Rigid Mailers - Tab Lock

Rigid mailers combine performance, organic aesthetics, eco-construction, and efficiency. Our extra rigid paperboard resists bending, so art prints, photos, and documents stay flat in transit.

front and back of rigid mailer with tab lock
Recycled Content

Recycled Content

Fibers made with 100% recycled content. May also include additives, adhesives, and ink.

PCW Content

PCW Content

Made with 90% post-consumer waste that has been diverted from landfills.

Circular

Circular

High recycled content and can be readily recycled into a useful product in its next life.

Plastic-Free

Plastic-Free

The materials used to construct the mailer do not contain synthetic polymers.

Curbside Recyclable

Curbside Recyclable

Commonly accepted in most curbside recycling programs across the US.

Made in USA

Made in USA

Utilizes local recycled inputs, transparent supply chain, lower transportation footprint.

Custom Rigid Mailers

Create an exceptional customer experience with custom rigid mailers. Add your branding starting at just 500 units. Printed with HydroSoy or Algae Ink™, our rigid mailers can be branded on both sides in one color.

Read Artwork Guidelines

Do you ship 1,000+ orders per week? Work with us on unique projects, including branding in up to 7 colors, aqueous, and gloss printing, dual adhesive strips for reuse, and more.

Request High-Volume Quote

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 fiber
Recycled Content 100% recycled kraft paper fiber
90% post-consumer waste paper fiber
Thickness 36 pt paperboard
Material Features Our most rigid paper board
FDA-Compliant for direct food contact
Functionality Reusable tab-locking closure, seal with tape
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: 7 print colors, aqueous or gloss printing, dual adhesive strips - request quote
Frequently Asked Questions

What is a rigid mailer?

A rigid mailer is a paper mailing envelope designed to ship items such as artwork, documents, and prints that should not bend in transit. These mailers range in paperboard thickness (20 to 40 pt) and closing structure (tab-locking or self-sealing). Their paper construction makes them more susceptible to the elements, unlike plastic mailers such as poly mailers.

How do I close tab-locking rigid mailers?

These mailers' backside has a tab on the right and left sides. Fold over the flap and insert the tabs into the notches. These notches hold the mailer closed surprisingly well, but most brands also place a small strip of packaging tape across the back flap to secure it and minimize the risk of tampering or theft.

We love water-activated tape for this, but pressure-sensitive tape also works.

What are the sizes, dimensions, and weights of EcoEnclose rigid mailers?

Product Code Product Description Parcel Weight Parcel Dimensions Mailer Weight Mailer Weight
RML6x8-10 6" x 8" - Bundle of 10 1.2 lbs 11" x 6" x 1" 0.12 lbs 1.6 oz
RML6x8-100 6" x 8" - Case of 100 12 lbs 14" x 11" x 7" 0.12 lbs 1.6 oz
RML9x11.5-10 9" x 11.5" - Bundle of 10 2.5 lbs 15" x 9" x 1" 0.25 lbs 3.4 oz
RML9x11.5-100 9" x 11.5" - Case of 100 25 lbs 15" x 9" x 13" 0.25 lbs 3.4 oz
RML13x15-10 12.75" x 15" - Bundle of 10 3.8 lbs 18" x 13" x 1" 0.38 lbs 6 oz
RML13x15-100 12.75" x 15" - Case of 100 38 lbs 18" x 13" x 12" 0.38 lbs 6 oz

What is the difference between self-sealing and tab-locking rigid mailers?

The primary difference between our to rigid mailers is in paperboard thickness. Our tab-locking rigid mailer is our most sturdy and durable option, made with 36 pt board. On the other hand, our self-sealing rigid mailer is sturdy but more flexible, made with 28 pt paperboard.

Because the tab-locking mailer is so thick, it cannot be closed with a self-seal. The self-sealing mechanism we’ve tried does not lend itself to a strong enough seal to keep the mailer closed in transit. Therefore, the closure on our tab-locking mailer uses notches which most brands seal with packing tape. On the other hand, our self-sealing rigid mailer has a self-sealing adhesive strip which means no shipping tape is required to secure them closed.

Additionally, our largest tab-locking mailer is 12.75x15”, while our largest self-sealing mailer is 11x13.5”. The two smaller sizes in each mailer are the same.

Should I use tab-locking or self-sealing rigid mailers?

The primary difference between our to rigid mailers is in paperboard thickness. Our tab-locking rigid mailer is our most sturdy and durable option, made with 36 pt board. On the other hand, our self-sealing rigid mailer is sturdy but more flexible, made with 28 pt paperboard.

Because the tab-locking mailer is so thick, it cannot be closed with a self-seal. The self-sealing mechanism we’ve tried does not lend itself to a strong enough seal to keep the mailer closed in transit. Therefore, the closure on our tab-locking mailer uses notches which most brands seal with packing tape. On the other hand, our self-sealing rigid mailer has a self-sealing adhesive strip which means no shipping tape is required to secure them closed.

Additionally, our largest tab-locking mailer is 12.75x15”, while our largest self-sealing mailer is 11x13.5”. The two smaller sizes in each mailer are the same.

Can I print with Algae Ink?

Yes - Algae Ink™ is a black ink net negative carbon technology, with each bucket of ink sequestering the same carbon as two trees. Tab-locking rigid mailers can be custom branded at minimum order quantities of 500 with Algae Ink, along with our other stock ink options.

Are EcoEnclose rigid mailers FDA-Compliant?

Yes - our rigid mailers are FDA-Compliant, meaning the product is compliant with FDA rules and regulations and is created with materials that are FDA-Approved. We recommend ordering case quantities if you plan to use these for direct food contact because our bundles are re-cased in a non-FDA compliant facility.