Which Paper Mailer Is Right For Your Business?
EcoEnclose now offers SIX different types of paper-based mailers (in addition to our 100% recycled poly mailers and recycled poly bubble mailers). All of these paper mailers are 100% recycled, curbside recyclable and naturally biodegradable. All are a good fit for a plastic-free shipping strategy. All of them come in a variety of different sizes.
Why do we offer so many paper mailers?
Read on to learn how they compare and see if one is the right shipping solution for your business.
Kraft Mailers: Our "entry level" paper-based shipper bags, these mailers are made with 100% recycled 105# kraft paper (an equivalent of 10 pt thickness). We offer this mailer in seven different sizes, including two that are gusseted on the side for increased expansion.
EcoX Mailer: We consider this our "value" line. They are made with 100% recycled 11 pt paper (thicker than our Kraft Mailers). They also contain less post consumer waste (70% compared to 90%+ for our other mailers in this category, the remaining 30% is post industrial waste). This higher level of post industrial waste leads to a stronger mailer. They are also surprisingly water resistant, so they are a great alternative to the poly mailer. We offer this mailer in ten different sizes, including three gusseted sizes.
Paper Apparel Mailers: These mailers were designed to be a strong, sturdy alternative to poly mailers for shipping apparel and bulky outdoor gear. They are made with 15 pt (our largest size is even thicker at 18 pt) paperboard and feature top and bottom creasing for easy expansion. We offer this mailer in four sizes, and the largest is gusseted so it can fit backpacks, jackets and other thick apparel. This is a the most premium of our apparel-ready paper mailers.
Padded Mailers: These cushioned mailers are so unique! Each side of the mailer is made with two sheets of recycled kraft paper that sandwich shreds of recycled newspaper. This padding gives it structure and provides a layer of protection for whatever you are shipping. We offer this mailer in five different sizes.
Self-Sealing Rigid Mailers: These mailers are made with 28 pt paperboard and are designed to stay flat and unbent in transit, and are a great solution for shipping prints, photos and other art.
Tab Locking Rigid Mailers: Our toughest paper mailers! These incredibly sturdy mailers are constructed with 36 pt paper board, and are sure to resist bending or crushing in transit. They are ideal for flat items, and can expand slightly to fit books and prints. Because of the paperboard thickness, these mailers do not self-seal (self-sealing adhesive is not strong enough to keep these babies closed!), and need to be shut with glue or packaging tape.
Summary of Attributes: Find the Right Mailer For Your Business
| Kraft Mailer | EcoX Mailer | Paper Apparel Mailer | Padded Mailer | Rigid Mailer (Sealing) | Rigid Mailer (Tab Locking) | |
|
Eco Attributes |
100% Recycled, 90% PCW, Curbside Recyclable, Naturally Biodegradable and Compostable. Constructed with Paper from FSC chain of custody certified mills. |
100% Recycled, 70% PCW, Curbside Recyclable, Naturally Biodegradable and Compostable. Constructed with Paper from FSC chain of custody certified mills. |
100% Recycled, 90% PCW, Curbside Recyclable, Naturally Biodegradable and Compostable. Constructed with Paper from FSC chain of custody certified mills. |
100% Recycled, 25% PCW, Curbside Recyclable, Naturally Biodegradable and Compostable. SFI Certified. Utilizes plastic tear strip. |
100% Recycled, 90% PCW, Curbside Recyclable, Naturally Biodegradable and Compostable. Constructed with Paper from FSC chain of custody certified mills. |
100% Recycled, 90% PCW, Curbside Recyclable, Naturally Biodegradable and Compostable. Constructed with Paper from FSC chain of custody certified mills. |
|
Differentiating Qualities |
Economy option that works well for most lighter weight apparel shipments. If it works for you, use it it. |
Value option. Mid-tier price, unique level of water resistance. |
Premium, aesthetic option. Strong stock, stays flat, but still flexes for apparel. |
Cushioning for added protection. |
Thicker stock to avoid bending, but with self seal. |
Thickest stock that is very difficult to bend. Needs tape to seal. |
|
Size Options |
Gusseted: 10.5 x 3.75 x 19"; 6 x 2.5 x 12" Non Gusseted: 6 x 10"; 8.5 x 12"; 9.5 x 14.5"; 10.5 x 16"; 12.5 x 19" |
Non Gusseted: 6x9", 7.5x10", 9x12", 10x13", 12x15", 14.5x19", 19x24" Gusseted (coming in Aug and Sept 2021): 6x3x12", 9.5x3x16", 10.5x4x19" |
Non Gusseted: 7x9", 10x13", 12x15.5" Gusseted: 10.5" x 4" x 19" |
6x9", 7.24x11", 8.5x11", 10.5x15”, 14.25x19" |
6x8”, 9x11.5”, 11x13.5” |
6x8”, 9x11.5”, 12.75x15" |
|
Good For... |
Apparel and textiles; avoid very heavy shipments. |
Apparel and textiles. |
Lightweight and mid-weight apparel and textiles, especially premium goods. |
Cosmetics, vitamins, oils, tinctures, jewelry, accessories, books, and some apparel. |
Art, prints and smaller / thinner accessories. |
Art, prints. |
We know it is hard to make decisions from an article alone!
That’s why we offer FREE SAMPLES - so you can touch, feel and test different mailers before deciding!Click here to order individual samples of mailers in the specific sizes you need. Or check out our mailer sample pack to see all of our mailer options.
Looking for custom branded packaging? Look no further! All of these paper mailers can be custom branded starting at just 500 units for most SKUs.
Finally, we know that some businesses might be wondering if they should consider a shipping box instead of a paper mailer. Great question!
Shipping boxes are more expensive, space intensive for storage, and more operationally complex (because you have to assemble and tape boxes when you fulfill orders). However, in some situations, shipping boxes truly are the most functional and most stylish packaging solution. Shipping boxes work particularly well for:
- Bulky items or products with a height, depth and length over 2”
- Companies shipping multiple products at a time
- Monthly subscription services
- Fragile items
- Companies focused on the exceptional presentation and branding
- Oddly shaped items
We offer custom sized shipping boxes in a variety of styles - including tab locking boxes, literature mailers, and OPFs. So if you find that a mailer doesn’t work for you, order samples of shipping boxes instead.
Still not sure where to go from here? Call, chat or email us and we’d love to help you find the best packaging solution for your business!
hello@ecoenclose.com | 888-445-6575