DMA tackles environment issues at inaugural forum

by Joe Lepper,, Brand Republic 09-Jun-04, 07:00

LONDON – The Direct Marketing Association is to stage its first environmental forum, which will tackle issues including waste reduction and recycling.

The one-day event, which takes place in Bristol on June 28, will also cover environmental legal developments to affect the industry and the increasing demand from consumers for more responsible and ethical business practices.

It also includes a panel debate posing the question, "Will environmental legislation kill direct marketing or will direct marketing kill the environment?".

This is the latest attempt by the trade body to address environmental concerns within the sector. Last October, it launched a national consumer campaign with environmental group Planet Ark to encourage recycling of direct mail.

DMA postal affairs and industry development director David Robottom, who is among the speakers at the event, said: "By addressing the industry's environmental responsibilities and tackling concerns and misconceptions surrounding this contentious issue, we can show how developing a proactive environmental strategy can actually improve a company's connection with its customers and overall business performance."

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