The world's largest Christian publisher announced this week that it is immediately beginning a complete transition to environmentally conscious Bible binding and practices.

Thomas Nelson Inc's Bible group is in the early stages of discontinuing the use of synthetic covers on their Bible products. The decision makes Thomas Nelson the first Bible publisher to announce a complete transition to eco-friendly Bible production.

"As a publisher of Bibles for over 200 years, Thomas Nelson has always striven to bring Scripture into people's lives while also addressing their evolving needs and concerns. We're happy to be leading the way in providing environmentally friendly Bibles in keeping with the concerns of today's consumers," commented Wayne Hastings, Senior Vice President and Group Publisher for Thomas Nelson's Bible Group, in a statement.

"In moving away from oil-based covers we're not only honouring our customers' needs, but we're also honouring our godly calling to be good stewards of the things He has given to us."

Due to production schedule, some products to be released in the coming months will still include these materials, but customers can expect significant eco-friendly Bibles in stores in early 2009, informed the publisher.

Bibles in bonded leather, leather, and hardcover formats will continue to be available through Thomas Nelson. But the company will also pursue covers made with speciality papers, fabrics and other options in its effort to be eco-friendly. The company's LeatherSoft bind will be included in the phase-out, and current synthetic materials will be reproduced with "green" binding material.

"We're taking a stand to make sure that all Bible products are eco-friendly," said George Gower, Vice President of Inventory Management Production for Thomas Nelson. "All polyurethane/oil-based covers will be eliminated and replaced with recyclable and recycled materials.

"In fact, inside cover sheets and other selected types of Bible products that use materials from ecological fibers will go up to 100% recyclable with some offerings being 100% post-consumer."

The publisher predicts the total phase-out period will be completed in the next three to five years.

In October 2007, Thomas Nelson released the first Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified Bible. The Charles F Stanley Life Principles Daily Bible is made through a FSC-certified production chain where starting from the forest, to the paper manufacturer, and even the printer are all FSC-certified. The Bible also contains recycled fibre.

The Charles F Stanley Life Principles Daily Bible is the first eco-friendly Scripture.