Such a move could lead to a more mechanised process and reduce the likelihood of mail being damaged in the handling process.

"We have been trialling the use of trays with some business customers and we will keep testing to look at the possible implications," said a Royal Mail spokeswoman.

The topic will be discussed at a conference organised by document technology association Xplor on 7 April in Edinburgh. According to Xplor president Michael Turton the issue will be discussed as the industry needs to know more.

"It will have a huge impact on every major printer in direct mail and will have an impact on how mail is structured," he said.

Paul Johnston, Pitney Bowes sales and marketing director for document messaging technology postal systems, added that the move would be beneficial.

"We would be delighted for Royal Mail to move to a bagless network," he said. "It would mean that post would not be at risk of being thrown around and would help when items are sorted into machines. On the other side, bags do have advantages on storage."

Xplor's event is titled "Managing the convergence of transactional and graphic printing, people and processes".

Speakers at the event will include representatives from Oc, Pillans & Waddies and Kodak Versamark.

Story by Philip Chadwick