March 14, 2011

New Strapping Option for Bundle Preparation

Current DMM^® standards require mailers to use “clear smooth strapping tightly secured around the bundle” as a way of ensuring that address and presort information on bundles is visible and readable by the naked eye.

Recent testing shows that a new strapping with a transparency rating of at least 52 percent when tested using ASTM D1746 – 09, Standard Test Method for Transparency of Plastic Sheeting, methods meets all Postal Service™ readability requirements.

Mailers may begin using this type of strapping immediately — it is more environmentally friendly and provides cost savings to mailers, while continuing to secure bundles in a way that helps the Postal Service process the mail efficiently.

We are working on revising the mailing standards for strapping and will use the DMM Advisory to keep you informed.