Padded Envelope

How much does a padded envelope cost? Not as much as you think!

An air padded envelope or bubble envelope is a shipping bag that provides further protection to the goods being shipped. It is very important to protect your goods during shipping: otherwise the mail-order business will be threatened with further expenses, while fragile items are often irreplaceable when shipped privately. And how much does it cost? Not that much, but the effect is great.

Whether the padded envelope is large or small, it is always wrapped in robust kraft paper that protects the contents from shocks. Inside, there is an additional layer of padding 50 µm thick. You can think of this as hundreds of little airbags made of plastic film in the form of air bubbles, which protect sensitive contents from rude impacts during transport.

An alternative to plastic film is a cushioning layer made of sustainable paper cushioning bags. These are made of 100 per cent paper. Shredded paper provides the padding between the inner and outer layers and is 100% recyclable.

The protective layer of plastic with air bubbles or shredded paper prevents the shipment from slipping inside the bag and protects sensitive as well as fragile items from bumps, breaks and scratches. Bubble wrap is flexible and adapts perfectly to the items being shipped.

There are now bubble films on the market with both large and small nubs. Some padded envelopes are also equipped with perforated pads. The coloured or printed air cushion envelope is excellent for transporting gifts in a protected way. An alternative to the standardised envelopes with protective cover in brown and white are models with a matt-glossy or metallic-glossy surface.

You are looking for the right product, but ask yourself: Where to buy padded envelopes? And how much does a padded envelope cost? We'll explain everything you need to know in the following paragraphs. First things first: a padded envelope is the ideal shipping solution for delicate goods and documents that don't take up much space and saves a lot of filling material.

The padded envelope was an accidental invention from the USA

The invention of bubble wrap happened by accident. In 1957, engineers Chavannes and Fielding were in the USA looking for a new material for a wallpaper. The aim was to develop a wallpaper made of plastic that was easier to apply and washable compared to paper wallpaper. When the two wallpapered the wall with the new material, countless air bubbles formed. This invention turned out to be a failure, but a new idea was born.

As this material was very light, robust and water-repellent, they added small air bubbles. The bubble wrap was registered as a packaging film with the US Patent Office in 1959 and is nowadays a perfect protection for shipped goods. Envelopes have been around for a long time. However, the fact that an envelope was padded and then with air had never been seen before.

Since the year 2000, this versatile film with protective function, colloquially also called bubble wrap, has also been produced in Alsfeld in Germany.

bubble envelopes are water-repellent, robust and hard-wearing

The bubble film inside is able to absorb shocks, reduce vibrations and thus protect the contents from damage. In addition, the protective shipping bags are water-repellent, robust and extremely hard-wearing.

Depending on the size of the shipment, you can select the shipping package in the appropriate DIN format. Bubble envelopes are produced in brown and white. In the meantime, some suppliers have also specialised in matt and glossy surfaces, but you can also choose from all kinds of other colours when buying padded envelopes.

All envelopes are first padded by a machine. Immediately afterwards, you can customise them according to your wishes. This way you can have your company logo printed on the padded envelope.

Buy padded envelopes for secure shipping of books and other printed products

You can send books and printed products in bubble envelopes at very low cost. You can choose between different closure options and sizes of padded bags.

The idea behind book and merchandise mailings is to promote books as a cultural asset. If you want to send books or printed matter such as maps, sheet music, booklets and brochures, you can save on postage costs! Declare the bubble envelope as a book shipment. Bubble-wrapped shipping packages in formats D4, E5, F6 as well as G7 are suitable for sending books.

Padded book shipping and playing it safe? These conditions must be met for padded book shipments

Keep in mind that only products that are approved for this purpose may be declared as book and merchandise shipments. The post office checks this every now and then. Permissible enclosures include loan and book circulation cards, reply envelopes, an invoice as well as the corresponding payment transaction form.

Recommended, but not mandatory, are expanding clips or sample bag clips. These metal fasteners enable Deutsche Post employees to open the book shipment non-destructively during inspections. It is important that the envelope has flaps with holes so that you can attach the metal fasteners.

Small postage rates also for goods items with padding

As the name suggests, book and merchandise shipments also allow you to send goods in bubble envelopes at low postage costs.

Here, too, you should inform yourself in advance about the permissible contents of your shipment and you must expect that your items will be opened in transit. You may declare samples, small electronic devices, catalogues, household goods, textiles, spare parts, accessories and data carriers as merchandise shipments.

Merchandise shipments are uninsured shipments without a tracking number. You can post them in any letterbox. Suitable padded envelopes for protection are the formats D4, E5, F6 as well as G7.

What do I have to pay attention to when I send a goods shipment in padded envelopes?

Please note the following conditions that your consignment must fulfil. Firstly, goods shipments are only possible if they are sent within Germany. With regard to packaging and labelling, the consignment must be clearly marked as such above the address. The item must be franked and it is advisable to ensure non-destructive opening.

In terms of weight and dimensions, you can choose between Compact, Large and Maxi.
The dimensions are identical for these three item sizes. The length is between 10 and 35 cm, the item may be 7 to 30 cm wide and a maximum of 15 cm high. A Compact item weighs a maximum of 50 grams, Large items may weigh 500 grams, while Maxi items may weigh up to 1000 grams.

Which format is suitable for which item?

The formats in which you can buy padded envelopes are just as varied as the items you are sending. A padded envelope in B2 and D4 formats is ideal for photos, DVDs and books. If you want to send Blu-rays, you should go for a padded envelope in the G7 format or even larger.

For important documents, such as diplomas and certificates, we recommend bubble envelopes in DIN C4 format. The A4 to F6 formats are suitable for the padded dispatch of goods.

If you want to protect watches, jewellery, CDs or textiles, you can choose between the formats A1, C3 and E5. F6, H8, I9 or K10 size shipping packaging is also suitable.

The special size system for envelopes with bubble protection

You are spoilt for choice, as bubble envelopes are available in different sizes. Unlike a conventional envelope, a padded envelope has no DIN standardisation. There is a special size classification for the padded envelope. The size specifications do not refer to the inner dimension, but to the outer dimension of the envelope.

You should adjust the size of your padded envelope to the contents. Keep in mind that your padded envelope should be large enough to hold the items without damage. It is not advisable to choose an envelope that is too large, as the contents can easily shift in a bag that is too large.

A1: The smallest format of the padded shipping solution is suitable for sending very small items, coins, jewellery, stamps, documents in A6 format and seeds. The outer dimensions of this bubble envelope are 140 x 225 mm, while the inner dimensions are 120 x 215 mm.

B2: You can also buy bubble envelopes in B2 format. They then have an outer dimension of 140 x 225 mm and an inner dimension of 120 x 215 mm. You can send documents in DIN 6+ format, coins, jewellery, samples, stamps, small items, memory cards, USB sticks, small parts and technical accessories in this mailing solution.

C3: Bubble envelopes in this format have an outer dimension of 170 x 225 mm and an inner dimension of 150 x 215 mm. This protective shipping packaging is ideal for sending samples, CDs in jewel cases, memory cards, USB sticks, small items, small parts and documents in A5 format.

CD: When you choose lined CD pockets, you get an outer dimension of 200 x 175 mm and an inner dimension of 180 x 165 mm. So they are slightly smaller and have a different shape than other pockets. These mailing envelopes are ideal for a DVD or CD in jewel format.

D4: The outer dimension is 200 x 275 mm, while the inner dimension is 180 x 265 mm.
These types of shipping products are recommended for small items, CDs, DVDs, memory cards, batteries, samples, small parts, paperbacks and documents in B5 format. Book and merchandise mailers are an inexpensive shipping option for both padded and unpadded envelopes.

E5: Envelopes of this size have an outer dimension of 240 x 275 mm and an inner dimension of 220 x 265 mm. This mailing solution can accommodate documents in DIN B5+ format, a DVD, medium-sized articles, cards, calendars and paperbacks. You can also send samples, small parts and batteries shock-protected. Padded envelopes in this format are suitable for both book and merchandise shipments.

F6: Bubble envelopes of this size have an outer dimension of 240 x 350 mm and an inner dimension of 220 x 340 mm. The padded envelope offers space for documents in DIN A4 format, catalogues, brochures, electronics, magazines, books, cards and calendars. Likewise, an F6 padded envelope is ideal for sending textiles, small parts, spare parts and batteries. If you want to buy F6 air padded envelopes, you can then post them cheaply as book or merchandise mail. A padded envelope is ideal for sending as a BüWa. We explain below what you need to bear in mind.

G7: For sending everyday documents, you need your envelopes to be padded. G7 envelopes have an outside dimension of 260 x 350 mm and an inside dimension of 240 x 340 mm. They are large enough to send documents in DIN C4 format, books, magazines, brochures, catalogues and calendars. There is also room for mobile phones, DVDs, textiles, small items and spare parts.

H8: The outer dimensions of H8 bubble envelopes are 290 x 370 mm, while the inner dimensions are 270 x 360 mm. In addition to brochures, catalogues, calendars and mobile phones, you can also send larger books and magazines in this bag. There is also room for large items, textiles, clothing, spare parts and small parts in this spacious shipping solution.

I9: This large package has an outer dimension of 320 x 455 mm and an inner dimension of 300 x 445 mm. Choose this padded bag if you want to send A3 documents, picture frames, calendars, large books, toys, textiles, shoes and clothing.

K10: The outer dimension of 370 x 480 mm and the inner dimension of 350 x 470 mm make this the largest bubble envelope on the market. You can send documents that are A3+ in size in this break-proof packaging. The largest bubble envelope format is also ideal for sending toys, books, large calendars, textiles, shoes, clothing and large items.

Sustainably padded: Where can I save resources when shipping with bubble bags?

Recycled kraft paper is gentle on the environment. This is certified by the Blue Angel. To ensure that the recyclable envelope is padded and robust, the kraft paper should be tear-resistant and have reinforcements on the edges and corners. Only then will your mailing envelope be well padded.

Recyclable paper padded envelopes feature both an outer and inner cover and a filling that is made from 100% recycled paper. The filling is made from shredded recycled paper, which provides excellent protection for particularly sensitive goods.

These environmentally friendly protective mailing bags are free of plastic and fully recyclable without the need for the recipient to separate materials. The sustainable mailing bags are recyclable and feature a vegan adhesive layer.

Closure options for padded shipping: Padded shipping offers many options

Eco-friendly pressure-sensitive closure: You can close paper bubble envelopes quickly and easily with a pressure-sensitive closure. Normally envelopes are padded, but sustainable padded envelopes even have vegan adhesive attached, which meets the high standards of sustainability.

Adhesive closure: This closure variant makes multiple use possible. You have the option of opening the bubble envelope again after closing it. It is important to bear in mind that the adhesive strength can decrease with repeated opening. And another innovation around the padded envelope: recently there are also bubble envelopes that have an adhesive closure that can only be opened once. A padded envelope with padding thus becomes a kind of advance directive as to what is to happen to your package once it arrives.

Adhesive seal: This type of envelope and protective strips can be stored in a dry, dark place for a long time without losing their adhesive strength. You can only open these envelopes once. The light adhesive seal has a positive effect on postage costs.

Clip closure: Padded envelopes in the clip closure variant have light and compact components made of metal. This metal piece is located at the closure point and allows you to open and close multiple times. However, the thin metal piece can bend and break if you open and close it frequently.

Pattern clip: Like clips, pattern clips make it possible to open and close padded envelopes more than once.

Snap closure: Mailers with a snap closure have a tab that slides into the notch when closing. If you don't trust this closure, you can also apply tape.
These padded envelopes are especially recommended if you want to send certificates, documents of a contract or documents.

Padded envelope: This is the cheapest way to send your items.

You have now been able to buy a padded envelope. There are several different ways to send padded envelopes. Where should you send them? The easiest is probably the Deutsche Post. And even there, the cost of padded envelope shipping is not that high. You can send bubble envelopes as a Großbrief or Maxibrief. Up to size F6, it is possible to send padded envelopes as a merchandise or book shipment. For sizes H8 and larger, you must send the bubble envelope as a Maxibrief Plus or as a Päckchen.

The postage depends on the item, the size and the weight

Items are sent as book and merchandise shipments with Deutsche Post. If your item is smaller, you can also send it as a letter.

Large letter: Large letters are a maximum of 352 mm long, 250 mm wide, 20 mm high and the maximum weight is 500 g. The cost of postage is €1.60.

Maxibrief: Maxibrief letters are a maximum of 353 mm long, 250 mm wide and 50 mm high and the maximum weight of 1000 g applies. The postage costs 2.75 euros.

Maxibrief Plus: The maximum dimensions are 600 mm long, 300 mm wide and 150 mm high. The weight is limited to 2000 g. The postage for a Maxibrief Plus is 4.95 euros.

BüWa 500: Items of this type may not exceed a length of 353 mm, a width of 250 mm, a height of 50 mm and a maximum weight of 500 grams. This incurs a postage charge of 1.95 euros.

BüWa 1000: The maximum length of a book item is 353 mm, the maximum width is 250 mm, the maximum height is 50 mm and the maximum weight is 1000 g. This item costs 2.25 euros.

What must my padded shipment be labelled with?

You may only label the machine-read item on the front of the bubble envelope. Write the sender's address in the top left-hand corner and the recipient's address in the bottom right-hand corner. Mark both book and merchandise items by writing BüWa above the address. Place the stamp in the top right-hand corner and leave a space of 1.5 cm from each edge.

Buy a padded envelope: Personalised printed bubble envelopes attract attention

You can have poster envelopes custom printed - be it the company logo or your individual design. Printed envelopes are effective in advertising and have a high recognition value. Your personalised air cushion envelope attracts attention and draws attention to your company without incurring high costs. Your lined mailing envelope convinces all along the line and binds customers to your company.

At the beginning of this text you probably asked yourself: How much does a padded envelope cost? Now you have become an envelope professional yourself and are well informed. You appreciate our envelopes padded and stable, once your goods are precious and fragile. Secure your padded envelope at Verpacking - your wholesale for all packaging questions.