An envelope is a packaging product, usually made of flat, planar material such as paper or cardboard, and designed to contain a flat object, which in a postal-service context is usually a letter or card.
Types of Envelopes
- Commercial Envelopes:Commercial envelopes are used primarily for business and personal correspondence such as letterheads, invoices, statements, checks, writing stationery and some direct marketing mailings and are available in many sizes. The standard "No. 10" normally accompanies your basic 8 ½" x 11" letterhead, since when folded in thirds, fits nicely therein. Almost all text paper manufacturers make matching envelopes in this size.
- Window Envelopes:There was a time when window envelopes were used to send a bill or a check through the mail, and just the sight of one brought fear to the bill-payer of the household. Well, times have changed and in addition to sending bills in window envelopes, we find all sorts of enclosures popping out.
- Booklet Envelopes:The booklet envelope is a favorite for sales literature, annual reports and a large variety of printed collateral materials. In the first place, enclosures can be easily inserted by hand or machine, since the flap is on the long dimension. This feature distinguishes the booklet envelope from the open end envelope which has the flap on the short dimension.
- Square Envelopes:While this may not be the favorite of the Postal Service because it does not meet their aspect ratio formula, it is, however, frequently specified by designers because it makes a very uniform, clean presentation.
- Style Envelopes:For announcements, small booklets and the like and lately for distinctive business announcements, the "A" series envelope is very popular. This style envelope is manufactured in text grade papers, 60 lb, 70 lb, or 80 lb basis weights, and offers a truly elegant way to carry your message. See the chart for available sizes and enclosures.
- Open-End Envelopes:Also called catalog envelopes, the opening is on the shorter dimension, unlike booklet envelopes, with the flap opening on the longer dimension. Can be used for magazines and large booklets, as the gummed flap provides protection for heavier contents. This envelope cannot be processed through automatic inserting equipment and is not recommended for lasering procedures.
- Remittance Envelopes:This is a dual-purpose envelope. When printed, it includes a statement and provides for the return of orders and remittances. The large flap can be printed with a message, detached at the perforation, inserted in the envelope and sealed. Perfect for financial receipts, membership subscriptions and fund raising.
- Combination Statement & Return/Remittance:A return envelope with large printing surface ideal for mail order, subscriptions, donations, coupons, and general remittance needs. Usually included with comforts of a mailing to facilitate a response from recipient.
- Self-Sealing Envelopes:This envelope has two latex surfaces that seal on contact. Flaps are folded down to allow for printing. Efficient and convenient for small businesses and professional people as well as personal stationery. Check pricing as these envelopes tend to be costly
- Postal Envelopes:Post offices prefer envelopes to be rectangular rather than square, as this reduces the amount of sorting that is needed to line up all the envelopes with the addresses reading the same way.
- Baronial Envelopes
- Cellophane Envelopes
- Clasp Envelopes
- Coin Envelopes
- Combination Statement/Return Envelopes
- Expansion Envelopes
- First-Class Mailer Envelopes
- International Envelopes (foreign sizes)
- Latex Seal Envelopes
- Payroll Envelopes
- Self-Sealing Envelopes
- Strip 'n Grip Envelopes
- Super-Size Open End Envelopes
- Translucent Vellum Envelopes