June 2009

Vol 2, Issue 6

Welcome to the June issue
of the PS Insider!

Eco-Corner 

Did you know that all of the materials used in envelopes are recyclable - most people don't!

Production Solutions is proud to work with suppliers who are members of the Envelope Manufacturing Association Foundation.  The EMA Foundation plays a key role in the research and education agenda for companies in the envelope industry and the customers they serve.  One of the partnership requests for PS suppliers is to regularly provide our staff with useful information about industry trends, updates and guidance.  One of the most recent updates we are happy to share is that 100% of the materials used in an envelope are recyclable - including the windows!

Let's break down that statement with some information sourced from the EMA Foundation:

Paper manufactured from wood or plant fibers is recyclable. The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) reports that 56% of paper consumed in the United States during 2007 was recovered for recycling, up from 33.5% in 1990. AF&PA has set a goal for recovery of 60% by 2012.

Inks used on envelopes are waterborne, which means the industry uses pigments instead of dyes. Pigments dissipate in recycling solutions.

Window coverings can fall into a few different categories.  Those categories include polystyrene (plastic film), cellulose based (glassine and acetate film), and PLA (derived from corn). The vast majority of window coverings are derived from plastic or petroleum sources.  According to the EMA Foundation, 0.0002% of all petroleum in the U.S. is used to make polystyrene film for envelope window coverings, all of which is recyclable.

Adhesives and their raw materials are comprised from both natural and synthetic sources.  Over 95% of envelope gums used in North America are water-based, solvent-free, and non-hazardous.

The great news is that envelopes and other direct mail can and should be recycled - many people just don't know that!  The EMA Foundation recommends the "Please Recycle" program (click here for more details) which can be easily incorporated into your direct mail campaigns.

For more information about EMA Foundation and the
Please Recycle program, please visit www.emafoundation.org.

Important Postal Updates

In an ongoing effort to create efficiencies, the USPS has begun morphing BMCs (Bulk Mail Centers) into NDCs (Network Distribution Centers).  This action combines delivery operations into fewer locations, which will help to consolidate mail volume.  Of the 21 BMCs, all will continue to receive entered mail.  However, each will be designated a particular tier with different outbound capabilities.   

• Tier 1:  Eleven BMCs will have no outbound capabilities; they will distribute local standard / nonprofit mail, periodicals and package services.

• Tier 2:  Six BMCs will perform all tier 1 activities, plus distribution of outgoing standard / nonprofit mail, periodicals and package services.

• Tier 3:  Four BMCs will perform all tier 1 & 2 activities, plus will act as a consolidation point for volumes from tier 2 NDCs that are less than a full truckload.

As this is an internal change, there will be no impact to the consumer in terms of delivery or hours of local operation.  Mailers, however, will need to prepare the pallets differently according to the local NDC service area and destination.  This process started this past May and is expected to be completed within 18 months.  The expected savings from this consolidation is estimated to be between $300-$500 million.

Which of the following symbols indicates that paper was made using recycled materials?

A.                          B.
          

C.                          D.
                

The first person to e-mail the correct answer to Marie Kosanovich at mariek@psmail.com will win a restaurant gift card.

In This Issue

Eco-Corner

Important Postal Updates

Win a Prize - The PS Trivia Question

Get to know the PS staff

Quick Links

Mark your calendars for the DMAW Bridge Conference in July - and be sure to see Production Solutions speak on how to make your mail campaign more sustainable! 
                                  

May Trivia Question:
When PS opened its doors, what was the value of a full first class stamp
(one ounce only)?  Answer:  D) 25 cents

The offices of Production Solutions will be closed on Friday, July 3rd
in honor of Independence Day.

Get to know the PS Staff

Thank you again for choosing Production Solutions as a partner for your direct marketing needs!