Beyond the envelope: adapting physical mail in a digital-first world

A long journey of transformation 

From messages on horseback to postage stamps in 1840, the history of mail has been one of constant change. For over a century, physical letters were the norm. But as digital alternatives and e-commerce boomed in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, a shift began - and now, it’s accelerating. 

Today, the media often talks about the drop in letter volumes and the rise of parcels. Shopping habits have changed. Black Friday and holiday peaks push parcel logistics to the limit, while letters quietly decline - partly due to digital preferences and rising postage prices driven by fuel costs and other inflation-driving factors. 

The mix of physical and digital 

Most of us now receive invoices in digital mailboxes or banking apps. We might still send the occasional postcard or get printed invoices and info letters in our home mailbox. So, while digital is growing fast, the physical letter still has a role to play. 

Why physical mail is getting pricier 

Although postage once became cheaper, recent years have brought only price increases. Why? Because postal services must now balance: 

• Environmentally-friendly transport 
• Efficient sorting and delivery 
• The shift to digital channels 
• The need to reduce paper use 

All of this affects the cost of physical distribution. 

A north-south divide in Europe 

Digital maturity varies across Europe. Northern countries lead in digital infrastructure and habits, while many southern and southeastern nations are still catching up. Finland tops the EU’s Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI). 

Different realities in northern Europe 

Even among many of the countries in northern Europe, the approach to mail varies:

• Denmark: Nearly all adults use a digital mailbox. Physical letter volumes are so low that the main distributor will stop distributing physical mail by the end of 2025. 
• Norway: Strong digital adoption has led to one of Europe’s biggest drops in physical mail. Only one main domestic postage class remains. 
• Sweden: Digital use is high, with multiple digital mailbox options. Still, there are several postal providers and postage classes. 
• Finland: Similar to Sweden, with decreasing volumes and both digital and physical distribution options—tailored by region. 
• United Kingdom: Postage price increases have prompted a shift towards digital mail delivery, and significant changes are expected to the physical distribution in the near future. This will include higher price of first-class post and reduced delivery frequency. 

Tietoevry’s role in a changing landscape 

At Tietoevry, we still print and send millions of physical letters each year across Europe - through our trusted production and distribution partners. Why? Because many customers still prefer it. And preferences matter. 

It’s not about going fully digital or sticking to paper - it's about giving users the power to choose."  - Victor Lindgren - Product Area Manager at Tietoevry 

 Whether it’s digital or physical, people want to choose how they receive information. And when they do, they tend to be more satisfied. That’s why our Multichannel solution helps businesses reach recipients in the way they want - through the right channel, at the right time. 

Even if the market feels stormy, we’re here to guide the way. Like a lighthouse for your communications.