What can be sent in an envelope and what should go in a cardboard box?

You do not always need large packaging, such as cardboard, for shipping. Many products can be sent in envelopes. What can be sent in an envelope and what should go in a cardboard box?

It is known that cardboard boxes are the most environmentally friendly packaging. However, a cardboard box is not only a box, but also an envelope for the parcel, although of course the latter can also be foil. What to send in a cardboard box and what to send in a shipping envelope?

As a basic rule of thumb, boxes are for shipping larger items or those that need to be secured with, for example, parcel filler. Envelopes, on the other hand, are for shipping smaller items, including those that do not require crush protection.

Shipping cartons

Cardboard boxes are used to send items with considerable weight and larger dimensions. Of course, they are also used for smaller items that require parcel filler. Cartons are made of 3-, 5- or 7-layer corrugated cardboard, so they are really durable and strong. The most common boxes used are the so-called cut (postal) boxes, which have a flap closure and do not require the use of glue or adhesive tape. Long items and flat items (special cardboard tubes and packaging for calendars, posters, records or books – so-called wrappers) can also be sent in boxes. Shipping cartons are also used to send bottles, white goods, electronics, etc. They are also often used to send clothes, although this is not necessary – they can be successfully sent in envelopes.

Envelopes for shipping

Envelopes are used to send smaller items such as accessories, jewellery, cosmetics, as well as underwear and clothing. Goods that will not be damaged in transit can be sent in them. If something needs a certain amount of protection, then bubble envelopes are used. They are also perfect for sending documents.

Shipping envelopes are more economical than boxes – shipping is cheaper because the packaging is smaller.

Several types of envelopes for shipping can be distinguished:

cardboard envelopes
bubble envelopes
foil envelopes
envelopes for shipping documents.

Cardboard envelopes can be used to send flat items such as calendars, albums, books, maps, discs, photos and brochures. They have a self-adhesive closure, so there is no need for glue or adhesive tape.

Bubble envelopes are robust and damage-resistant, so you can send important documents in them, as well as delicate and small items: books, small electronic equipment, discs, clothing, accessories. They come in many sizes – even quite large ones. The polyethylene film lining adapts perfectly to the shape of the contents and protects them. As well as being shockproof, puncture-proof and tear-proof, these envelopes are also lightweight, which means that the postage charge is not high. They are equipped with a self-adhesive strip for closing.

To send important documents or valuables safely, you can use a foil-pack. Such envelopes are watertight and opaque, thus ensuring discreet shipping. These are known as courier foil packs. There are also envelopes with an expandable bottom for sending larger items or more documents. If you are sending something very valuable, it is worth using the SAFEBAG security envelopes. Once such an envelope is closed, it cannot be opened without breaking the security features and cannot be resealed. Identification of the envelope is easy thanks to tear-off shipping stamps and space for dates and signatures. This type of envelope is made of 3-layer polyethylene film, which makes it resistant to mechanical, thermal and chemical damage.

On the other hand, for sending ordinary documents such as invoices or other letters or letters, there are plain paper envelopes, available in many formats and sizes, also with a window, with a self-adhesive strip, in brown and white. Expanded envelopes can be used for larger document files.

If you are sending something small and not requiring special protection, it is worth using envelopes instead of boxes. This makes the postage cheaper and takes up less space. On the other hand, it is advisable to send larger goods and those that require protection in cardboard boxes.