Envelopes have become a “green” marketing choice. In fact, approximately 55 percent of the paper used by the United States envelope industry is recovered and reused. The envelope industry’s goal is to capture as close to 100 percent as possible. In addition to a “Please Recycle” campaign launched in July encouraging consumers to recycle envelopes, The Envelope Manufacturers Association Foundation (EMAF), Alexandria, Va., is helping to educate envelope industry stakeholders about sound environmental management.
The Environmental Awareness Toolkit on CD-ROM includes information about best practices, the latest technologies and other resources. It is designed to enhance environmental management throughout the envelope manufacturing process, from the paper and pulp companies harvesting trees, to consumers and businesses ultimately receiving envelopes in the mail. The CD-ROM includes the most up-to-date information on environmental practices among paper and pulp companies; suppliers of window film, adhesives and inks; envelope manufacturers; and mail users.
“Because our industry depends on a vital natural resource—namely trees—envelope manufacturers have always cared deeply about the environment,” said Tonya Muse, EMAF’s executive director. “We work constantly with our suppliers and customers to improve their environmental performance.”
In addition to the toolkit and the “Please Recycle” program, an Environmental Initiative Fund has been established to educate consumers and mailers about measures within the industry promoting a clean environment. EMAF recently received $50,000 from Papercone, Louisville, Ky.
Numerous sessions on environmental practices are also scheduled for EMA’s Fall Meeting October 11-14 in Denver at the Westin Tabor Center.
“We need to be more vocal about our commitment to the environment,” Muse commented. “Engaging in sound environmental management is not just the right thing to do. It’s also the smart thing to do from a business standpoint.”
The EMAF supports the paper-based communications industry by providing key research and education for companies in the envelope industry and the customers they serve, as well as by identifying and analyzing major trends. For example, foundation research shows that recipients are 40 percent more likely to pay attention to a marketing piece sent in an envelope, which means less waste.
The Environmental Awareness Toolkit is available for $125 for EMA members, and $200 for non-members. To order copies, please contact Kim Moses, EMA’s director of education, at kmoses@envelope.org.
For more information, visit www.emafoundation.org.
- Companies:
- Envelope Manufacturers