Padded envelope
A padded envelope, also known as a padded or cushioned mailer, or jiffy bag in the United Kingdom, is an envelope incorporating protective padding to protect items during shipping. The padding is usually thick paper, bubble wrap, or foam.
Uses
[edit]Mailing envelopes and small packages may receive as many as 27 handlings during shipment with the maximum drop height of 1.2 metres (3.9 ft).[1] The contents of the mailing envelopes often need protection from shock and vibration damage. Cushioning or padding can be built into the mailing envelope to help protect the contents.
Construction
[edit]Several constructions are available.[2][3][4][5]
Exterior
[edit]The exterior envelope can be made of a heavy paper, paperboard, corrugated fiberboard or plastic film.
Padding
[edit]The padding material can be recycled newsprint, foam, bubble wrap, or other cushioning materials.
Closure
[edit]Many mailers have an integral flap that has a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a gummed (water-activated) adhesive, or tape to allow easy and secure closure.
DIN A4 F6 usage
[edit]In some regions, especially in Germany, a common format for mailing slightly larger items is the so-called "Luftpolstertasche A4 – F6" (bubble mailer for DIN A4-sized contents). This corresponds to an approximate internal dimension of 220 × 340 mm and an external dimension of about 240 × 350 mm.[6] These mailers typically provide:
- An easy-to-use adhesive strip for sealing
- Optional closure with metal clips (if required for specific mailing rules)
- A paper exterior with a PE bubble foil interior
- Suitability for shipping goods in the size of a DIN A4 page while offering basic cushioning
They may also feature perforations or markings for re-opening, and can be used for certain types of postal services involving books or merchandise shipping.
Environmental impact
[edit]A Life Cycle Analysis was conducted to compare a Kraft paper mailer with newsprint padding to a LDPE plastic mailer with air bubble padding. Both had advantages and disadvantages; overall, the Kraft padded mailer had a higher overall environmental impact compared to the LDPE bubble mailer. The study recommended use of future products with lower mass and which use renewable resources.[7]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]Citations
[edit]- ^ Singh, S. P.; Singh, J.; Chiang, K. C.; Saha, K. (2010). "Measurement and Analysis of 'Small' Packages in Next-day Air Shipments". Packaging Technology and Science. 23: 1–9. doi:10.1002/pts.873. S2CID 17025552. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
- ^ US 3867874, O'Neil, Joseph H., "Method for making padded envelope", published 1975-02-25, assigned to United States Envelope Co.
- ^ US 8468779, Kannankeril, Charles & Donegan, Ian M., "Method and apparatus for positioning, inflating, and sealing a mailer comprising an inner inflatable liner", published 2013-06-25, assigned to Sealed Air Corp.
- ^ US 3948436, Bambara, John D., "Multilayer bag", published 1976-04-06, assigned to Packaging Industries Inc.
- ^ US 5273361, Jillson, Ken, "Zip wrap mailers", published 1993-12-28, assigned to Jillson & Roberts
- ^ M. Krahl Verpackung (5 January 2025). "Luftpolster Versandtaschen" (in German).
- ^ Pilfold, K (2013). A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Protective Mailers in the Postal Industry (PDF) (MSc). University of Calgary.
Bibliography
[edit]- Soroka, W, "Fundamentals of Packaging Technology", IoPP, 2002, ISBN 1-930268-25-4
- Yam, K. L., "Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology", John Wiley & Sons, 2009, ISBN 978-0-470-08704-6
