Mailing Bubble Envelopes

Bubble envelopes are paper or plastic (also called poly) envelopes lined with air-filled plastic bubbles that provide cushioning. You can mail paper, books, bulky items and even some fragile objects in bubble envelopes. The cushioning provides a certain amount of protection for the item being mailed, particularly from bumps and scrapes. Bubble envelopes are a great alternative to padded envelopes, as they are more lightweight and thus cheaper to mail, and also don't leave messy padding residue when they are opened. Using bubble envelopes is a convenient and inexpensive way to send items through the mail. It is fine to do bubble-envelope mailings for air mail and overseas mail.

Things You'll Need

• Packing tape Stapler

Instructions

1. Select the right size of bubble envelopes for the items you want to mail. Pick a size that most closely fits the items; a large bubble envelope will not provide proper padding for a very small object, while an envelope that is too small won't seal properly. The envelopes come in the following standard sizes, or even larger: CD/DVD size (6-3/4 x 6-3/4 inches), 000 (4 x 7 inches), 00 (5 x 9-3/8 inches), 0 (6 x 9-3/8 inches), 1 (7-1/4 x 11-3/8 inches), 2 (8-1/2 x 11 inches), 3 (8-1/2 x 13 inches), 4 (9-1/2 x 13-7/8 inches), 5 (10-1/2 x 15-3/8 inches), 6 (12-1/2 x 18-3/8 inches) and 7 (14-1/4 x 19-3/8 inches).

2. Enclose your items in the envelopes and seal them well. Most bubble envelopes come with an adhesive strip. Others can be taped or stapled shut. Be sure to reinforce the envelopes if the fit is tight, even if an adhesive strip is included.

3. Write any special instructions on the envelopes, using the wording preferred by your postal service, such as "Do Not Bend" and "Fragile."

4. Mail the properly addressed envelopes using your preferred postal service, following any special regulations for packages.

5. Recycle a mailed bubble envelope that you receive by reusing it and taking advantage of its cushioning properties. Put the item you want to ship in the used bubble envelope and seal. Then stick it in another container, such as a manila envelope, for mailing.

6. Recycle the bubble envelope at a recycling depot if your recycling program accepts them. Many recycling programs only accept bubble envelopes that are made entirely out of plastic. Others may not accept any bubble envelopes whatsoever.

Tips & Warnings

• You may want to include backing in some bubble-envelope mailings (such as photos) to provide extra support, reinforce the package and prevent bending. Paper-wrapped bubble envelopes are prone to tearing on the surface, but this doesn't necessarily mean your items will be damaged. The bubble layer often remains intact.

• Mail only items that need light cushioning. Media items like video cassettes, DVDs, CDs, magazines and books are great prospects for bubble-envelope mailings. Very delicate items are better mailed wrapped in bubble paper or foam peanuts and put in boxes.