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PAS 2020

Definition :

PAS 2020:2009 has been launched in response to pressure for the direct marketing industry to take a more responsible and sustainable approach to its activities when it comes to the environment.

PAS 2020 a new environmental standard for Direct Marketing has been commissioned by the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) in partnership with Acxiom, ISBA (The Incorporated Society of British Advertisers), Royal Mail and the Telephone Preference Service and has been developed by BSI British Standards.

Environmental issues, relating excessive consumption of non-replaceable resources and potentially causing an affect to climate change surround its main concerns. PAS 2020 will support the DM industry in its aims to manage these environmental impacts.

PAS 2020 establishes a set of environmental objectives and indicators for different environmental aspects of Direct Marketing campaigns. The indicators of PAS 2020 provide an indirect measure of a DM campaign's environmental impact. These indicators can be then used by clients and suppliers to demonstrate in real terms a commitment to more environmentally responsible business practices.

Applying your business practices of PAS 2020 has a number of benefits:

  • A set of standards outlined, to adhere to
  • Sharing of best business practices
  • Ensure you are focused on continual improvement
  • Independent assurance of compliance to these best practices
  • Added integrity to any claims of compliance changes made
  • Improved reputation by applying to these industry standards
  • Differentiator leading to competitive advantage. Highlight to your customers that you are applicable to PAS 2020

It is hoped that PAS 2020 will help companies avoid charges of "green washing".

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