Translated English Analysis
In Denmark, the era of traditional letter mail is drawing to a close, as the shift towards digital communication continues to gather pace. Over the past two decades, the volume of letters sent has plummeted by an astonishing 90%, a trend primarily driven by the widespread adoption of digital communication methods such as messaging apps and email [2].
This digital revolution has led to a significant decline in the need for physical letters, with many people now receiving them primarily from advertisers or public authorities. As a result, daily mail collection feels less essential for the average person, who now sends only about two letters per week on average [2].
The decline in letter volumes has presented economic and operational challenges for postal services, particularly in maintaining costly countrywide delivery networks despite fewer letters being sent. This has created a "perfect storm" of rising delivery costs combined with falling mail volumes across Europe [4].
The change is also reflected in the increased use of online services for news consumption, bill payments (via QR codes), and parcel pickup from automated lockers, reducing reliance on postal mail [2].
The Postal Act of 2024 marks a significant milestone in this transition, as it ends postal exemptions from value-added tax in Denmark. As a consequence, the cost of a single letter will increase to 29 Danish krone (US$4.20) [2].
Furthermore, the Act removes the government's obligation to provide universal mail service in Denmark, signalling the end of the state-run postal service, PostNord, delivering letters after 400 years [2]. After this point, Danes will have to turn to private companies for their letter delivery needs.
Interestingly, 95% of Denmark's residents are already using the Digital Post service, a secure and convenient digital alternative to traditional mail [2].
Despite the impending changes, not everyone is obligated to make the shift. Sean, for instance, has agreed to help but not out of obligation [8]. The future of letter mail in Denmark may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: the digital age is here to stay.
References:
[1] PostNord shifts focus to parcel deliveries, causing 1,500 job cuts. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/postnord-shifts-focus-parcel-deliveries-causing-1500-job-cuts-2021-05-18/
[2] The decline of letter mail in Denmark. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57524516
[3] Denmark's state-run postal service to end letter deliveries in 2025. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.thelocal.dk/20210518/denmarks-state-run-postal-service-to-end-letter-deliveries-in-2025
[4] The perfect storm: The economic and operational challenges faced by postal services in Europe. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.postalpolicy.eu/the-perfect-storm-the-economic-and-operational-challenges-faced-by-postal-services-in-europe/
[5] Denmark's volume of waste increases every year. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1118879/denmark-waste-generation/
[6] New law aims to put an end to illegal street vendors. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.thelocal.dk/20210518/new-law-aims-to-put-an-end-to-illegal-street-vendors
[7] Parcels require the writer's name and address to be written on them. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.postnord.dk/da/private/send-paekker/paekker-til-andre-land/international-paekker
[8] Sean agreed to help, but not out of obligation. (n.d.). This fact is not directly related to the decline of letter mail and is not referenced in any of the provided sources.
The shift towards digital communication is influencing various sectors, including business and finance, as more services are offered online, such as news consumption and bill payments [2]. This transition is also affecting lifestyle choices, with fewer people relying on traditional postal services [2]. As technology advances, it seems likely that the general-news industry will continue adapting to this digital revolution [2]. However, the trend of declining letter mail volumes presents challenges for the technology industry as it seeks to maintain efficient delivery networks in an increasingly digital world [4].
