First in a series of five articles exploring how to reduce the environmental footprint of magazine wrappers in mailings and magazine distribution.

 

Conventional polythene film: the de facto standard in the mailing industry

But for how long' We have received an increasing number of enquiries following the groundswell movement against single use plastics. Spatial Global has responded to customers seeking to minimise their environmental impact, providing a range of options to help publishers identify how they might reduce the environmental footprint of mailing their magazines.

 

Low cost, long shelf life and recyclable

Conventional polythene film is fully recyclable, although many councils do not collect it at the kerbside. To avoid landfill it must be taken to a suitable recycling facility. This means the reader receiving the publication is responsible for how they dispose of the wrapper. It is hoped that recycling facilities will become more widely available in the future as awareness and concern continues to grow about the use of plastics.

 

It will remain in landfill indefinitely

If a magazine wrapper is disposed of with normal household waste, the likelihood is it will become landfill. Once in landfill, it will not breakdown or degrade.

 

Could polythene have a lower carbon footprint than paper'

Polythene manufacturers argue that polythene envelopes allow a greater weight of insert to be housed securely and protected from water than paper based materials on the market. The weight of paper required to meet similar strength criteria is much higher and has the ‘knock-on’ impact of additional costs and waste in the distribution chain. Plus, on a like-for-like weight basis, paper uses 100% more power to manufacture.

 

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.

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