FEPE is particularly active in promoting the continued, appropriate use of paper and mail. While most people are aware of the many benefits of digitalisation for all of us, there are still many people that rely on paper communication, such as those in rural locations without access to [fast] internet or those without digital skills.
See also: Legislation and Macrotrends
The European Union is promoting the digital economy for economic modernisation and for generating sustainable growth and jobs. Digital communication offers clear advantages in terms of speed, cost, and flexibility. Member companies of the paper value chain fully adopt and benefit from digital technologies.
However, there is legitimate concern that the freedom of senders and recipients of paper-based communication is being affected by policies that try to push digital communication (e.g. e-invoicing and e-procurement) not only on its own merits, but by actively suppressing paper communication.
FEPE was one of the founders of Keep Me Posted EU. This campaign promotes the citizen’s right to choose how they receive important information such as tax forms, election documents and bills and statements from service providers, without disadvantage compared to people who receive information digitally. The campaign is inspired by the UK campaign, Keep Me Posted UK and is directed towards the European Institutions. It gathers the support of consumer groups and charities which represent citizens who may be disadvantaged by a lack of choice or simply do not agree with it.
See: keepmepostedeu.org
FEPE is active in efforts to achieve balance and to protect the rights of consumers to get information delivered by mail/in print if they want it.
Activities in this area include:
FEPE is an active member of the Print Media Group (PMG). It comprises a cluster of industries forming the print media value chain – papermaking, paper converting, printing, publishing and marketing. It is a platform for print value chain members to meet and discuss relevant issues and agree common communications activities.
Advantages of printed mail advertising, used in synergy with digital communication.
Excerpt from FEPE Quarterly 1, Spring 2021
Booklet by FEPE and TwoSides challenging myths about print and paper.
Short video produced by FEPE and KeepMePosted highlighting how postal mail is personal, safe and impactful.