Paper envelopes in magazine distribution
11th January 2018
Fifth in a series of five articles exploring how to reduce the environmental footprint of magazine wrappers in mailings and magazine distribution.
Paper envelopes from recycled or sustainably sourced materials
Paper envelopes are, of course, recyclable and do not contain plastic unless you opt for a windowed version. Envelopes made of recycled paper or from sustainable forestry are also available. The cost of supplying and enclosing to envelopes is higher than polywrapping but the environmental benefits will be most visible to readers and advertisers.
Paper envelopes can be recycled and will degrade in landfill, but…
Paper is, on the face of it, more environmentally friendly than polythene; however, polythene manufacturers argue the energy consumption and chemical processes involved in manufacturing paper envelopes makes it less so. Also, the added weight of distributing paper envelopes adds to the mailing costs and puts additional costs on distribution throughout the delivery supply chain.
Risks and limitations of paper envelopes
Paper envelopes are well suited for enclosing lightweight items such as letters, leaflets and slim magazines. For heavier items there is a risk they can tear, especially in the international postal network, and they provide little protection against the rain. Heavier magazines also need to be enclosed by hand which significantly increases fulfillment costs, whereas mechanised polythene enclosing is good for magazines well in excess of a kilogram.
The issues are complex and there isn’t one right answer
At Spatial Global we understand and agree with the drive to reduce our collective environmental footprint. Unfortunately the challenge is complex and the right solution will depend on whether you wish to reduce your use of plastic, reduce waste going to landfill, reduce litter or maintain your current costs. There is no one solution that ticks all these boxes.
Here are the five core options for distributing your title by mail:
We hope the following overview will be helpful.
1 – Conventional polythene (LDPE)
Recycling Qualities: Recyclable but most councils do not collect polythene wrap
Landfill Qualities: Will remain in landfill indefinitely
Cost Comparison: The most cost effective option
More about Conventional polythene in magazine distribution
2 – Oxodegradeable film (breaks down in presence of light and oxygen)
Recycling Qualities: Not recyclable due to additives
Landfill Qualities: Will remain in landfill indefinitely due to lack of light, but will break down in the general environment
Cost Comparison: Slightly higher than conventional polythene
More about Oxodegradeable film in magazine distribution
3 – Biodegradable film (degrades in landfill)
Recycling Qualities: Not recyclable due to additives
Landfill Qualities: Will degrade in landfill but has a relatively short shelf-life
Cost Comparison: Approx 300% of the cost of conventional polythene
More about Biodegradable film in magazine distribution
4 – Compostable film (manufactured from potato starch)
Recycling Qualities: Not recyclable
Landfill Qualities: Will degrade fully to compost in landfill but has a very short shelf-life
Cost Comparison: Approx 580% of the cost of conventional polythene
More about Compostable film in magazine distribution
5 – Paper envelopes (manufactured from recycled paper or sustainable sources)
Recycling Qualities: Recyclable
Landfill Qualities: Will degrade fully to compost in landfill (excluding window if applicable)
Cost Comparison: Approx 530% of the cost of conventional polythene
More about Paper envelopes in magazine distribution
It’s possible to reduce the environmental footprint of mailings, but…
The ‘greener’ options tend to be more expensive – which is why conventional polythene has become the de facto standard in the mailing industry. The shorter the shelf-life, typically the longer the manufacturers lead time and many have a minimum order of two tonnes. Spatial Global seeks to be environmentally conscious while giving our customers well-balanced advice on the pros and cons of the various options.
Improving our overall environmental performance
Spatial Global has taken positive steps to ensure our environmental impact is reduced wherever practically possible. This includes the installation of low energy lighting and more energy-efficient machines to reduce our carbon footprint. Our waste is recycled wherever possible and we are constantly reviewing our environmental policy to ensure we continually strive to achieve ever-improved standards.