TYPES AND DIMENSIONS OF POSTAL ENVELOPES AND COVERS

Whether you are sending goods by post, courier or shipping company, you should always choose the right type of envelope for the type of shipment. There are many sizes and materials to choose from. But which is best for your shipment?

Not sure? Then we have prepared the following overview table, supplemented with other interesting information that you will definitely use in the future.

Envelope format	Dimensions (width x length)	What is it suitable for
DL	110 x 220 mm	⅓ A4 (double folded A4)
C7/6	81 x 162 mm	⅓ A5 (double folded A5)
C6	114 x 162 mm	A6 (double folded A4)
C6/5	114 x 229 mm	⅓ A4 (double folded A4)
C5	162 x 229 mm	A5 (double folded A4)
C4	229 x 324 mm	A4
C3	324 x 458 mm	A3
B6	125 x 176 mm	C6
B5	176 x 250 mm	C5
B4	250 x 353 mm	C4
E4	280 x 400 mm	B4

The envelopes also differ in the way they are sealed. There are three basic variants:

• Moistened strip envelopes are probably the most classic way of sealing envelopes. It works by wetting one flap of the envelope and taping it to the other. It’s also the only method that can be used to machine envelopes.
• Self-adhesive envelopes have adhesive applied to both flaps of the envelope, so all you have to do is flip them over and stick them together.
• Covers with masking tape have tape that protects the adhesive applied to one flap. Once torn off, simply glue it on.

Finally, the material from which the envelope is made still needs to be considered. Several factors must be taken into account, including the fragility of the item being sent and the method of transport.

PLASTIC ENVELOPES

If you’re looking for a cover that won’t get damaged and can withstand the weather, the ideal choice is plastic envelopes. You can easily wrap a t-shirt, bed linen, duvet or even a shoe box in them. Their great advantage is, as already mentioned, their waterproof and tear-resistant properties. In addition, they are soft and flexible and easy to close with a self-adhesive flap. Plastic envelopes ensure that your parcel will always be protected regardless of the chosen method of transport. If you want to save the environment, reach for cardboard or kraft envelopes.

BUBBLE ENVELOPES

Bublinky envelopes are most commonly used for postal transport. They are of high quality and sufficiently protect fragile products. They absorb shocks well, save postage costs thanks to their low weight and, thanks to the flap with self-adhesive strip, they are easy to close. They are ideal for sending small electronics, crayons, CDs and DVDs, chocolates, etc. There are also many sizes to choose from – from the small 100×165 envelopes to the A3+ size, which is suitable for calendars, among other things.

CARDBOARD ENVELOPES

Plain or microwavablecardboard envelopes are ideal for sending paper products – catalogues, calendars, diaries, annual reports, books, notebooks, as well as CDs and DVDs. They provide strong enough protection for paper mailings, are easy to close – either with drawer trims or self-adhesive strips – and look presentable. They are suitable for both postal and courier services. The envelopes have practical perforations for easy opening.

PAPER ENVELOPES

Paper envelopesare the most common and offer the largest choice of sizes. They are mainly used in routine correspondence when sending letters, invoices and other items. The main advantages are light weight, availability and environmental friendliness. Some envelopes are also produced with windows with rounded corners. Depending on the location of the window, envelopes are distinguished as right, left, top or bottom. The distance between the window and the edge of the envelope must be at least 12 mm for manufacturing reasons.

All our envelopes can be found here.