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.
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]
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.
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.[5]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
Citations[edit]
- ^ Singh, S P; J. Singh, K. C. Chiang, and K. Saha1 (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.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
- ^ US3867874A, ONeil, "Method for making padded envelope", published 1975
- ^ US8468779B2, KannankerilIan M. Donegan, "Method and apparatus for positioning, inflating, and sealing a mailer comprising an inner inflatable liner", published 2013
- ^ US3948436A, Banbara, "Multilayer bag", published 1974
- ^ 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
