For many years polywrap has been the material of choice for membership organisations looking to post communication packs to members. Lightweight, strong and weather-resistant it is extremely effective for keeping different mail pieces together in one combined pack.
However, more and more membership organisations are seeking options which are eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives, such as paper.
“With a current backlash against single-use plastics and the problems surrounding recycling, we’re seeing an increased number of membership organisations approaching us to discuss alternatives, such as paper magazine wrap.” Says Andy Tye, General Manager at UK Engage.
“As a leading independent scrutineer, it’s our business to advise membership organisations about the latest developments in postal (and online) member communication delivery solutions. We are helping clients find new and sustainable ways to engage with members while delivering savings by combining election-related materials with scheduled membership magazines,” he continued.
The scrutineer is no stranger to print. Parent company, Print Image Network delivers millions of statutory electoral printed items each and every year for local councils. It has one of the largest printing networks in the country, servicing around 25% of the UK’s local authorities.
“As printing experts, we know that paper magazine wrap isn’t a new solution for direct mail, however, it is being more widely used because of the resistance to use plastic of any kind. There are multiple benefits for membership organisations,” says Andy.
Benefits of paper magazine wrap:
1. Sustainable product: eco-friendly and recyclable (supports ISO14001)
The paper used for our paper magazine wrap solution is FSC and PEFC certified. Unlike polywrap, paper wrap packaging is easily recycled after use. Therefore, its sustainable lifecycle will support any environmental commitments associated with CSR policies or ISO14001 efforts.
2. Endless design and promotional opportunities on the outer wrap
Paper magazine wrap can accommodate any design a client desires, as long as the areas for postal addresses and the postal indicia adhere to Royal Mail’s postage requirements. From plain block colours to intricate designs and photos, the possibilities are endless.
3. Combined mailing savings (separate mailings in one pack)
Wrapping multiple communications means that postage is only paid once rather multiple times. Polywrap and/or envelope savings can be made as they won’t be required.
4. Can accommodate different size communications (such as A4 and A5)
Typical wraps are A4 and A5, however, our solution can wrap the largest insert if it a bespoke size, enclosing all other inserts neatly into the pack.
5. Machines can accommodate up to 9 different inserts per pack
Got a lot to tell your members? Paper magazine wrap can fill your pack with up to 9 different inserts.
6. Individual inserts can be personalised
With paper wrap, multiple insert personalisation is possible. This means ballot information can be personalised to the voting member. This includes printing a member’s unique voting code on a ballot insert and there any voting information returned in the post can be confidentially handled and attributed to the voter.
7. Packs are eligible for Royal Mail’s (cost-effective) Mailmark service
Paper wrap packs are easier to process by Royal Mails machines (polywrap and eco-alternatives are not) and therefore is subject to the cheaper Mailsort options, which reduce postal costs.
8. Robust enough to withstand postal processing and handling
Paper wrap is robust enough to withstand postal handling. Resulting in a presentable and engaging communications pack
Andy concluded, “it’s no surprise that membership organisations that have a strong conservation ethos are looking at paper wrap as an alternative solution to polywrap. However, we are getting enquiries from all types of organisations who are exploring the switch in a response to their members, who don’t want to see plastic used at all. These organisations are following the example set by iconic magazine, National Geographic, which now sends subscribers in the UK, US and India, the magazine plus supplements, in a paper wrapper.”
If you are interested in switching to paper magazine wrap solution, please contact the team at UK Engage.