Paper mailers from A to Z
1min read
19/10/2022
With the huge growth in e-commerce and increasing consumer awareness of eco-friendly packaging, paper shipping pouches are becoming increasingly suitable alternatives to plastic shipping pouches. Find out how to choose the right paper pouch for your products in our choice guide and read more about consumers’ views on eco-friendly packaging.
1. What are the benefits of paper pouches?
A paper pocket has many more benefits than you might think. In addition to the general benefits of a mailing pouch, paper has several other advantages. We will focus here on the unique features of paper mailing pouches, but of course that doesn’t mean you should forget about plastic mailing pouches, which of course have their own advantages.
► 1.1 Ecology
These paper packages are not just a simple alternative, but an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic shipping pouches. In addition, the recipient of your mailings can easily dispose of this recyclable paper packaging in the waste paper basket. Some variants even come with a “two-way” adhesive closure so that customers can easily reuse them.
In addition, a shipping liner is generally much better for the environment than, say, a shipping box. You can flatten it out completely, which saves a lot of space and reduces the amount of air for the “last mile”. This compact packaging therefore requires no cushioning, is very light and, finally, takes up very little space.
► 1.2 Image
Consumers are increasingly attentive to the way a product is packaged. So paper packaging will do wonders for the green image of a brand or company. And there’s more to come! Paper shipping pouches can often be personalised with your brand name for a professional image. A paper sleeve also has a luxurious look, which can only be enhanced with your brand printed on it.
► 1.3 Discrete
Paper sleeves conceal the contents from prying eyes. Not all plastic shipping pouches are opaque, paper pouches are.
► 1.4 Protectors
Paper sleeves are also a real alternative to plastic sleeves when it comes to protection. Kraft paper variants are water and tear resistant. Some pouches have several layers of kraft paper and even an extra layer of paper padding. These layers of kraft paper and paper padding can absorb shocks particularly well.
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► 1.5 Saves time and money
For one thing, e-commerce pouches are usually particularly lightweight, which makes them easier to deliver and saves you extra shipping costs. As they don’t require cushioning either, you can also save on filling costs.
On the other hand, you don’t have to waste time filling and closing the shipping bags thanks to the adhesive closure found on many variants. This means that you no longer need adhesive tape.
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2. Which e-commerce paper bag to choose?
It is important to always match the shipping bag to the product you want to ship. First, you need to determine the fragility of the product that will be shipped. Then you start looking at slightly more specific properties such as size, weight or whether the product can be folded. In our range of paper shipping pouches, each package also has an adhesive strip for faster and easier shipping. Below we explain how to choose from our range:
► 2.1 Shipping fragile products
When sending fragile products, it is best to use a padded or honeycomb sleeve. These have a paper cushioning layer which, combined with the layers of kraft paper, is particularly good at absorbing shocks during transport.
| Quilted Pouch 65% recycled  |
Padded Pouch 100% recycled  |
Hollow pocket .  |
| – Suitable for heavy products – The softest protection* – Thickness: 165 g/m² |
– Suitable for very fragile very fragile products – Maximum shock absorption – Thickness: 260 g/m² |
* Crushed paper mattress, thickness 5 mm.
► 2.2 Shipment of non-fragile products
For non-fragile shipments, you can rely on this selection of e-commerce pouches. The focus here is on the most efficient shipment possible for products that need a little extra protection, such as textiles, clothing, fashion accessories or products that are already well packaged.Thus, these pouches are also ideal for shipping foldable products. Thanks to the large sizes, you can send not only larger items, but also smaller items.
| Pocket Gusseted  |
Pocket with bottom gusset  |
Tough round-trip pouch |
| – Suitable for bulky products – Gussets for extra volume – Smooth inner surface* – 2nd adhesive strip for re-mailing – Thickness: 120 g/m² |
– Suitable for light and flexible products – Gusseted for extra volume – Moisture resistant – Thickness:125 g/m² |
* Easy insertion into the bag.
The contents and shipping capacity of the bag are 100% utilized.
3. What do consumers think about paper packaging?
The European organisation Pro Carton conducted an independent survey via Perspectus Global in 11 different countries in 2021. A total of 7051 consumers were interviewed in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Turkey, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and the UK. The survey provides insight into consumer opinion on environmental issues and packaging, and the role that COVID-19 plays in these areas. Key findings for paper packaging include:
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- More than 58% of 7051 consumers are recycling more than before and buying less plastic packaging.
- 61% of consumers admit that their purchasing decisions were influenced by environmental impact.
- 79% choose cardboard, while only 9% opt for plastic when given the choice between plastic and cardboard packaging.
- 93% of participants prefer a supermarket or retailer that proactively encourages its suppliers to provide environmentally friendly packaging over one that does not.
- 65% said they had switched brands because they were not in tune with the packaging they received.
- More than 75% of consumers surveyed are willing to pay more for packaging that has less impact on the environment.
