Deutsche Post and Tullis Russell Develop Stamp on Recycled Paper

15th April 2025 by Tullis Russell

Tullis Russell are proud to announce their partnership with the Deutsche Post in the development of its first stamp to be issued on recycled paper. This is a true milestone for postage stamp production and reinforces our vision of being the world’s leading creative and environmentally responsible coating company:

From the long-running series “Welt der Briefe” (World of Letters), the “Flower Letter” motif is the company’s first stamp produced on recycled paper. The paper used saves resources such as wood, water, and electricity while reducing CO2 emissions. The gummed version of this stamp was produced from 12.8 metric tons of 100% recycled paper. The stamp costs 95 cents and can be used to send a standard letter or postcard in Germany. In place of the usual euro symbol, this stamp bears a green leaf next to the year. 82.5 million stamps will be issued in stamp sheets and gummed rolls.

The stamp will be available in postal retail outlets and online in the Deutsche Post outlets from April 3.

A self-adhesive version of the stamp is also available, although for technical reasons this currently continues to be printed on conventional paper. In total, the new “Flower Letter” stamp will be issued with a print run of around 680 million, with the design replacing the previous 95-cent “Balloon Post” (Ballonpost) stamp. The motif was created by Deutsche Post stamp designer Bettina Walter.

From 2026, Deutsche Post plans to progressively produce all gummed version of the standard series and special edition stamps on recycled paper. In addition to stamps from the standard series that are issued by Deutsche Post in unlimited quantities, a limited number of special stamps is also released every month to commemorate special occasions. These stamps are issued by the German Federal Ministry of Finance.

Deutsche Post is the first postal service provider to plan a complete transition to recycled paper for its gummed stamps – and in doing so is a sustainability pioneer in this field. The logistics provider is also a member of the Pro Recycling Paper initiative and is striving to continuously reduce its consumption of raw materials, CO2 emissions and energy consumption in stamp production.