If you’re an online seller, artist, or someone who ships important documents, you may have come across rigid mailers. These postal items are strong and sleek, and help keep your goods in excellent condition during transit. However, in a world that’s becoming increasingly concerned about environmental responsibility, businesses can’t just choose packaging that’s protective. Businesses now also need to choose postal products that are sustainable in order to reflect their values and help build up a positive reputation with their customers. With this in mind, you may be wondering about how good rigid mailers are for the environment and if they’re actually recyclable. We’re here to help answer that question, explaining the different types of rigid mailers available and how the right kind can help contribute towards sustainable sending.  

What are Rigid Mailers?

Rigid mailers are firm envelopes that are made from stiff materials which help stop items inside from bending, creasing, or tearing during transit, making them extremely protective. Other notable characteristics include lightness and a flat profile, which helps keep them slim. They’re ideal for sending a variety of different items, including:
  • Art prints, photos, and posters.
  • Books, magazines, brochures, and catalogues.
 

Types of Rigid Mailers Available

Rigid mailers can be made from a variety of different materials, and this will be a key factor in whether they can have a positive environmental impact or not. Here are the most common types available:

  1. Plastic Rigid Mailers

Plastic rigid mailers are usually made entirely of polyethylene or similar plastics. They’re lightweight and incredibly water-resistant but are not widely accepted in kerbside recycling, which can discourage proper disposal.

  1. Laminated/Coated Rigid Mailers

These kinds of rigid mailers are usually made from cardboard and have a glossy or plastic coating to provide extra water resistance and strength. They can be recyclable if the coating is separated properly, but this can be a tricky process.

  1. Cardboard Rigid Mailers

Cardboard rigid mailers are one of the most sustainable variants. They’re widely accepted in UK kerbside recycling, being treated just like other paper-based materials. Plus, these mailers may even be made from existing recycled materials, further reducing environmental impact.  

Other Environmental Benefits of Using Cardboard Rigid Mailers

Beyond recyclability, there are a number of other environmental benefits that can be had when using cardboard rigid mailers, making this packaging a reliable solution that reinforces your items whilst also being kind to the planet. Firstly, these mailers are incredibly lightweight, weighing less than other packaging options like boxes. This can translate into lower fuel consumption per parcel as well as reduced emissions from transport to logistics. Another green advantage is their slim profile. Traditional packaging often requires additional materials like bubble wrap to protect the contents inside. Cardboard rigid mailers, on the other hand, hold flat or slim items snugly and securely, eliminating the need for void fillers. This, in turn, can result in lower resource consumption, less packaging waste, and easier recycling. The sturdiness of cardboard rigid mailers also helps better the environment, as this level of strength allows them to be reused multiple times if opened carefully. Customers can hang onto them long after your products are delivered for storage, filling, or even sending their own items. Yet another positive about these mailers is their ability to support the circular economy. This model aims to keep materials in circulation for as long as possible, then recover and reuse them at the end of their life. Cardboard rigid mailers fit this model because they are recyclable and can be easily collected and reprocessed. They’re even biodegradable, meaning that if they were improperly disposed of by accident, they’ll naturally decompose in a matter of months and won’t sit in a landfill for hundreds of years like plastic.  

Final Thoughts

In a world where eco-conscious decisions matter more than ever, businesses can no longer afford to just treat packaging as a protective measure. Today’s consumers expect more in terms of how responsibly products are delivered, and that’s why choosing the right kind of rigid mailer isn’t just a practical decision but also a strategic and ethical one. Whilst plastic and laminated rigid mailers may offer some benefits in terms of water resistance, they often fall short when it comes to environmental impact and recyclability. In contrast, cardboard rigid mailers provide a smart, sustainable alternative that’s widely recyclable across the UK and also biodegradable, compostable, and often made from recycled materials. They’re great for the environment, allowing businesses to promote a greener image to their customers. This recyclability and eco-friendliness doesn’t come at the cost of performance, either. Cardboard rigid mailers are lightweight, firm, and slim, allowing you to send items with a strong layer of safety, which helps them arrive in great condition. So, whether you're an independent artist, an online retailer, or a business regularly sending out important documents, making the switch to cardboard rigid mailers is a small change that can have a big environmental impact. It shows your customers that your commitment to sustainability goes beyond words, as it’ll be reflected in each parcel you send.  

Why Choose Redmont for Your Cardboard Rigid Mailers?

If you’re ready to make the switch to cardboard rigid mailers, then take a look at what we have to offer at Redmont Packaging. Here, we stock rigid mailers that are fully recyclable, giving businesses the means to ship more sustainably and help reduce their environmental impact. These mailers have the characteristics you would expect. They’re lightweight, sturdy, flat, and highly protective, helping keep items safe and secure whilst in transit. Plus, they’re available in a range of different sizes, meaning that whether you’re shipping large art prints or small A4 documents, we’re confident that our rigid mailers can accommodate your needs. Buy our cardboard rigid mailers today, or contact us if you need any assistance.