The envelope guide – paper, plastic, cardboard or padded?

Envelopes are one of the oldest and most widely used packaging items in history, used to send letters and small items by post. We’ll tell you about the most popular types of envelopes and their uses, so you can find the right envelope for your application.

Four types of envelopes

Envelopes are usually divided into four groups. Paper envelopes, also known as office envelopes, is the most common and probably the envelope you come across most often. You’ll find them in most offices, and they’re a cheap and convenient option for those who need to send letters and documents. Paper envelopes and Padded envelopes are two types of envelope that both offer better protection against bumps and knocks in transit, which is great for those with their own e-commerce business who use envelopes to send smaller products. If you are sending products that are more delicate but need water protection, you should use Plastic envelopes, the most popular of which is e-commerce bags. There are also envelopes that are combinations of different varieties, for example our plastic bubble envelopes cushioning through padding while the plastic surface protects against moisture.

In the next section, we’ll get a little more specific about each type of envelope – starting with the popular office envelopes.

Office envelopes – the standard for sending documents

It’s always a good idea to have standard paper envelopes close at hand in case you need to send off a document. The office envelopes we’re so used to seeing are usually made of paper, which is also the most economical option. But at RAJA, we also have office envelopes made of the water-repellent and tear-resistant material Tyvek®, perfect for those who want extra protection against moisture and dirt. Office envelopes usually come in white and are available in versions with or without windows.

Standard envelope sizes internationally

Office envelopes have size requirements that have been adopted internationally, meaning that most countries use the same size. A law standardising page sizes dates back to 1798 in France, which made it easier for companies to do business internationally. The sizes used are all aligned with each other, making use and production easier internationally. A C1 is twice the size of a C2, a C2 is twice the size of a C3 and so on. The most common type for businesses is the DL size.

Although there are standard sizes, the quality of the envelopes cannot be guaranteed. The quality and thickness of the material and the seal of the adhesive are all characteristics that can vary. Cheaper, thinner envelopes can get bumped in the mail or in the worst case destroyed, and no business wants ruined documents – especially when sending private and confidential documents. Make sure your envelopes don’t suffer from this and opt for high-quality envelopes from RAJA.

Bubble envelopes & padded envelopes provide shock absorption

Need shock absorption in your envelopes? Then choose padded envelopes. They have a strong padding around the inside (layers of fibres, air-filled bubbles or foam) for extra protection against impact. Any liquid is absorbed and cushioned by the thick outer layer, ensuring that the contents are safe during transport. Over time, padded envelopes have become increasingly lighter in weight, which means lower postage costs, while maintaining a strong level of protection.

A padded envelope is best when you need extra protection for your items. They are mostly used for smaller items (an A4 envelope or less), but larger padded envelopes are also available. Padded envelopes are sometimes also called Jiffy bags, after the Jiffy Packaging Company which launched the product in 1964. Choose from three variants in the RAJA range. Our Jiffy green envelopes are an environmentally friendly option as it provides padding in the form of multiple layers of recycled paper. The bubble envelopes have bubble wrap on the inside for protection, with a smooth film surface for easy insertion. Choose from paper or plastic envelopes. Foam envelopes are ideal for contents that need soft protection or must not be folded.

Paper envelopes – shock-resistant cardboard envelopes

Cardboard or kraft paper envelopes also provide good protection against bumps and knocks during transport, thanks to the shock-resistant nature of the material. RAJA offers cardboard envelopes in various qualities – from lightweight cardboard bags to heavy-duty mini-well envelopes. Which quality is right for you depends on how flexible or shock-resistant the envelope needs to be. How fragile are the products you’re sending, and how much volume do they take up? Kraft envelopes are thinner, lighter and provide greater flexibility, while miniwell envelopes are more rigid but also provide stronger protection. In between, our cardboard backpacks are made of kraft paper but reinforced by a cardboard base – perfect for those who need to send important documents that can’t be folded.

Suprawell is a strong cardboard envelope that has both an adhesive cover strip and a tear strip, making it easier to both seal and open. Perfect for sending smaller products by post. Your customers will always appreciate a tear strip that makes opening the envelope hassle-free. Our e-commerce customers often choose kraft paper e-commerce bags as an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic e-commerce bags. These paper envelopes have an 80 mm bellows at the bottom and are perfect for sending lighter products.

Plastic envelopes and e-commerce bags – lightweight alternative to cardboard boxes

Also known as security bags or e-commerce bags,plastic envelopes are a popular alternative to cardboard boxes for e-retailers who ship unprotected products such as clothing and textiles. You can often save money on shipping costs by transporting your products in a lightweight e-commerce bag instead of a cardboard box. Unlike paper or cardboard envelopes, plastic envelopes also provide some protection against moisture and humidity. In addition to convenient handles, our best-selling ‘return’ e-commerce bags have double self-adhesive cover strips – meaning your end customer can easily and conveniently use the same packaging for any returns.

Transparent mailing bags are a special type of plastic envelope that provides sealed protection and are very popular with mail order companies, for example. They provide transparent protection for catalogues sent through the letterbox, for example.

Customise your envelopes

Did you know that you can customise your envelopes or e-commerce bags with your company logo? It’s a great way to promote your brand and give a professional impression through your packaging. Find out more at rajapack.co.uk or contact RAJA’s packaging experts today and we’ll help you.

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