Padded envelope

A padded envelope, also known as a padded or cushioned mailer or (UK) jiffy bag, is an envelope incorporating protective padding to protect items during shipping. The padding is usually thick paper, bubble wrap, or foam.

A padded envelope by Bubble Wrap

Uses

Mailing envelopes and small packages may receive as many as 27 handlings during shipment with the maximum drop height of 1.2 m.[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

Several constructions are available.[2][3] [4]

Exterior

The exterior envelope can be made of a heavy paper, paperboard, corrugated fiberboard or plastic film.

Padding

The padding material can be recycled newsprint, foam, bubble wrap, or other cushioning materials.

Closure

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.

Environmental impact

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.[5]

See also

References

Citations
  1. Singh, S P (2010). "Measurement and Analysis of 'Small' Packages in Next-day Air Shipments". Packaging Technology and Science. 23: 1–9. doi:10.1002/pts.873. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
  2. US3867874A, ONeil, "Method for making padded envelope", published 1975
  3. US8468779B2, KannankerilIan M. Donegan, "Method and apparatus for positioning, inflating, and sealing a mailer comprising an inner inflatable liner", published 2013
  4. US3948436A, Banbara, "Multilayer bag", published 1974
  5. Pilfold, K (2013). A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Protective Mailers in the Postal Industry (PDF) (MSc). University of Calgary.

Bibliography
  • 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
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