Royal Mail defends sustainable direct mail standard
Royal Mail has hit back at the Packaging and Films Association (PAFA) for its criticism of the sustainable mail standard.
Royal Mail has hit back at the Packaging and Films Association (PAFA) for its criticism of the sustainable mail standard.
Matthew Neilson, Royal Mail head of environmental solutions, defended the standard for “reflecting the primary aim of increasing recycling rates of direct mail by households”.
He said the decision to exclude plastic wrappings was taken because of the small number of local authorities that currently accept them.
“It is difficult for Royal Mail not to exclude polywrap while the focus remains on kerbside recycling and the opportunity for kerbside recycling of poly is so limited,” said Neilson.
However, he added that Royal Mail would continue to work with the Envelope Manufacturers Association on the environmental aspects of plastic wrapping.
Pafa chief executive David Tyson attacked the standard for targeting certain materials without due consideration for their true environmental impact.
He described the proposal as “well-meaning but based on seriously misguided environmental principles”.
“By mistakenly targeting the most recycled materials, this standard is actually a danger to the environment – the exact opposite of what was intended,” he added.
Neilson said Royal Mail recognised the importance of plastic wrapping in its activities, and pointed to its recent Simply Drop scheme for collected small electrical items for recycling.
“A ‘polylope’ was without doubt the most suitable product through which to deliver the service,” he said.
Postcomm’s consultation on the proposed standard closed on 2 March and a decision is due by the end of April.
