Below are 8 tips on how you can produce environmentally friendly direct mail campaigns in 2020;
- For those sending direct mail campaigns in ‘polywrap’ or similar, be aware that plastic is one of the biggest offenders when it comes to harming the environment. Can you use alternative means to send your communications? Perhaps a ‘self mailer’ would be just as effective?
- Envelopes with plastic windows are actually recyclable, which is a big plus. Re-sealable envelopes are also great for reducing your footprint, as well as envelopes produced from recycled stock.
- On the subject of recycling, try incorporating a polite message asking your customer base to recycle your Direct Mail pieces after reading them. After all, a problem shared is a problem halved!
- Ask your print suppliers to use environmentally friendly inks. Vegetable based inks, as opposed to petroleum based versions, are far less harmful to the environment and most printers will be more than happy to comply.
- Consider print on demand processes such as hybrid mail (www.heraldchase.com/postroom.online/) in order to reduce and consolidate the mail that you send out. By centralising your mailing operations, you have a far cleaner and greener mailing process.
- Take the time to select your paper stock carefully. There are a few options available to those who want to reduce their carbon footprint, from ‘tree free’ papers produced from non-wood based pulp to chemical free and recycled paper stocks.
- Consider a lighter weight stock, and if possible, printed double sided. In simple terms, you can reduce your output by 50% just by doing so, making your campaign instantly greener.
- On the subject of paper, if you’re really committed to going the extra mile, ‘seed papers’ are increasingly available for the environmentally conscious marketer. A paper stock permeated with seeds that can be planted after use is about as eco-friendly as it gets!
Full article by Herald Chase: https://www.heraldchase.com/paper-or-plastic/