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Poly mailers vs paper mailers
Two mailing-bag routes — one prioritises water resistance and cost, the other recyclability and feel.
Quick answer
Choose poly mailers for waterproofing and the lowest postage; choose paper mailers for kerbside recyclability and a premium, plastic-free unboxing.
When to request a quote
Ask for a quote if you want branded or printed mailers, or a plastic-free switch across your range.
What each option is best for
Poly mailers
Waterproof, lightweight, lowest cost.
Best for: Weather protection and lowest postage
- Fully waterproof and tear-resistant
- Lightest option — keeps postage down
- Recycled-content versions available
- Recycle at soft-plastic points, not kerbside
Paper mailers
Kerbside recyclable, premium unboxing.
Best for: Plastic-free, brand-led despatch
- Kerbside recyclable
- Premium, natural feel
- Less water resistance than poly
- Slightly higher cost per unit
Poly mailers vs Paper mailers — side by side
Poly mailers
Waterproof, lightweight, lowest cost.
- Best for
- Weather protection and lowest postage
- Water resistance
- Fully waterproof
- Weight
- Lightest
- Recycling
- Store soft-plastic points
- Feel
- Functional
- Cost per unit
- Lowest
Paper mailers
Kerbside recyclable, premium unboxing.
- Best for
- Plastic-free, brand-led despatch
- Water resistance
- Limited
- Weight
- Slightly heavier
- Recycling
- Kerbside
- Feel
- Premium
- Cost per unit
- Higher
| Poly mailers Waterproof, lightweight, lowest cost. | Paper mailers Kerbside recyclable, premium unboxing. | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Weather protection and lowest postage | Plastic-free, brand-led despatch |
| Water resistance | Fully waterproof | Limited |
| Weight | Lightest | Slightly heavier |
| Recycling | Store soft-plastic points | Kerbside |
| Feel | Functional | Premium |
| Cost per unit | Lowest | Higher |
| Shop | Poly mailers | Paper mailers |
Still deciding between poly mailers vs paper mailers?
Tell us what you're packing and your quantities. We'll recommend the right option and price it for your order — sourcing anything we don't stock through our UK supplier network.
Frequently asked questions
Are paper mailers waterproof?
Related categories & guides
Buying in volume? Get trade pricing.
Tell us what you need — sizes, quantities and how often. We'll send pricing and lead time, and source anything we don't stock through our supplier network.
