Which Paper Mailer Is Right For Your Business?
WHICH PAPER MAILER IS RIGHT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
EcoEnclose offers seven paper-based mailers. All are 100% recycled, curbside recyclable, and naturally biodegradable. All are also a good fit for a plastic-free shipping strategy and are available for custom printing starting at just 500 units.
Learn how they compare and see if one is the right shipping solution for your business.
Table of Contents
EcoEnclose Paper Mailer Overview
Kraft Mailer Lite
Our lightest weight and lowest environmental footprint paper mailer is made with 100% recycled linerboard. This basic economy mailer is available in two gusseted sizes.
Kraft Mailer
Our economy paper-based shipper bags, these mailers are made with 100% recycled 10 pt paper. We offer this mailer in seven different sizes, including two gusseted for increased expansion.
EcoX Mailer
Our value paper-based shipper bags, these mailers are made with 100% recycled 11 pt paper. They contain less post-consumer waste than our other paper mailers; the higher level of post-industrial waste makes a stronger mailer. They are also surprisingly water resistant, so they are a great alternative to poly mailers.
Apparel Mailer
Designed to be a premium, strong, sturdy alternative to poly mailers for shipping apparel and bulky outdoor gear. They are made with 15-18pt paper and feature top and bottom creasing for easy expansion.
Padded Mailer
These cushioned mailers are made with two sheets of recycled kraft paper that sandwich shreds of recycled newspaper. This padding gives it structure and provides a layer of protection for whatever you are shipping.
Rigid Mailer Self-Seal
These mailers are made with 28 pt paper and are designed to stay flat and unbent in transit, and are a great solution for shipping prints, photos and other art.
Rigid Mailer Tab-Lock
These incredibly sturdy mailers are made with 36 pt paper, and are sure to resist bending or crushing in transit. They are ideal for flat items, and can expand slightly to fit books and prints. Because of the paperboard thickness, these mailers do not self-seal and require packing tape.
Summary of Attributes
| Kraft Mailer Lite | Kraft Mailer | EcoX Mailer | Apparel Mailer | Padded Mailer | Rigid Mailer SS | Rigid Mailer TL | |
| Eco Attributes | 100% Recycled, 90% PCW, Curbside Recyclable, Naturally Biodegradable. | 100% Recycled, 90% PCW, Curbside Recyclable, Naturally Biodegradable. | 100% Recycled, 70% PCW, Curbside Recyclable, Naturally Biodegradable. | 100% Recycled, 97% PCW, Curbside Recyclable, Naturally Biodegradable. | 100% Recycled, 25% PCW, Curbside Recyclable, Naturally Biodegradable. | 100% Recycled, 90% PCW, Curbside Recyclable, Naturally Biodegradable. | 100% Recycled, 90% PCW, Curbside Recyclable, Naturally Biodegradable. |
| Differentiating Qualities | Basic economy option. Lightest weight paper with the smallest environmental footprint. | Economy option. Works well for most lighter weight apparel shipments. | Value option. Mid-tier price, unique level of water resistance. | Premium option. Strong stock, stays flat, but still flexes for apparel. | Cushioning for added protection. Uses a plastic tear strip. | Thicker stock to avoid bending, but with self seal. | Thickest stock that is very difficult to bend. Needs tape to seal. |
| Size Options | Gusseted: 10.5" x 3.75" x 19", 18.5" x 6.25" x 24.75" | Non Gusseted: 6x10", 8.75x12", 9.5x14.5", 10.5x16", 12.5x19" Gusseted: 6x2.5x12", 10.5x3.75x19" | Non Gusseted: 6x9", 7.5x10", 9x12", 10x13", 12x15", 14.5x19" Gusseted: 9.5x3x16", 10.5x4x19" | Non Gusseted: 7x9", 10x13", 12x15.5" Gusseted: 10.5x4x19" | Non Gusseted: 6x9", 7.25x11", 8.5x11", 10.5x15”, 14.25x19" | Non Gusseted: 6x8”, 9x11.5”, 11x13.5” | Non Gusseted: 6x8”, 9x11.5”, 12.75x15" |
| Ideal For | Bulky, lightweight apparel and textiles; avoid any heavy shipments. | Apparel and textiles; avoid very heavy shipments. | Apparel and textiles. | Lightweight and mid-weight apparel and textiles, especially premium goods. | Cosmetics, vitamins, oils, tinctures, jewelry, accessories, books, and some apparel. | Art, prints and smaller or thinner accessories. | Art, prints, documents. |
Not sure which is best?
Try a sample.
We know it is hard to make decisions from an article alone.
That’s why we offer free samples - so you can touch, feel and test different mailers before placing a full order.
Our Research
Evaluating the
Paper Mailer Landscape
Case Study
Finding the Best Paper Mailer
Should I use a shipping box instead?
Shipping boxes are more expensive, space intensive for storage, and more operationally complex. However, sometimes they are the most functional and stylish packaging solution.
We offer custom sized shipping boxes in various styles including tab locking boxes, literature mailers, and OPFs. If you find that mailers don’t work for you, order samples of shipping boxes instead.
Ideal for:
- Shipping multiple products
- Monthly subscription services
- Fragile or bulky shaped items
- Exceptional presentation
Looking for Guidance?
We'd love to help you find the right shipping solution for your business.