Royal Mail rewards 'green' companies

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.precisionmarketing.co.uk/Art ... anies.html

Royal Mail is preparing to launch a new bulk mail service that offers lower prices for direct mail that meets new environmental standards.

The Sustainable Mail will be available to companies from April that meet criteria based on three key environmental needs; improved sustainability, minimised waste and increased recyclability.

The service will be consistent with the forthcoming BSI standard, PAS 2020, for Environmental Performance for Direct Marketing. The standard will launch later in January with the backing of Royal Mail, the Direct Marketing Association, Acxiom and ISBA.

The criteria to qualify for Sustainable Mail at the entry level will include, the use of recycled or virgin fibre sourced from a Defra approved forest certification scheme in all paper products. The adoption of good data practices such as the development and maintenance of an internal suppression file as well as the checking of customer and prospects against the Mailing Preference Service. The recyclability of all paper elements of the mailing, including window and padded envelopes. It will also include a statement or logo, such as Recycle Now, on the outside of the mailing to encourage recycling of the item.

Royal Mail head of environmental solutions Matthew Neilson says: “Royal Mail is committed to helping businesses improve the environmental performance of their direct mail campaigns and in April we plan to launch a new product that will help firms reduce waste, improve recyclability and the sustainability of their direct mail activities while saving them money.”

He adds: “We recognise that a more environmentally friendly approach could raise production costs and that is why Sustainable Mail provides a price incentive.”