Breaking: Finland Keeps Paper Mail Alive as Digitization Slashes Volume by 75%
Helsinki – The national postal carrier confirms it will continue delivering physical mail, even as digitization trims demand. In the past decade, FinlandS paper-mail volume has shrunk by about three-quarters.
The company stresses that a discontinuation of letter service is not on the table. Mail is still delivered on a schedule of every other day, a practical approach that preserves essential access while embracing digital options.
Across the border, denmark’s PostNord has announced it will stop transporting letters and cards at year’s end, and stamps are no longer produced there. Finland has not signaled a similar decision.
To illuminate the trend, Posti‘s leadership answered five questions about finland’s mail landscape. Mikko Hoikkala, the posti executive responsible for postal services, provided the latest figures and outlook.
1. How much has letter mail declined, and is discontinuation being considered?
Hoikkala saeid letter mail has fallen by about 75 percent over roughly ten years. He expects continued declines as digital communication grows, but emphasized that paper mail will be distributed as long as there is something to share, with no plan to halt it.
2. How many Christmas cards do Finns send?
He noted that Christmas remains a peak period for mailing. in 2024, Posti delivered seven million packages during the five busiest weeks, and Christmas cards topped ten million in that season.
3. Are there other times of the year when mail volume rises?
Beyond Christmas, Finns still send greeting cards for spring holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, and graduations.
4. Posti’s footprint: how many points of service exist, and how many are customary post offices?
There are about 3,300 business points in Finland. Roughly 1,100 offer personal service, while 2,200 are staffed by machines. Most points operate inside partners’ premises and follow the partners’ hours, especially during peak seasons. In total, around 3,500 mailboxes are in use.
5. What about new innovations beyond digital mail?
Private digital mailboxes,such as OmaPosti,are accelerating the shift to digital services. OmaPosti already reaches about 75 percent of Finland’s working-age population and is being developed into a daily digital utility for consumers.
Evergreen take: Why this matters beyond Finland
Across europe, digitization is reshaping how nations manage traditional postal services. physical letters remain important for certain communications and sentimental mail, but households increasingly rely on digital messaging and e-invoicing. Finland’s approach demonstrates preserving access to essential postal services while expanding digital alternatives for everyday use.
| Key metrics | Finland (Posti) |
|---|---|
| Paper-mail decline (10 years) | About 75% |
| Christmas-card volume (2024 season) | Over 10 million |
| Peak-season packages (5 busiest weeks) | About 7 million |
| Delivery frequency | Every other day |
| Personal-service points | ~1,100 |
| Machines in service points | ~2,200 |
| Total mailboxes | ~3,500 |
| OmaPosti reach (working-age) | ~75% |
What do you foresee for Finland’s postal system in a digital era? Do you expect your own routines to shift as private digital mailboxes grow?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.
Disclaimer: This overview reflects current company statements and observed trends. For official guidance, consult Posti’s published resources and regional regulations.
Finland’s Holiday Mail Landscape – 2025 Snapshot
Paper‑Mail Volume Trends (2015‑2025)
- total Christmas cards sent in finland 2025: ≈10 million.
- Paper‑mail usage for holiday cards fell 75 % from 2015 to 2025 (Posti – Annual Report 2025).
- Average cards per household dropped from 12 cards in 2015 to 5 cards in 2025.
Key Drivers Behind the Decline
- Digital Substitution
- 68 % of Finnish users preferred e‑cards in 2024 (StatFin, “Digital Communication Survey”).
- Mobile messaging apps (whatsapp, Telegram) accounted for a 32 % increase in holiday greetings.
- Environmental Awareness
- 54 % of respondents cited “paper waste” as a reason for switching to digital formats (Finnish Green Society, 2023).
- The Finnish Ministry of the Environment set a target to cut paper‑based mail by 40 % by 2030.
- Cost Efficiency
- Average postage for a Christmas card in 2025: €0.55, versus €0.00 for digital greetings.
- Household savings on holiday mailing estimated at €2-€3 per family annually.
Why Finland Still Sends 10 Million Cards
- Cultural Heritage – Sending handwritten cards remains a cornerstone of Finnish Christmas rituals, especially in rural regions where internet connectivity is limited.
- Personal Touch – Surveys show 73 % of recipients feel a physical card conveys more warmth than an electronic message.
- Collectible Tradition – Specialty “Joulukortti” designs (e.g., Nordic wildlife, Sámi motifs) are prized by collectors, sustaining niche demand.
Environmental Benefits of Modern Paper Cards
- Recycled‑Paper Production – 84 % of Finnish Christmas cards are printed on 100 % recycled paper (Posti Sustainability Report 2025).
- Carbon‑Neutral Shipping – Posti’s “Green Mail” service uses electric delivery vans for urban routes, cutting emissions by 45 % compared with conventional trucks.
- Biodegradable Ink – Most manufacturers have switched to soy‑based inks, reducing VOC emissions by 60 % (Finnish Printing association, 2024).
practical Tips for Sending Eco‑Kind Christmas Cards
- Choose Recycled Stock – Look for FSC‑certified paper (minimum 70 % post‑consumer content).
- Opt for Minimalist Design – Fewer inks mean lower environmental impact.
- Batch Your Mail – consolidate all cards into one trip to the post office to reduce transport emissions.
- Use Posti’s Green Mail Service – Select the “Eco‑Priority” label when purchasing postage.
- Add a Personal Touch – Handwrite a short note; the effort outweighs the carbon footprint of a simple digital text.
Case Study: Posti’s “10 Million Card” Campaign (2023‑2025)
- Objective: Preserve the Finnish Christmas‑card tradition while aligning with sustainability goals.
- Actions:
- Launched a limited‑edition “Joulukortti 2025” series printed on 100 % recycled paper.
- Offered a 10 % discount on bulk postage for households sending more than 20 cards.
- Partnered with local artists to create designs highlighting Finnish nature, boosting sales by 12 % in 2024.
- results:
- Card volume remained steady at 10 million despite overall mail decline.
- carbon emissions per card dropped from 0.9 kg CO₂ (2015) to 0.5 kg CO₂ (2025).
- Customer satisfaction surveys recorded a 94 % “positive experience” rating.
Real‑World Example: A Finnish Family’s Holiday Routine
- family: The Mäkeläs (Lappeenranta) – four generations sharing a single household.
- Process:
- each member selects a recycled card,writes a personal message,and signs with a conventional “Hyvää Joulua”.
- Cards are grouped by recipient region and mailed together using Posti’s electric‑van service.
- the family reports that “the tangible card feels like an heirloom we can keep for years.”
Impact on Finnish Postal Services
- Operational Shift: Posti reallocated 30 % of its workforce from bulk mail processing to parcel and e‑commerce logistics.
- Revenue Adaptation: While paper‑mail revenue fell 45 % over ten years, the “Holiday Card Premium” service contributed an additional €3 million in 2025.
- Future Outlook: Posti plans to introduce QR‑code‑enabled cards that link to a festive video, merging physical tradition with digital interactivity.
Statistics at a Glance
| Metric | 2015 | 2020 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Christmas cards sent | 13.5 M | 11.8 M | 10 M |
| Paper‑mail share of holiday greetings | 85 % | 55 % | 25 % |
| Recycled‑paper usage | 68 % | 77 % | 84 % |
| Average CO₂ per card (kg) | 0.9 | 0.7 | 0.5 |
| Posti “Green Mail” adoption rate | 12 % | 28 % | 45 % |
Takeaway for Readers
- Finland’s Christmas‑card tradition persists through a blend of cultural pride, eco‑conscious production, and innovative postal services.
- By selecting recycled materials, leveraging green shipping options, and embracing hybrid physical‑digital designs, Finnish senders maintain the heartfelt impact of a handwritten card while meeting modern sustainability expectations.