Why buy the air cushion envelope? An air-cushioned envelope protects delicate goods from damage.

There are many reasons why you should buy bubble envelopes. Fragile items that are susceptible to shocks or scratches, for example, need special protection when being shipped, which conventional envelopes and envelope liners cannot provide. In addition, it is not uncommon for shipments to pass through several shipping stations or to be handled roughly in the general hectic rush. Bubble envelopes provide a remedy in this case. A padded envelope protects the fragile freight item from damage caused by handling and shipping with its inner lining of bubble wrap. Because of the way bubble envelopes are made, the contents are evenly protected at all points, so that books, CDs, jewellery, electrical components and important documents can all be sent in this shipping packaging without hesitation. Anyone who has already sent sensitive goods in an ordinary envelope knows that an envelope needs bubble wrap for safe shipping. At the same time, shipping in a cushion envelope is often faster and cheaper than sending a parcel because it is a more compact package.

Where to order air-padded envelopes to protect your goods from danger during transport

A wide range of formats and sizes makes it possible to send items with a wide variety of dimensions in a padded envelope. The tear-resistant bubble wrap, usually made of three-layer polyethylene, with its air-filled nubs, optimally protects the contents from impacts, scratches and moisture from the outside and prevents sharp objects from damaging the packaging from the inside. Air-cushioned envelopes thus offer an effective compromise between the inexpensive letter item and the better-protected but more expensive parcel item in a folding carton, which also often requires large quantities of packaging material to fill cavities properly.

By using bubble envelopes, it is thus possible to make time-consuming and material-intensive packaging work more efficient - the goods usually only have to be placed in the protective envelope, which is then sealed. This is of particular benefit to retailers who have to ship a wide range of goods in large numbers every day. Since just a few grams of extra weight can cause a shipment to fall into a higher price category, the bubble envelope helps to reduce costs. If you're wondering where to order bubble envelopes, the answer is here at Verpacking.com. In our online shop you can buy bubble envelopes in different sizes.

How the project of creating a plastic wallpaper accidentally led to the invention of bubble wrap

The bubble envelope owes these properties to an idea that entered the world of logistics in the late 1950s: By chance, engineers Marc Chavannes and Alfred Fielding invented the material in 1957, which two years later gave rise to the bubble wrap patented in the USA under the brand name "Bubble Wrap". They actually wanted to produce a wallpaper made of plastic that would be washable and easier to apply. However, a first prototype, which consisted of two layers of polyethylene glued to each other and already had the characteristic air bubbles, was not well received by customers. The two engineers then began to market the material as an insulating material for greenhouses and ultimately as a packaging material. To this end, they refined the design of the bumps, which cushion impacts, protect the cargo and at the same time make the bubble wrap much lighter than previously used packaging materials such as sawdust. Later, a three-ply version was added, which is slightly stiffer due to a second cover film, but offers additional stability.

This same three-ply bubble wrap is also used in the production of common padded envelopes. In special machines, the paper for the cover and the bubble wrap for the padding of the envelope are cut to the correct dimensions in strips. The resulting blanks are then glued together. Finally, the padded envelope is created by folding the materials thus joined together into the desired shape. In some models, the paper is also given a special water-repellent coating, which additionally helps to ensure that the cargo item is not damaged by moisture.

The sizes of bubble envelopes on Verpacking.com range from DIN A6 to DIN A3.

The formats in which bubble envelopes are available roughly correspond to the page formats according to the DIN standard. The rule of thumb is that pages of the corresponding DIN format fit comfortably in the envelope without having to be folded. The bubble envelope is available in small and large sizes. For example, the smallest format, called A1, with external dimensions of 120 x 175 mm is equivalent to a page in DIN A6 format, while the F6 format up to dimensions of 240 x 350 mm corresponds to the familiar DIN A4 format. The largest common envelopes with bubble wrap in K10 format have dimensions of 370 x 480 mm; this is equivalent to a page in DIN A3+ or C3 format. An exception to this equivalence of the DIN standard is the CD format, which offers exactly space for a CD in a jewel case up to the dimensions 200 x 175 mm.

In addition, bubble envelopes offer a wide range of individual design options. Due to their large surface area and the neutral brown or white outer material, it is possible to digitally print a lettering or company logo on the envelopes. This creates a special recognition value and is therefore ideal for mail order companies that need to guarantee secure shipping but still don't want to give up their personal touch. At Verpacking.com you can buy these special bubble envelopes

Three small closure types and lots of applications with shipping protected by bubble wrap

A significant advantage of bubble envelopes over other packaging is that they are easily reusable: In addition to the disposable pressure-sensitive adhesive closure, many models have an additional adhesive strip and a hole for sample bag clips to seal the envelope. Since the adhesive seal becomes unusable after it has been opened once, it gives the recipient additional security. This makes it possible to see immediately whether the letter has been opened in transit. This creates certainty that confidential contents are really only read by the recipient. In contrast, the adhesive seal can be opened and closed several times without any problems and without damaging the adhesive layer. This means that an air-padded envelope can continue to be used with a new address label, which conserves resources.

A padded envelope is the ideal waterproof packaging for sensitive goods

This versatility and the protective effect of air pads make the padded envelope ideal for shipping sensitive goods. The shock-, tear- and often waterproof packaging makes it possible to ship even valuable jewellery, sensitive electrical components or smartphones without damage. It is therefore logical that envelopes should contain air cushioning if sensitive goods are to be sent.
Padded envelopes are also suitable for book shipments. With this discounted shipping method, it is customary for Deutsche Post employees to check the contents of an envelope to prevent abuse of the offer. It is therefore necessary that a mailing envelope for book shipments can be opened and resealed. In the past, clip closures were mandatory for this purpose, but Deutsche Post now also accepts bags that have adhesive closures. With us you can order bubble envelopes that meet the requirements of Deutsche Post.

What do bubble envelopes cost and how much does it cost to send them with Deutsche Post?

But in many cases, other goods can also be sent more cheaply and quickly in padded envelopes. For example, it is possible to send items measuring 353 x 250 x 20 mm and weighing less than 500 g as a Großbrief. Larger items can be sent as Maxibrief instead, as long as they do not exceed the dimensions 353 x 250 x 50 mm and a weight of 1000 g. Since large and maxi letters are considered registered mail and are therefore not delivered by a parcel service provider but directly by Deutsche Post, the postal delivery time is usually less than two days. At the same time, the postage for these types of shipping is lower than that for a parcel of comparable size from common shipping service providers such as DHL or Hermes. Meanwhile, almost every online shop sends products in a bubble envelope Where to buy it cheap? Here at Verpacking.com you can buy bubble envelopes at low prices.

The reusable bubble envelopes are small and cheap, so they allow shipping at a low price.

The use of bubble envelopes not only ensures that goods arrive safely at the recipient; it also enables faster shipping and is easy on the sender's wallet. This pays off especially in the mail order business: While fast shipping and few returns increase customer satisfaction, the lower postage ensures lower costs. The price of a bubble envelope from Deutsche Post is unbeatable. With several shipments a day, this can quickly lead to considerable savings that can be invested elsewhere. In addition, private consumers can reuse a bubble envelope to send their own goods if necessary.
Due to the large selection of formats, it is also possible to find the right bubble envelope for almost any item. This makes packing before goods are dispatched easier, as processes can be uniform and take less time.
As a result, bubble envelopes are not unjustifiably popular in logistics: they are lightweight, save postage and are easy to use. But that's not all: the uniform nature of the inner material also helps to ensure that packed items are optimally protected against impacts from every side.

Can padded envelopes contribute to sustainability with their integrated film air cushion?

Since plastic is used to cushion the envelope, it is easy to assume that small, single-use air cushion envelopes are a waste of resources.
However, air padded envelopes do surprisingly well in terms of sustainability as they can be made entirely from recycled materials. Due to their robust construction and reusable adhesion and clip closures, it is also possible to reuse air pillow envelopes, fitted with new address labels. This saves both paper and filling material when delicate items need to be shipped.
If an air-cushioned envelope does wear out at some point, it can also be recycled without any problems in most cases. All you have to do is separate the paper from the integrated air cushion. While the paper is disposed of as conventional waste paper, the bubble wrap can be taken to the recycling collection and recycled. However, it is important to note that the materials really must be completely separated. If this is not possible or if the paper is coated, the only option is to dispose of it in the residual waste instead.

You want to do without plastic? - Envelopes with corrugated cardboard offer a more environmentally friendly alternative

If you want to do without plastic altogether, you have a choice of a number of alternative mailing envelopes that have been developed along the lines of the air-cushioned model. These are characterised by the fact that uncoated recycled paper is usually used for the outer envelope and that the paper and the inside can be easily separated. Instead of bubble wrap, more environmentally friendly cushioning mats made of paper or corrugated cardboard are used for padding, which promise a similar protective effect. Another new option is the use of envelopes made of grass paper, a significant proportion of which is produced from locally grown grasses. This also reduces the burden on forests, as fewer trees are lost to paper production.
If the items to be sent are not fragile and do not require additional padding, sturdy cardboard envelopes can be used as an alternative to bubble envelopes. These also protect the contents from scratches and are thinner, as they do not require additional padding.

Frequently asked questions about the bubble envelope

What can be sent safely in a bubble envelope?

In general, shipping in a bubble wrap envelope is suitable for all goods that can be folded to the dimensions of a K10 envelope without difficulty or damage. Goods that are particularly sensitive to shocks or scratches, such as CDs, DVDs or smartphones, benefit from this, but bubble wrap envelopes are also a popular shipping option for clothing and books. However, delicate items that may bend or break off should instead be shipped in a suitable box to arrive undamaged.

Which shipping bags are best for which product?

As a rule of thumb, the bubble envelope must be appropriate for the item being shipped. This is also for legal reasons, as the sender is obliged to ensure that the goods are adequately packaged - otherwise the shipping service provider may not be liable for any damage that occurs during transport. Therefore, on the one hand, do not choose a shipping bag that is too large, as the item of freight could slip in it and thus be damaged. On the other hand, the outer shell of the packaging should also be of an appropriate quality to protect the contents. Hard objects with defined corners and edges, such as books, picture frames and CD or DVD cases, are particularly susceptible to unsightly damage from impacts at the corners. These should therefore be shipped in packaging that is made of solid cardboard and thus particularly protects the corners.

The unit µm can be found under specifications for bubble envelopes - what does this mean?
What does the unit µm mean under specifications for bubble envelopes?

The unit micrometre, marked as µm or simply µ, indicates the thickness of the film used. These are thousandths of a millimetre; a film with a higher µm specification is therefore heavier, but thicker and more resistant. This makes it more suitable for longer transports and storage times, such as those that occur when shipping abroad. You can see directly from the outside that the envelope contains air cushioning because it is thicker than an ordinary envelope.

What should I bear in mind when sending sensitive parts?

Electronic components in particular can be damaged by static electricity or electrostatic discharge (ESD) during transport. To prevent this, specially processed bubble wrap must be used.
For electrostatically sensitive goods such as PC components, especially mainboards or graphics cards, the pink antistatic bubble wrap is used for this purpose. This prevents the component from being charged by friction and thus enables safe transport.
If, on the other hand, microelectronic components such as individual computer chips or circuit boards are to be shipped, a permanently conductive film is used instead. This is dyed black and conducts electricity so that it does not cause any damage to the contents.
Both films are also available as inner linings for bubble envelopes and therefore benefit from the same advantages as ordinary bubble envelopes.

What is the cost of sending a bubble envelope?

Because bubble envelopes do not use additional filling material, they are less bulky than parcel items. For this reason, it is usually possible to send them as a large or maxi letter. This ensures that the bubble envelope price for shipping with DHL remains low. How much do bubble envelopes and the associated shipping cost? Unlike a DHL parcel, which can be sent at a fixed price of €4.50 in 2022, this will cost €1.60 or €2.75 per shipment, depending on the rate. For smaller items, a small bubble envelope is helpful. If the goods are lighter than 50 g and smaller than 235 x 125 x 10 mm, they can also be sent as a compact letter for only €1.

Is it possible to combine a bubble envelope and other packaging?

Of course it is possible to use a bubble envelope as a supplement to other packaging without any problems. This is especially the case when different contingencies need to be covered. For example, if sensitive documents are to be sent, it may make sense to seal them in a conventional envelope and additionally pack it in a bubble envelope to protect it from damage. The same applies if several items are to be sent together: In this case, it is possible to pack all items individually in bubble envelopes and send them together in one package. In this way, you may even be able to save on shipping costs.

What do I have to bear in mind when shipping internationally in a bubble envelope?

Internationally, the situation is unfortunately more difficult than domestically: if goods are to be delivered to other countries, strict rules apply regarding packaging and contents. For example, an international letter item from Deutsche Post may only contain documents, while a goods item may not contain any written messages apart from the invoice. Nevertheless, both can theoretically be sent in an envelope with bubble wrap without any problems, as long as it is possible to open it during customs inspection.

How often are bubble envelopes reusable?

It is difficult to give definitive information on the reusability of bubble envelopes, as the service life depends heavily on how they are handled. However, the adhesive seal is already unusable after a single use, which is why a new envelope should always be used when sending sensitive documents. Furthermore, the adhesive closure wears out after a few uses, which is why it should be used in combination with the clip closure for the rest of its life. As cracks on the outer cover do not endanger the structural integrity, even an envelope with signs of use is suitable for further use without hesitation. In general, an envelope can thus continue to be used as long as at least one closure is fully intact.