Everything You Need To Know About Poly Mailers Recyclable
Poly mailers are in demand these days. You'll see these mailers, lightweight yet durable stacks, in any warehouse or shipping facility. Ever thought why e-commerce businesses value them?
However, customers are more aware of sustainability and green packaging. So, are poly mailers recyclable?
The recycling question doesn't have a simple yes or no answer. Factors influencing these mailers include material type, local facilities, and contamination levels. Moreover, some customers don't know what to do with their used poly mailers once they receive their products. Therefore, knowing about “recyclable poly mailers” is important.
What are Poly Mailers?
Poly mailers are lightweight plastic envelopes that are used to ship products. They are made of a thin but durable material that will protect your package until it reaches customers. Poly mailers come with a sticky strip that you peel off to seal the bag, making it easy to use.
Many businesses use poly mailers because they are more reasonable than boxes and take up less storage space. They are perfect for shipping items like clothing, books, and any other soft items that do not need added protection. They are also waterproof, so your items will remain dry even in the rain during shipping.
What are the Benefits of Using Poly Mailers?
Poly mailers have changed how businesses pack their products. These are made of rigid plastic film, which can protect items while being lightweight and flexible. They come with a self-adhesive strip to seal your packages quickly and reliably, without needing packing tape and other packing supplies.
1. Quick and Easy to Use
Packing with poly mailers is super quick and easy. Slide your item into the bag, peel the adhesive strip, and press it closed. The whole process takes less time per package. This is convenient for shipping during busy times, but especially helpful when you have a lot of orders that need to be shipped urgently.
2. Cost Savings
Poly mailers are less expensive than cardboard boxes or bubble mailers. Depending on the size, the cost can also vary. If ordering in bulk, the prices are significantly reduced. This is ideal for online sellers shipping many items daily and wanting to keep their overall costs down.
3. Keeps Items Dry
The plastic material forms a complete barrier against water. Cardboard can get soggy and break apart. Rain or spilled drinks won't damage your packages during shipping. This protection is essential for items like books, documents, clothing, or electronics that moisture could ruin. No matter the weather conditions during transport, the customers received everything in perfect condition.
4. Takes Up Less Space
These mailers are flat when not in use, meaning you can store thousands of them in the space that only fits a few dozen cardboard boxes. They can stack nicely without taking up vertical space or be stored in a drawer. It also means you can use less space to keep more inventory.
5. Weighs Less
Most poly mailers weigh less than other options. Since shipping costs are based on weight, each difference can translate to savings, especially for lightweight shipments. For instance, using a poly mailer to ship a t-shirt may cost less, while shipping the same shirt in a box may cost more. These small savings add up and help businesses remain competitive with shipping costs.
Are Poly Mailers Recyclable?
Most poly mailers you see in stores are made from virgin plastic, meaning the plastic has never been used for anything else. This new plastic cannot be recycled through standard recycling programs. Throwing these mailers in your regular recycling bin usually ends up in landfills because recycling centers cannot process this type of material.
However, some poly mailers are made from recycled plastic from old water bottles, food containers, and other used plastic items. These recyclable poly mailers can be reused after you use them. Also, even recycled plastic reaches a point where it can no longer be recycled and must be thrown away, making it less ideal than truly sustainable packaging options.
What are the Sustainable Packaging Options?
With more people being mindful of environmental issues, businesses are looking for better ways to ship products that do not harm the planet. Sustainable packaging options help reduce waste while safely shipping items.
Compostable Mailers
These bags are made of plant materials like corn or potato starch that break down naturally into soil. However, they need special conditions like warmth, moisture, and helpful bacteria to decompose properly within a few months. You can throw them in your regular trash, which will end up in a landfill and decompose in a few months without harmful chemicals.
Recyclable Cardboard Boxes
Boxes made from old paper and cardboard are recyclable after they are used. They offer excellent protection for fragile items, as well as allowing for convenient recycling options. Many boxes are manufactured with water-based inks that are less harmful to the planet.
Paper Padded Envelopes
These envelopes with paper cushioning are a better, more eco-friendly option than plastic-bubble cushioning. This is mainly because they can be recycled or composted, reducing plastic waste and contamination. However, it is essential to note that an envelope is recyclable, under particular circumstances, based on the material the envelope is made from and community guidelines. Therefore, you should check the label on the envelope before recycling it.
To Conclude!
Selecting the appropriate packaging for your shipping requirements involves balancing costs, convenience, and environmental consequences. While traditional poly mailers involve a cost to the environment, many businesses and consumers are no longer willing to accept it over the longer term. The transition to recyclable poly mailers is not just a trend but a critical action toward solving waste problems for our planet.
By considering different packaging options, you can discover an option that works within your budget and shipping demands while protecting the environment.
FAQs
Is there a size limitation for poly mailers?
There are poly mailers in many sizes, from small bags to large bags. Shipping companies have weight and size limits, but the size limit for most poly mailers is within the standard limits.
Can poly mailers be custom-printed with business logos?
Yes, many companies choose custom-print poly mailers. The custom printing adds a level of branding while shipping products. Custom printing usually costs more than plain bags.
If a poly mailer arrives damaged, what should I do?
You should contact the seller or the shipping company. Take pictures of the damaged package and contents for refunds.
Are there multiple colors available for poly mailers?
Generally, most poly mailers are white; however, you can find them in black, gray, and other colors. Colored mailers may cost a little more than plain white mailers.