Protective Mailers: Which Should You Choose for Your Products?

PackageIt Team • February 28, 2022

When it comes to shipping products, a top goal is to get the product from you to a customer without any damage. There are a number of ways to do this, and one is by using protective mailers. But what are mailers, how do you choose which one to use, and how can they benefit your business?


What Are They?


A padded mailer or cushioned mailer is an envelope containing protective padding to keep objects safe while being shipped. This is typically a protective packaging used by businesses sending out products or merchandise to their customers. The padding is typically in thick paper, bubble wrap, or foam.


Protective mailers and padded envelopes can be used for small goods that have already been wrapped to prevent them from breaking but require further cushioning, such as earrings, CDs, and flash drives, as well as for larger objects such as books.

Protective mailers are usually designed with self-seal or peel and stick strips, or sometimes both. Protective mailers can also be pre-printed with caution statements such as “Do Not Bend” printed on them.


Types of Protective Mailers


The options are endless for the types of protective mailers. Some of the most popular include:


Corrugated Mailers

This cushioned mailer is a protective package typically made of corrugated paper or cardboard. The protective packaging provides a protective exterior that keeps merchandise safe from damage.

Bubble Mailers

These protective mailers are padded envelopes typically consisting of bubble wrap or foam for the interior cushion. The exterior is a paper envelope. These are available in several sizes and shapes.

Poly Mailers

Mailers made of polyethylene, often known as polyethylene mailers, are available in several sizes and shapes. Poly mailers are best used with soft merchandise /  products and products that are already contained such as prescription bottles.

Flat Mailers & Chipboard Mailers

Chipboard and flat mailers are sturdy, durable, and lightweight mailing containers suitable for transporting critical documents, pictures, magazines, certificates, and other official documents. The design and materials used in these mailers safeguard essential documents from being folded, bent, or destroyed in any different manner during transit.

Rigid Mailers

Rigid mailers are made of laminated kraft fiberboard and are used similarly to flat/chipboard mailers in terms of functionality. They are ideal for storing critical documents, artwork, photographs, and other items.

Padded Mailers

Padded mailers are strong and lightweight, and they are resistant to moisture. The fiber padding in these boxes swells and absorbs shock, protecting your product from point A to point B. Products such as electronics, mobile phones, books, and other objects that require a little extra protection while being shipped are the best candidates for this delivery method.


Are Mailers Better Than Boxes?

Protective Mailers in Seattle

There are many benefits to protective mailers over shipping boxes. One of these is that protective mailers can often be used more than once. This cuts down on waste and also reduces costs.


Another benefit protective mailers have over boxes is that protective mailers reduce the dead space created by the rigid sides of boxes.


A third benefit protective mailers have over boxes is that mailers often use less paper and less glue. Therefore, they are generally more sustainable and leave a smaller carbon footprint.


Are Protective Mailers Eco-friendly?


Some variations of protective mailer are eco-friendly. Look for those mailers made from recycled materials. These include protective mailers made of at least 30 percent post-consumer waste.


There are also varieties available that can be reused and recycled, decreasing waste and keeping your business eco-friendly.


PackageIt: Your Trusted Protective Mailer Supplier


It is our mission to provide protective mailers that exceed your expectations. Here at PackageIt, we are protective mailer experts who deliver protective mailers in various shapes and sizes. We offer protective mailers made with recycled materials for eco-friendly shipping solutions. Some varieties we offer include:



Connect with our team online or call (888)743-0907 to schedule a product review and consultation with one of our knowledgeable account representatives.


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