The successful example of a resilient national company in a globally critical industry
The Zanichelli publishing house was founded in Modena in 1859 by Nicola Zanichelli.
Since the beginning, the corporation has been closely linked to the area in which it is located, also in its editorial choices: for example, Zanichelli dealt with the publication of great Bolognese authors (by birth or adoption) such as Carducci and Pascoli. Over the years, it has also been a cultural reference for literary and scientific production in the area, then extending its influence to a national dimension.
The continuous search for a balance between tradition and progress characterizes the company, which to enhance its own story published a book in 2008 with the title “Castles of Cards”. It is an entire volume in which the company addresses its desire to resist while transforming itself, in order to continue its mission of disseminating knowledge.
The publishing house presents itself as aware of contemporary changes, to which it responds first and foremost with internal organizational choices oriented towards more sustainable options, but also responsibly recognizing the publishing market as a source of pollution. Nevertheless, knowledge is, if it is preparatory to action, a powerful weapon. In fact, a sentence that can encapsulate their vision is: “even if the book is responsible for the emission of a small amount of greenhouse gases, its net contribution to combating climate change is positive. The book is a vehicle for education, and education is the most powerful weapon we have to combat climate change”.
But their concern for their surroundings is not only demonstrated in environmental awareness, but also in an explicit participation in the battle for gender equality and social issues, both in the work environment and in editorial choices, making it one of the most relevant elements in selecting their publishing options.
These are some of the reasons why, altough in an increasingly difficult context for the industry, Zanichelli turns out to be an example of commitment and active participation trying its best to respect the ethical and manifacturing standards that need to be pursued.