Postal Packaging - An Overview

Are plastic mailing bags and bubble mailers always the best choice for postal packaging?

When posting an item, traditionally, one would often reach for a bubble envelope or a mailing bag, attempting to make the package as small as possible by squeezing the contents in to avoid paying the next level of postage.

Choosing the proper packaging for your product is essential to ensure your package arrives safely and undamaged.

It would be best to consider several factors, such as the size and weight of the package you need, how fragile the item is and how far it is set to travel.

Bespoke mailers are one option; they look great for your brand and fit your product perfectly, offering maximum protection. If you are on a budget, however, this may be an expense you cannot afford.

A tight budget doesn’t mean you are without options; in fact, we have a variety of solutions that would suit all sizes, applications, and budgets.

Here are some of the most common types of postal packaging:

• Corrugated boxes: They are popular for postal packaging because they're solid and lightweight. They come in various sizes and can be customised to fit your needs.

• Mailing bags: Mailing bags are a good option for smaller, lightweight items. They're available in various materials, including paper, plastic, and Tyvek.

• Padded envelopes: Padded envelopes are a good choice for fragile items. They're made with a layer of bubble wrap or foam to cushion the contents.

• Postal tubes: Postal tubes are a good option for long, narrow items. They're made of cardboard or plastic and come in various sizes.

When choosing postal packaging, it's also essential to consider the following factors:

• The size and weight of your package: The size and weight of your parcel will determine the size of the packaging you need. You'll also need to ensure that the packaging is strong enough to support the weight of your package.

• The fragility of the contents: If your package contains fragile items, you must choose packaging that will provide adequate protection. Padded envelopes or corrugated boxes are good options for delicate items.

• The distance your package will be travelling: If your parcel travels a long distance, you'll need to choose durable packaging to withstand the rigours of shipping. Corrugated boxes are a good option for long-distance shipping.

Here are some additional tips for choosing postal packaging:

• Use suitable size packaging: The packaging should be the right size to fit your package snugly but not too tightly. If the packaging is too big, your package may shift during shipping, which could cause damage.

• Use the correct materials: The materials you choose for your packaging will depend on the contents of your package and the distance it will be travelling. For example, if your contents contain fragile items, you must use materials that provide adequate protection.

• Pack your package carefully: When packing your parcel, load the contents securely. Use packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or other cushioning materials to fill any empty spaces in the packaging.

• Label your package clearly: Be sure to label your package clearly with the recipient's address, your return address, and the parcel's contents. Labelling will help to ensure that your package arrives safely at its destination.

Following these tips, you can choose the proper postal packaging to ensure your package arrives safely and undamaged. Enhancing your brand, protecting the environment, and achieving great value for you and your customers may be easier to achieve than you think.