RAJA launches 100% paper bubble padded envelopes and embossed paper envelopes. They provide equivalent protection to plastic packaging and are easier to recycle. The commercial potential of these products is very significant.

These new products, which can be easily recycled, represent a plastic-free alternative to two solutions commonly used in e-commerce packaging: plastic bubble envelopes, which allow items to be transported safely through the post, and plastic bubble bags, which protect the products inside the parcels.

RAJA is the first distributor to offer these products in France (since February) as well as in Europe from March 2023.

Made in Europe

The products were designed by RAJA together with Cepap La Couronne, a leading French manufacturer and printer of envelopes and postal packaging. This 100-year-old company with 150 employees, based near Angoulême, is facing a shrinking of its traditional market. European envelope production actually decreased from 90 billion to 40 billion between 2010 and 2021. Cepap is reinventing itself in the market by designing new lightweight packaging.

Production of our new products started in January 2022. For the production of paper bubble envelopes and embossed paper envelopes, Cepap La Couronne has invested 1.5 million euros in a new machine 38 meters long and 4 meters wide.

Paper as strong as plastic

Christmas decorations, make-up palettes, spirits… these fragile products arrived undamaged and well protected by their packaging during the transport tests carried out by Cepap La Couronne and RAJA.

There is a reason for this. The packaging is made of pure brown kraft paper weighing 100 and 120 g/m2. Its strength of 918 kilopascals makes it one of the strongest kraft papers on the market. This means that the new paper mailers and envelopes are suitable for mailing all kinds of products in all sectors of activity: e-commerce, industry, culture, etc. Kraft paper is also PEFC certified.

At least 10% of the market

RAJA approached several potential customers during the design phase. These new products meet many important aspects. They are protective (a prerequisite), lightweight (lower shipping costs), well sized (lower shipping costs) and easily recyclable.

The demand for them is there. According to a 2021 study by Citeo, FEVAD (Federation of E-Commerce and Distance Selling), Ipsos and Hact, in France, 92% of online shoppers say they want alternatives to plastic packaging in e-commerce, provided they offer the same level of product protection.

“We are bringing our customers two new packaging solutions that are protective, easy to use, good for brands and better for the environment,” said Ulrick Parfum, director of marketing and product buying at RAJA Group.

RAJA estimates that its two new packaging solutions could quickly gain at least 10% market share over existing solutions.

These new and other eco-friendly products can be found at rajapack.co.uk