Not just for books. Definitely for all-round e-commerce success.
Book wrap mailers are e-commerce’s not so secret weapon. Though simple and rather plain to look at – and it could even be said, pretty basic in shape – they’ve been used for years with huge success by all sorts of companies, from small start-ups to giants like Amazon. (They're so good, Amazon not only uses them, it sells them as well!) Not bad for what is essentially a flat piece of cardboard only 2-ply thick.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the reasons for their well-deserved success. We’ll examine just why mailers are so versatile, talk about the products for which they're ideally suited and finally, look at some of the reasons why they’ve come – quite rightfully – to dominate packing stations across the globe.
The book wrap mailer – also known as a corrugated postal wrap – is a self-sealing postal wrap specifically designed for packaging e-commerce shipments. In layman’s terms, it’s essentially a flat piece of corrugated cardboard, the clever net design of which enables cardboard wings to be folded around an item, securing it quickly and effortlessly to ensure it gets to its destination in pristine condition.
If you think about it, using a book wrap mailer is not dissimilar to assembling a breakfast burrito or filled tortilla wrap (just not as tasty).
Within the packaging industry, the book wrap mailer’s cardboard wings are referred to as ‘integrated retention flaps’ and it is these fully adjustable flaps that give mailers their versatility. They fit around items of varying depths or heights, ensuring each is snug. Whether the package contains one book or multiple items of different sizes, the wings hold the contents securely in place and create an automatic built-in crumple zone for cushioning without the need for void fill. Once sealed, they are rigid and incredibly strong – transit hazards are no issue.
It’s obvious that book wraps are great for sending books, but they’re also ideal for shipping media like video games, CDs, DVDs, picture frames, phone and tablet cases, brochures, catalogues, stationery, seed packets and similar flat or boxed items.
Thanks to the wide range of sizes, book wrap mailers are also suitable for boxed jewellery and watches, board games and electronics. If the product is flat and rectangular – or boxed and square – it can be shipped in a wrap.
At The Packaging Club, we love them so much we’ve sourced a version suitable for vinyl. Known as LP mailers, our vinyl record packaging takes the book wrap concept but uses at least 33% more material for extra robustness, without compromising the adaptability of the retention flaps. Vinyl has devoted fans – and our LP mailers keep records protected in transit.
The bottom line is that book wraps are successful because of their versatility and protective nature. But there are many other reasons for their popularity.
Book wraps are inexpensive to manufacture and simple to produce to a high standard. There’s nothing complex about their structure, yet their design – with protective overhanging wings – offers superb damage resistance. They’re also easy to palletise and store flat, saving warehouse space.
Book wraps can be packed in as little as three seconds, making them ideal for e-commerce businesses handling large volumes of small orders. Packers lay them flat, place the item inside the flaps, wrap around, and seal. It’s a fast, efficient process requiring minimal training.
If you're consolidating packaging – i.e. combining multiple items in one parcel – book wraps are the go-to choice. They save on time, materials, and postage costs.
Many book wrap mailers qualify for Royal Mail’s large letter category – great news for e-commerce brands and consumers. This helps reduce delivery costs and increases the chance of first-time delivery success. Packages that slip through the letterbox improve fulfilment efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Additionally, consumers will appreciate packaging that is appropriately sized – not overly large or flimsy. Book wraps hit that "just right" balance. They reflect care and professionalism and support repeat purchases.
Made from cardboard, book wrap mailers are both recyclable and biodegradable. Their integrated flaps eliminate the need for bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or tissue paper. They’re an ideal choice for sustainable shipping without sacrificing protection.
Book wrap mailers look smart as standard, but they can also be custom printed or simply enhanced with stickers. Branding your packaging boosts recognition, improves unboxing appeal, and adds professionalism to every delivery.
There you have it – the reasons why book wrap mailers have earned their stripes and become a staple of modern packaging. Amazon’s widespread use has made them instantly recognisable. In fact, many suppliers now refer to them as "Amazon-style" mailers.
Check out The Packaging Club's book wrap mailers. They’re high quality, sustainable, and cost-effective. And with our commitment to consistency of supply, you’ll never be left short when you need them most.
Call us today and let us be the wind beneath your (fully adjustable) wings. We look forward to speaking with you.
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