Abstract: The present invention includes an aqueous ink that has a composition which contains one or more dyestuffs, at least one alkanol with a straight or branched C3-C8-alkyl chain and between two and four hydroxyl groups, at least one C1-C6-alkyl ester of an ∝-hydroxycarboxylic acid of the formula R—C(OH)—COOH, wherein R is H or a straight or branched C1-C6-alkyl residue of a penetration agent, a surfactant, other adjuvants, and wherein the balance of the composition is water.

Abstract: A mail identifier for storing information on mail includes an identification mark having a storage device for storing information and/or franking data associated with the mail. The storage device is contactlessly and wirelessly read. There is also provided a mail processing system processing the mail having the mark. A writer can contactlessly and wirelessly write information onto the mark, and a reader can similarly reads information associated with the mail. The device for processing items of mail can include a franking machine and/or a computer. A method of using of an identification mark includes placing an identification mark at an item of mail, storing at least one of information and franking data associated with an item of mail in the identification mark, and contactlessly and wirelessly reading the identification mark. A method of processing items of mail includes similar steps and simultaneously checks the validity of the franking data.