If you follow us on social media, you may have seen that we regularly post about how proud we are to be delivering environmentally friendly direct marketing solutions.
But what are those solutions, and are they sustainable?
Eco-friendly paper wrapping
Paper wrapping is the latest sustainable direct marketing solution. Much like its ‘sister’ solution – poly wrapping (read on) – the contents of a marketing campaign are wrapped by our wrapping machine. As its name suggests, paper is the material the contents are wrapped in.
How is that eco-friendly?
All the paper we use has two great environmental benefits. Firstly, the paper is from sustainable sources which ensure the paper (certified by the FSC) is created with sustainable practices.
Secondly, the paper can be recycled by the recipient through their usual recycling methods.
Recyclable poly wrapping
Poly wrapping is a similar process to paper wrapping, but the contents are wrapped in film rather than paper.
You would be forgiven for thinking that mailing film isn’t eco-friendly. However, compostable poly film is from organic matter that will decompose after use. It is disposed with your household or garden waste and will breakdown like any other organic matter.
LDPE polythene is cheaper and can also be used more than once by putting into the recycling bin, it’s quite a sought-after material due to its ability to be reused.
Envelope inserting
In addition to our wrapping solutions, we also offer the more traditional method of envelope inserting. Just like paper wrapping and poly wrapping, envelope inserting is another climate-changing solution.
Envelope inserting is an ideal solution when up to six items need to be packed – all handled via our automated machines. The beauty of envelope inserting is that we can also deliver a hand inserting service so that pens, gifts, coasters (you name it) can be inserted.
Which solution is best?
Now that the sustainability of the solutions has been explained, the next question we are usually asked is: which is best, paper wrapping, poly wrapping or envelope inserting?
Paper and poly wrapping deliver similar benefits, such as reduced postage rates using Mailmark, protection of the contents during transit, and, of course, the sustainable benefits already described.
But both solutions deliver slightly different benefits, and it is those differences that can be the deciding factor.
Paper wrapping offers high quality external advertising opportunities (in full colour) meaning your brand and messaging can carry an extra punch.
Poly wrapping can handle up to nine items within each pack (paper wrapping can handle seven). It is also a slightly faster solution and so delivers vast capacity.
In contrast, if you’re wanting to achieve a less commercial feel to your campaign by using stamps, for example, then envelope inserting could be the solution.
Our carbon-neutral aim
It’s not just our solutions that are environmentally friendly. Our solar panels, installed in 2012, provide us with off-grid energy to complement regular energy. In addition, we use LED lighting throughout our facilities, and we recycle all the cardboard we receive.
Ultimately, we, as a company, are aiming to be carbon-neutral in both the energy and materials we use.
Stuart Searle, owner and MD of First Mailing says:
I firmly believe that every business has a responsibility to become carbon-neutral. Our use of solar power, LED lighting and eco-friendly materials are part of this, but there is more to do, and I am fully committed to reducing our carbon footprint to zero.
Want to find out more?
If you’re still undecided as to which sustainable direct marketing solution is right for you, talk to our friendly team of experts.
We have a full range of services that you can choose from:
- Understand your data: successful campaigns are a result of being smart with your data. Need help? We can help source and supply. MORE >
- Make an impact through print: bring your direct mail campaigns to life with a variety of print colours & finishes. MORE >
- Make it personal: improve client engagement and target the right message to the right person. MORE >
- Save time and money: Decrease turnaround time by automating the process of distribution. MORE >
- Wrap it up: eco-friendly paper wrapping and compostable wrapping products are a high-speed solution for packing brochures. MORE >
- Fulfilment that speaks volumes: think outside the box and compile a pack that really talks to your clients. MORE >
- Connect with digital marketing: complement your direct mail campaigns with digital marketing. MORE >
- Postage: benefit from amazing postage discounts to reduce your campaign costs. MORE >
Ready to talk eco-marketing?
Contact us on 01480 450661 to discuss your campaign today.
Quick Turnaround – There is no set up involved in digital printing meaning there are less steps in the print process, this allows materials to be printed faster.
Small Batch Printing – Digital print is ideal for shorter print runs where the volume is less than 1000.
Variable Graphics – Printing your materials digitally gives you the option to add variable text and images.
great way to make them feel special & valued. To drive higher responses from your campaign, your communication should be designed to target the right message to the right person.
Print on demand – Why not use an easy technology platform with multiple users where materials can be printed to order? This is ideal for when you just want a few items printed at once.
Personalised Packaging – Digital print enables you to personalise any packaging in your marketing campaigns. There is also the option to personalise outer packaging & cartons
place to know what you want to achieve. These goals and objectives will be the foundation for any social media strategy.