For mailing houses like Dmlink the change in the wrapping used for enclosing brochures, magazines and documents has changed significantly from the LDPE plastic wrap used for virtually every mailing to the compostable potato starch wrap now used by the majority of their clients. The opaque look of the wrap has been a change their customers have embraced and actually now prefer the stylish finish it gives, along with the improved technology at the Royal mail for reading the addresses and details, they see this as the only way forward in the industry.

So what are the environmental advantages? Clearly, the most obvious advantage is the reduced reliance on LDPE plastic wrapping. There are no plasticisers or toxins in the starch-based wrapper and as a result, it is 100% biodegradable, fully compostable and should be disposed of in suitable composting conditions. It is therefore more environmentally friendly than its plastic alternatives. The potato starch wrap can be disposed of both in home composting bins, or where accepted by authorities, in food waste recycling or green bins. It is every bit as durable and can be printed on in just the same way as the plastic alternatives.

Tim Mason, Director at Dmlink is urging more companies to follow suit “ We believe everyone has to do their bit for the environment and so we now offer a like for like price for our customers who switch from LDPE poly wrap to our compostable wrap. The environment has to be considered when we send anything and if we can have a small but important impact then we are practicing what we preach”