Targeting
You can cut down on waste simply by adopting the very best data techniques.

1. If you use data from anywhere other than a consent-based file, you must follow a documented procedure for suppressing customer and prospect data against the Mail Preference Service (MPS), including MPS deceased. Data must be checked during the 30 days or less before the item that uses the data is posted with Royal Mail.

2. Keep and maintain an internal suppression file to ensure that customers and prospects who request to opt out of your mailings are properly logged.  Data must be checked during the 30 days or less before the item that uses the data is posted with Royal Mail.

3. Ensure all items are fully and accurately addressed and postcoded in accordance with our Postcode Address File (PAF®) and to the levels determined in the Mailsort User Guide

Sustainable resources and materials
You can improve the environmental performance of your mailing by using sustainable materials, processes and suppliers. 

4. All paper products must contain recycled fibre from recovered waste paper and/or virgin fibre sourced under a certified chain of custody conforming to a certification scheme approved by the Defra funded Central Point of Expertise on Timber Procurement (CPET)

5. All paper products must be produced using non-chlorinating bleaching methods: Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF), Processed Chlorine Free (PCF) and Total Chlorine Free (TCF) including oxidising and reductive bleaching

6. All paper products must be sourced from paper mills that operate an environmental management system conforming to BS EN ISO 14001 and/or the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS)

7. All printers, mailing houses or in-house mailing facilities you use must have:

a. A documented commitment to environmental management and a baseline for environmental performance

b. Identified appropriate environmental legislation and other environmental requirements (e.g. standards, codes of practice and/or guidance) and have controls in place to ensure compliance

c. Developed environmental objectives, targets and programmes

Recycling
You can reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill by designing the item so it can be easily recycled.

8. All paper elements of the mailing, including window and padded envelopes, must be recyclable

9. Do not use brown paper or brown paper envelopes (including manilla)

10. Do not use plastic envelopes (including polywrap)

11. Do not use laminate finishes

12. The item must have less than 90% ink coverage

13. All items must display a statement and/or logo (such as Recycle Now) on the outside of the mailing to encourage recycling

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