Shipping Envelopes

Shipping envelopes (or mailers) securely enclose materials to be mailed. They can be purchased individually and in cases at shops and through wholesalers. They are available in a variety of sizes, colors, and types.

Padded Shipping Envelopes

Padded mailers provide cushioning against handling and the possible damage mailed materials might incur during shipping. This cushioning is in the form of paper fiber padding. Many such envelopes have double fold corners and double glued flaps to provide additional strength and protection against damage. They come in a variety of sizes and are easily sealed with tape or staples. Self-seal padded mailers with an adhesive strip included are convenient and save time.

Bubble Shipping Envelopes

Bubble Mailers have a thick bubble lining along their inside walls to protect mailed items against damage. These types of mailers are much lighter than their paper padded counterparts – by up to sixty to seventy percent. This can help you save on mailing costs. These types of mailers come in a self-seal adhesive flap variety and heat sealed types. Of course tape and staples are also options when sealing. These envelopes generally come in golden and white color options.

Stayflat Rigid Envelopes

These envelopes won't bend or crush whatever it is you're mailing. You don't need to use any tape or insert any sort of stiffeners to protect your materials. As such, these types of envelopes are great for photos, artwork, documents, diskettes, and certificates. Many of these come with tuck in tabs. Many are available in peel and seal adhesive varieties.

Corrugated Envelopes

Corrugated envelopes have a rigid exterior and a fluted inner construction. Adhesive natural rubber self-sealers are sometimes included, allowing you to seal your package without tape or staples and without you having to dispose of any release paper. You just simply fold and press to seal. More traditional peel and seal varieties are also available.

Reinforced and Other Envelopes

Some of these types of envelopes are made from laminated fiberglass that protects against grease, water and oil damage. Protection against tearing, puncturing, and abrasion is also provided. Because no padding is involved, these cost little to mail. Many are self-sealing. Gussetted varieties are great for bulky items that demand resistance to tearing but don't need cushioning.

Standard utility mailers are cheap options for items that aren't fragile. They are made from sturdy double-wall paper and provide good protection from punctures and tears. Again, peel and seal varieties are available. Most water resistant poly envelopes are water, puncture and tear resistant. Their outer white surface and silver lining provide opacity. There are also shipping envelopes that are made of olefin – stronger and more durable than paper envelopes.

By Aadika Singh