rescued and rehomed by the recommerce company.
World of Books Group, which operates a recommerce model through its brands Wob and Ziffit, was founded two decades ago with a mission to protect the planet and support charities by helping people reuse books, CDs, DVDs and games. It is now a leading B Corp and in 2023 has grown by 50%, by partnering with US trade-in site, Sell Back Your Book. World of Books Group also won two prestigious Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, the Sustainable Development Award and the International Trade Award. The recommerce solutions’ provider is one of only seven companies to achieve two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in 2022 from over 200 winners.
The company shows continued commitment to various ethical initiatives, as highlighted by Wob’s donation of nearly 423,000 books to good causes, making them on track to donate one million books before 2025. Through Shopiago – the group’s software for charities to make money online – World of Books Group has raised over £55 million for organisations including, St. Peter’s Hospice and Debra.
The next chapter for World of Books Group includes the launch of an independent charity, the Wob Foundation. The Wob Foundation will be supported on a voluntary basis, meaning 100% of donations will go directly to charitable causes that promote literacy or the circular economy.
Graham Bell, CEO of Wob, commented: “World of Books was founded on the ethos to do good, help charities and benefit the environment. Our impact report is a great example of how we work to stay true to these values and make a positive impact on the world. “Now, with the launch of our very own charity, the Wob Foundation, and upcoming B Corp recertification, we look forward to another amazing year of making a positive impact for people and the planet.”
To find out more about Wob, go to their website or, to see Wob’s impact report in full, visit: https://www.wob.com/en-gb/impact-report-22