Rapid Packaging Blog

Understanding the Differences in Various Mailers and Poly Bags for Shipping

Written by Tim Fischer | Aug 31, 2023 9:17:36 PM

Each mailer type— Bubble Mailers, Paper Mailers, or Poly Bags—provides unique advantages depending on the nature and fragility of the items being shipped. Transitioning from traditional shipping boxes to mailers or poly bags can significantly enhance shipping, cut shipping costs, and contribute to environmental sustainability. This blog should help you make an informed decision about choosing the right mailer or poly bag for your shipping needs.

Bubble Mailers

Bubble Mailers are flexible packaging solutions offering an extra layer of protection with their internal bubble padding, helping protect items from damage. They are ideal for shipping small, fragile items such as jewelry, electronics, and small parts. Industries ranging from tech to fashion frequently use padded mailers, providing a cost-effective solution with enhanced protection compared to traditional mailers.

Various Bubble Mailers are available, including kraft paper, poly, and metallic bubble mailers, each offering unique benefits and comes in a variety of sizes.

Paper Mailers

Paper Mailers serve as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional mailer solutions. They are lightweight, curbside recyclable natural kraft paper, and feature a pressure-sensitive self-seal adhesive closure system and an easy-to-open pull tab.

Padded paper mailers are ideal for shipping items that are less fragile, such as personal care products, beauty products, and books. The unpadded paper mailer version is recommended for non-fragile items like clothing, plush toys, towels, and sheets.

Paper Mailers offer an added advantage for businesses that value sustainability, with many industries opting for various types of paper mailers, both padded and unpadded, for their branding and printability features.

Poly Bags

Poly Bags for shipping are durable, waterproof, and lightweight, making them excellent for shipping various items. Standard Poly Mailers are ideal for non-fragile items such as clothing, shoes, and fabrics.

Despite their thin appearance, Poly Bags offer extra protection against elemental damage and can be easily sealed for secure shipping. They are an affordable option commonly used to ship products across a variety of industries. Poly Bags also offer great branding opportunities, with various types of poly mailers available, including clear, opaque, and printed poly bags.

Automation in packaging has been a game changer, particularly when it comes to Poly Bags. By leveraging the benefits of Poly Bags in combination with auto baggers, businesses can significantly enhance their productivity in the packaging process while also ensuring their products are packaged securely and effectively.


In the world of shipping and logistics, knowing what type of packaging suits your product best is crucial. Whether it's the enhanced protection of Bubble Mailers, the eco-friendliness and versatility of Paper Mailers, or the durability and automation-compatible features of Poly Bags, each offers its own set of unique benefits that can optimize your shipping process. Remember, the key to successful shipping lies in understanding your product's needs and aligning them with the right packing solution. This blog aims to clarify the purpose of each mailer type to help you make informed decisions that can enhance protection, cut shipping costs, and even contribute to environmental sustainability in your shipping process

 

If you want to know more about various mailers and poly bags, get in touch with one of our packaging experts today!