Kraft Mailers
A plastic-free and naturally biodegradable alternative to traditional poly mailers. Lightweight and affordable, kraft mailers are an ideal shipping solution for small apparel and textiles.
Recycled Content
Fibers made with 100% recycled content. May also include additives, adhesives, and ink.
PCW Content
Made with 90% post-consumer waste that has been diverted from landfills.
Circular
High recycled content and can be readily recycled into a useful product in its next life.
Plastic-Free
Paper fibers do not contain added synthetic polymers. May include synthetic adhesives.
Curbside Recyclable
Commonly accepted in most curbside recycling programs across the US.
Made in USA
Utilizes local recycled inputs, transparent supply chain, lower transportation footprint.
Custom Kraft Mailers
Create an exceptional customer experience with custom kraft mailers. Add your branding starting at just 500 units. Printed with HydroSoy or Algae Ink™, our kraft mailers can be branded on one side in one color.
Do you ship 1,000+ orders per week? Work with us on unique projects, including edge-to-edge printing, 2 print colors, and more.
Start Your Order
BUY MORE, SAVE MORE
2-4 Units
= 2% Savings
5-9 Units
= 5% Savings
10-14 Units
= 10% Savings
15-24 Units
= 15% Savings
5,000+ Mailers
Specifications
| Material | 100% recycled kraft paper linerboard |
| Recycled Content | 100% recycled kraft paper fiber 90% post-consumer waste paper fiber |
| Thickness | 10 pt paperboard |
| Material Features | Tamper-evident |
| Functionality | Self-seal adhesive closure |
| End-of-Life | Curbside recyclable with paper Naturally biodegradable |
| Origin | Made in USA |
| Mailer Color | Natural kraft |
| Print Color | Pantone Color Matching System (PMS) |
| Ink Type | HydroSoy Ink or Black Algae Ink |
| Print Process | Flexographic |
| Print Option | Post-production: 1-sided, 1-color Inline: edge-to-edge printing, 2 print colors, and more - request quote |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Kraft Mailer?
A kraft mailer is a paper mailing envelope constructed from kraft paperboard. They are ideal for shipping small apparel and textiles and are recyclable in curbside recycling programs. However, they are not weather-resistant like poly mailers due to their paper construction.
When should I use a Kraft Mailer versus other paper mailers?
EcoEnclose offers six paper mailers. All are 100% recycled, manufactured in the USA, and curbside recyclable, but each serves a unique purpose. Our paper mailer guide provides a detailed overview of each mailer and its ideal use case.
Kraft Mailers, EcoX Mailers, and Apparel Mailers are specifically designed for shipping apparel and other soft goods. All are great alternatives to poly mailers for brands looking for sustainable packaging and focused on going plastic-free. Our paper mailers for apparel guide dives deeper into these three mailers.
What is the difference between these three mailers? In short:
Kraft Mailers, EcoX Mailers, and Apparel Mailers are specifically designed for shipping apparel and other soft goods. All are great alternatives to poly mailers for brands looking for sustainable packaging and focused on going plastic-free. Our paper mailers for apparel guide dives deeper into these three mailers.
What is the difference between these three mailers? In short:
- Kraft Mailers are our economy option offered in a standard and lite version. They are made with the thinnest paper and have at least 90% post-consumer waste. These mailers work in most situations.
- EcoX Mailers are our mid-range value option. They are made with slightly thicker paper (11pt) and less post-consumer waste (70%), making them more durable and puncture resistant. These are great for brands that have tried Kraft Mailers but need a stronger, cost-effective mailer.
- Apparel Mailers are our premium option. Its thicker paper (15-18pt), unique stay-flat design, and high post-consumer waste content (97%) create a high-quality, luxury delivery experience.
What are the sizes, dimensions, and weights of EcoEnclose kraft mailers?
The dimensions in the product description refer to the external dimensions of the mailer.
| Product Code | Product Description | Parcel Weight | Parcel Dimensions | Mailer Weight | Mailer Weight | Internal Mailer Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KM6x10-25 | 6 x 10" - Bundle of 25 | 1.5 lbs | 13 x 6 x 1" | 0.06 lbs | 0.8 oz | 5.96 x 9.96" |
| KM6x10-500 | 6 x 10" - Case of 500 | 26 lbs | 25 x 14 x 7" | 0.06 lbs | 0.8 oz | 5.96 x 9.96" |
| KM8.5x12-25 | 8.5 x 12" - Bundle of 25 | 2.25 lbs | 15 x 9 x 1" | 0.09 lbs | 1.2 oz | 8.46 x 11.96" |
| KM8.5x12-250 | 8.5 x 12" - Case of 250 | 21.5 lbs | 15 x 10 x 14" | 0.09 lbs | 1.2 oz | 8.46 x 11.96" |
| KM9.5x14.5-25 | 9.5 x 14.5" - Bundle of 25 | 2.75 lbs | 17 x 10 x 1" | 0.11 lbs | 1.8 oz | 9.46 x 14.46" |
| KM9.5x14.5-250 | 9.5 x 14.5" - Case of 250 | 27 lbs | 18 x 10 x 14" | 0.11 lbs | 1.8 oz | 9.46 x 14.46" |
| KM10.5x16-25 | 10.5 x 16" - Bundle of 25 | 3.5 lbs | 19 x 11 x 1" | 0.14 lbs | 2 oz | 10.46 x 15.96" |
| KM10.5x16-250 | 10.5 x 16" - Case of 250 | 32.25 lbs | 20 x 11 x 12" | 0.14 lbs | 2 oz | 10.46 x 15.96" |
| KM12.5x19-25 | 12.5 x 19" - Bundle of 25 | 4.5 lbs | 21 x 13 x 1" | 0.18 lbs | 2.2 oz | 12.46 x 18.96" |
| KM12.5x19-200 | 12.5 x 19" - Case of 200 | 35.5 lbs | 23 x 13 x 10" | 0.18 lbs | 2.2 oz | 12.46 x 18.96" |
| KM6x2.5x12-25 | 6 x 2.75 x 12" - Bundle of 25 | 1.75 lbs | 15 x 6 x 2" | 0.07 lbs | 1 oz | 5.93 x 2.68 x 11.93" |
| KM6x2.5x12-500 | 6 x 2.75 x 12" - Case of 500 | 33 lbs | 20 x 17 x 13" | 0.07 lbs | 1 oz | 5.93 x 2.68 x 11.93" |
| KM10.5X3.75X19-25 | 10.5 x 3.75 x 19" - Bundle of 25 | 4.2 lbs | 21 x 10.5 x 2.5 | 0.15 lbs | 2.4 oz | 10.43 x 3.68 x 18.83" |
| KM10.5x3.75x19-200 | 10.5 x 3.75 x 19" - Case of 200 | 33 lbs | 23.5 x 14 x 11.375 | 0.15 lbs | 2.4 oz | 10.43 x 3.68 x 18.83" |
What are gussets, and when should I use a gusseted mailer?
Gussets are part of a bag or packaging folded back in on itself. Typically these gussets expand to give the bag greater carrying volume. For example, a traditional paper shopping bag is gusseted on the bottom and the sides giving it a cube shape once fully expanded.
Two sizes of our Kraft Mailers are gusseted on the side, so while they are flat when you receive them, they expand when you put products in them. Gussets serve two primary purposes for our brands:
While gussets have a lot of benefits, beware of one crucial pitfall. Don’t assume that a mailer can be stuffed to capacity simply because it is gusseted. If there is too much weight and tension on the gussets, this feature can increase the mailer’s likelihood of failing.
In general, our recommendation is as follows. If a flat mailer works well for you, choose it because it uses less material and tends to have lower damage rates. However, if you require a gusseted mailer's speed, efficiency, or volume, avoid overfilling and run a dozen or so ship tests before transitioning to this solution.
Two sizes of our Kraft Mailers are gusseted on the side, so while they are flat when you receive them, they expand when you put products in them. Gussets serve two primary purposes for our brands:
- Improved fulfillment speed because of how much easier it is to put products in a bag that can expand
- Increased bulkiness and depth of product that can be packaged
While gussets have a lot of benefits, beware of one crucial pitfall. Don’t assume that a mailer can be stuffed to capacity simply because it is gusseted. If there is too much weight and tension on the gussets, this feature can increase the mailer’s likelihood of failing.
In general, our recommendation is as follows. If a flat mailer works well for you, choose it because it uses less material and tends to have lower damage rates. However, if you require a gusseted mailer's speed, efficiency, or volume, avoid overfilling and run a dozen or so ship tests before transitioning to this solution.
Can I print Kraft Mailers with Algae Ink?
Yes - we love printing these mailers in black Algae Ink! If you’d like your branded kraft mailer printed in algae, choose this option when building your custom order, or contact us to start your order.
Should I use plastic or paper mailers to ship apparel?
It depends - recycled poly mailers have a lower carbon footprint than paper and are much more cost-effective. However, recycled paper mailers are curbside recyclable, making them more likely to be recycled at the end of their useful life. Additionally, paper is a naturally biodegradable material, meaning these mailers will not contribute to ocean plastic pollution.
Learn more: Paper vs. Plastic: Which Should I Use For My Packaging?
Learn more: Paper vs. Plastic: Which Should I Use For My Packaging?
How do I choose the right size mailer for my products?
- Lay your products down and measure an “imaginary boundary” around them to get a length, width, and height.
- Add a fitting allowance around these dimensions. If you want a snug fit, add 0.25 for mailers. If your item is thick (0.25" or more) and you plan on using a flat (non-gusseted) paper mailer, add at least 0.5” to your dimensions.
- Map these dimensions, with the cushioning included, to your mailer size.
Then, order free samples, the most effective way to size correctly, and test your options.