TYPES AND DIMENSIONS OF POSTAL ENVELOPES AND PACKAGING
4min read
31/05/2022
Whether you are sending your goods via 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 the best one for your shipment?
Not sure? Then we have prepared the following overview table for you, supplemented with other interesting information that you will surely use in the future.
| Envelope format | Dimensions (width x length) | Suitable use |
| 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 (single fold 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 |
Envelopes also differ in the way they are sealed. There are three basic variants:
- Wet-band envelopes are probably the most classic way of closing an envelope. It works by wetting one flap of the envelope and sticking it to the other. It’s also the only way that can be used to machine envelopes.
- Self-adhesive envelopes have adhesive applied to both flaps of the envelope, so you just flip them over and stick them together.
- Theenvelopes with a cover strip have a strip that protects the adhesive applied to one flap. After tearing it off, just glue it on.
Finally, the material from which the envelope is made must be considered. There are a number of factors to consider here, including the fragility of the item being sent and the method of transport.
THE FACTORS INVOLVED, SUCH AS THE TYPE OF ITEM TO BE SHIPPED, THE TYPE OF MATERIAL TO BE SHIPPED, AND THE FACTORS INVOLVED IN THE SHIPPING PROCESS. 
If you’re looking for packaging that won’t get damaged and that can withstand weather conditions, plastic envelopes are the ideal choice. You can easily wrap a t-shirt, a bed sheet, a duvet, or even a shoebox in them. Their big advantage is, as mentioned, their waterproof and tear-resistant properties. In addition, they are soft and flexible and easy to close with the help of a self-adhesive flap. Plastic envelopes ensure that your parcel is protected at all times, whatever mode of transport you choose. If you want to save the environment reach for cardboard or kraft envelopes.
BUBBLE ENVELOPES
Bubble envelopes are most commonly used for shipping by mail. They are high quality and sufficient protection for fragile products. They absorb shock well, save you postage costs due to their low self-weight and are easy to close thanks to the flap with self-adhesive strip. They are ideal for mailing small electronics, crayons, CDs and DVDs, chocolates etc. There are also many sizes to choose from – from small 100×165 envelopes to A3+, a size suitable for calendars among other things.
CARDBOARD ENVELOPES
Cardboard envelopes made of plain or microwavable cardboard are ideal for sending paper products – catalogues, calendars, diaries, annual reports, books, notebooks, but also for CDs and DVDs. They provide strong enough protection for paper-based mailings, are easy to close – either with the help of drawer slats or self-adhesive strips – and look presentable. They are suitable for both postal and courier services. The envelopes have a practical perforation thread for easy opening.
PAPER ENVELOPES
Paper envelopes are the most common and offer the largest range of sizes. They are mainly used in ordinary correspondence, when sending letters, invoices and other parcels. The main advantages are low weight, availability and environmental friendliness. Some envelopes are also produced with windows with rounded corners. We distinguish according to the location of the window those envelopes that have them on the right, left, top or bottom. The distance of the window from the edge of the envelope must then be at least 12 mm for production reasons.
