Yes. Sustainable direct marketing exists. From reducing paper waste to leaner manufacturing processes, there are a number of ways that companies can achieve sustainability in their direct marketing campaigns; which is great news for both your business and the environment.

1. SUSTAINABLE
DIRECT MARKETING
DOES IT
ACTUALLY EXIST?

2. YES
SUSTAINABLE
DIRECT MARKETING
EXISTS
SUSTAINABLE DIRECT MARKETING
DOES IT ACTUALLY EXIST?
Yes. Sustainable direct marketing exists. From reducing paper waste to leaner manufacturing
processes, there are a number of ways that companies can achieve sustainability in their direct
marketing campaigns; which is great news for both your business and the environment.

3. ARE WE ON THE SAME PAGE?
There are different ways of looking at sustainable marketing. This
presentation will consider the ways that print marketing can be more
environmentally friendly.
NOW THAT WE ARE ON THE SAME
PAGE, LET’S DIVE IN AND FIND OUT
HOW YOU CAN MAKE YOUR NEXT
DIRECT MARKETING CAMPAIGN MORE
SUSTAINABLE.
.

4. THE FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL (FSC) AND
THE PROGRAMME FOR THE ENDORSEMENT OF
FOREST CERTIFICATION (PEFC) HAVE SOME
EXCELLENT RESOURCES ON THEIR WEBSITE THAT
WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO CHECK OUT.
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
An important aspect of any direct marketing campaign is making sure that it stands out from
the competition. What better way of doing this (whilst also showing that you think about
environmental issues) than going down the recycled route?
However, do bear in mind that recycling, although an obvious choice here, is a very
chemically intensive process and this can sometimes outweigh the benefits. Using papers
from sustainable forests could be a much more sustainable option to consider.
WWW.FSC-UK.ORG
WWW.PEFC.ORG

5. DOES YOUR PRINT SUPPLIER THINK OF
THEIR CARBON FOOTPRINT?
Before deciding which print supplier to use don’t be afraid to ask
about how they reduce their carbon footprint. Here at Birch we
take very seriously the impact we have on our environment.
WE HAVE GONE TO GREAT LENGTHS TO REDUCE OUR
CARBON FOOTPRINT BY INSTALLING A BIOMASS BOILER,
GIVING A REDUCTION OF 47.6 TONNES OF CO2
EMISSIONS
PER ANNUM. ALONGSIDE THAT, OUR LED LIGHTING GIVES AN
ANNUAL REDUCTION OF 18.5 TONNES OF CO2
EMISSIONS.

6. BE AWARE OF THE LOGOS AND WHAT THEY STAND FOR:
DO THEY USE PAPER FROM SUSTAINABLE FORESTS? DO THEY RECYCLE
THEIR PAPER? THESE ARE ALL VERY IMPORTANT QUESTIONS THAT
SHOULD BE ANSWERED.
HOW ABOUT THEIR
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
In addition to their carbon footprint, also examine the print supplier’s environmental
policy. Where do they get their paper from? Do they give you options to use FSC or
PEFC papers and boards?

7. DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK YOUR PRINT SUPPLIER FOR ANY
RECOMMENDATIONS AS THEY MAY HAVE SOME OTHER TRICKS UP
THEIR SLEEVE OF HOW THEY CAN HELP REDUCE PAPER WASTE.
COMMUNICATION,
COMMUNICATION,
COMMUNICATION
Design and production teams need to work closely with the print supplier to make
sure there is optimal use of space. For example, instead of using A4 is there a way
that you can be a little more creative and get your message across on A5? Can
multiple elements be included on one sheet?

8. When deciding on the deadlines
for yourself and print suppliers
don’t be afraid to give yourself
extra time. You never know what
will crop up during a project. It’s
better to be safe than sorry!
TRY TO KEEP TO DEADLINES
Deadlines are always hard to keep to, especially with print marketing designs.
However, when design files arrive late print suppliers are often forced to use less
efficient machines or sheet sizes to ensure they meet the deadline.

9. CLEANSE THAT DATABASE!
Before sending your print campaign make sure you cleanse that database! Take
out any old entries that aren’t relevant through an address hygiene process. This
will help reduce the amount of post that is undeliverable, paper wastage, and
overall printing and postage costs.
HERE AT BIRCH WE OFFER A FOC DATA HEALTH CHECK,
HIGHLIGHTING ANY INCORRECT ADDRESS ENTRIES, DECEASED,
GONE AWAYS ETC

10. IN ADDITION TO THIS, SOME
SUPPLIERS WILL OFFER A TOTAL
PACKAGE TO HELP WITH PAPER
WASTAGE WHEREBY THEY
RECYCLE MAKE-READY ROLLS
BETWEEN PRESS,
PERSONALISATION AND BINDERY.
MANAGING INVENTORY
Is there any old and aging inventory that can be re-used?
Rather than allowing it to sit there collecting dust, put it to good use!

11. ALL COMPANIES SHOULD BE LOOKING AT WAYS THEY CAN IMPROVE
THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, STARTING FROM THE DESIGN STAGE
AND GOING RIGHT THROUGH TO DELIVERY.
WE HOPE WE’VE GOT YOU THINKING…
TO CONCLUDE
Today, all businesses should be taking their approach to sustainability seriously. Consumers
need evidence of how you are, or are planning to be, ‘green’.
No matter how small the changes in your process, each change can go a long way in making
your future campaigns, and therefore your company, more sustainable and eco-friendly

12. TO READ OUR BLOG ON
THIS SUBJECT, VISIT:
www.birchprint.co.uk/blogs
THANK YOU!