ROYAL MAIL

Using the postcode means that the majority of mail can go through our automated sort machines allowing it to be sorted quickly and accurately. If mail does not have a postcode or has an incorrect postcode it will have to be sorted manually which takes longer and can mean that mail is sent to the wrong destination (although most mail is still delivered correctly and on time). In general, a postcode identifies a group of up to 80 addresses. So if your business is moving to larger premises next door then you may well have the same postcode, but if you are moving house to another town then your postcode will change. The postcode is specific to the address not to you or your business unless you have a unique large-user postcode.

Sustainable Mail has been extended to Door to Door to help you reduce waste, improve sustainability and increase recyclability for all your unaddressed mail. The specification will help you minimise the environmental impact of your Door to Door distribution and help demonstrate your commitment to good environmental production techniques. The specification sets out a series of permissible materials allowed in production of the item which in turn will lead to its increased recyclability with the majority of local authority areas. Consumers will also be made more aware of the recyclability of the items as items will include a recycling message or logo. Royal Mail, ISBA, Acxiom and the DMA have worked with BSI British Standards and have developed a new environmental standard for direct marketing called PAS2020. This standard has been reached with consultation with the wider direct marketing industry and was launched at the end of January 2009. Our Sustainable Door to Door specification has been aligned to PAS2020 and gives you clear guidance on how to produce a mailing that uses sustainable materials, processes and suppliers and produces items that are easily and clearly recyclable to consumers. The specification will evolve to reflect the changing capabilities of local authorities to recycle material as well as technological developments in the industry. The product specification will change from time to time as it is linked to the PAS 2020 specification. PAS 2020 will be reviewed at least every 2 years but smaller changes may be made more frequently. You will be given notice of any changes to the specification.