Some 81 billion return envelopes are sent through the US mail each year in credit-card statements, utility bills and other direct mailings, at an estimated cost of 1 billion pounds in greenhouse gas emissions and more than 71 trillion BTUs of energy. Eliminate some of those by using reusable envelopes instead, and it could make a big difference for the environment. That’s the thinking behind ecoEnvelopes, a Minnesota-based company that aims to eliminate the use of reply envelopes from corporate America. Its alternative: a line of reusable envelopes that simply zip open, allowing users to insert their response or payment and seal them up again just like a regular envelope.
ecoEnvelopes was actually founded back in 2002, but it worked for years to perfect the design of its envelopes and obtain the US Postal Service’s approval—which it now has. ecoEnvelopes work seamlessly with existing insertion and postal processing equipment, and are manufactured exclusively on certified papers from managed forests, with up to 100% post-consumer recycled content. And whereas "eco" options in general often cost more than traditional solutions, companies that use ecoEnvelopes instead of two separate envelopes save between 15 percent and 45 percent on envelope and related mailing costs by eliminating the need to print, store, handle, insert, track and include that second envelope, ecoEnvelopes says. They also enjoy increased direct mail response rates as high as 8 percent, it adds.
So many green solutions require complex changes to business processes or behavior and entail elaborate cost-benefit analysis, but every once in a while there’s an easy one, such as substituting one envelope for two. One to study if you’re in printing, direct mail or advertising!
Website: www.ecoenvelopes.com
Contact: info@ecoenvelopes.com
Spotted by: Katie Konrath
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Hi Andrew,
Glad you like it! ecoEnvelopes is a private company founded by Ann DeLaVergne. In their words: "a former organic farmer and beekeeper who created the first ecoEnvelopes by hand in her kitchen as a way to reduce waste."
Liesbeth
A few years ago, USPS offered envelopes like this for all Express and Priority Mail. I wonder if this company was the supplier. It was phased out because people didn't reuse the envelopes!
Recycling is only a good idea until the circle is fully closed. Getting consumers to follow through and actually reuse items has been a challenge for all sustainable companies.
Nadine, a few years ago is a long time in eco years. I live in the UK and all we see, hear and read about is how to save the environment. The message is getting through to consumers, so what maybe they were not prepared to do a few years ago, they will do now. Anyway how hassle free is it to pop your reply in the same envelope if it is secure and easy to use? Companies will love this as well because it ups their eco credentials and saves money.
This is a great idea. NZ telco's, electricity companies etc have been using these envelopes for a number of years now so it's good to see the rest of the world catching on
KPMG have been using the same for internal mail for 3-4+ years
I was suprised to see this as a new an innovative idea - although I think it's a great one. Reusuable envelopes have been used by Australian telcos and utilities companies for years. Personally, I never reuse the envelopes as I either pay my bills by direct debit or online - even less paper involved that way!
This is a good idea and as Fiona says it's been in use in NZ for sometime but really... it's not about "reusing" it's about finding more environmentally friendly ways...
No paper
No Ink (colour photos the worst)
so Electronic. and Here in Australia (Brisbane) bills can be organised through your electronic banking.
Check out these ecoenvelope websites!
www.ecoenvelope.info
www.ecoenvelopes.info
Can't find what you need, click on search!
Best idea I have seen on your excellent website for some time. Simple, convenient, eco minded, saves companies money and time and increases ad response rates. Win-win-win! Is this a private company or are they quoted on the US exchanges?
Andrew Chesny | March 7, 2008 3:53 PM