Western Mailing's paper wrap solution

AIM – to offer a more environmentally friendly solution for packaging (alternative to film wrap/plastic material & something a bit more creative than envelopes).

1. Western wanted to source a more environmentally friendly alternative to film wrap/plastic material to offer its customers.
2. Single-use plastics are not just an issue for the oceans and endanger the lives of thousands of species, but they are an eyesore too.
3. With the speed at which paper can be recycled, it is evident that in paper wrap vs plastic, paper is the superior option.

The publishing industry has come under fire for continuing to use poly wrap. Single-use plastics are not just an issue for the oceans and endanger the lives of thousands of species, but they are an eyesore too. LDPE poly wrap is commonly used; however, the issue is that many councils don’t accept such light ‘plastic’ in their recycling programmes, and it often ends up in household waste. While there are biodegradable options, when compared with the speed at which paper can be recycled, it is evident that with paper wrap vs plastic, paper is the superior, sustainable option.

Western Mailing has a strong commitment to helping New Zealand become more environmentally friendly and sustainable. As part of this commitment, Western’s founder Gary Lewis recently invested in New Zealand’s first paper wrap machine. This is the first machine in the Southern Hemisphere. Western Mailing wanted to source and provide an environmentally friendly alternative to film wrap/plastic material and offers its customers recyclable materials obtained from natural renewable sources with a reduced carbon footprint.

The demand for this alternative is growing rapidly with many businesses focussing on ways to help reduce their carbon footprint whilst maintaining product/brand awareness & engagement. Western Mailing's environmental policy has always been to reduce the impact of our operations on the environment. The goal is to promote sustainability and environmental awareness at all levels of our organisation. Choosing paper means promoting the development of the forest industry as a supply source, supporting the recycling chain and encouraging the emergence of professional entities oriented toward a sustainable approach. Numerous studies show that in selecting consumer goods, users increasingly reward eco-sustainable solutions. Also contributing to this trend are increasingly strict international regulations aimed at reducing sources of air pollution so being able to guarantee packaging with “zero impact” is a critical factor in obtaining an important competitive advantage.

Western Mailing's environmental policy has always been to reduce the impact of our operations on the environment.

Outcome

1. Trialling Sustainable Paper Options
2. Innovative Print Solutions
3. Environmental Testing

We have worked closely together with our partners on extensive testing of sustainable paper options (either FSC or PEFC) to ensure various products are sufficiently packaged and presented in the best possible quality and for those being posted out to ensure they can achieve bulk mail discounted postage rates.

Combining our expertise in the direct mail industry with the knowledge of our key partners we are now able to offer our clients the option of delivering their product in a sustainable and environmentally friendly product while also offering the opportunity to promote by printing colour personalisation on the outer wrapping.