Mailing Bags

Mailing bags, also widely known as postage bags, offer an excellent and cost-effective packaging solution for ecommerce businesses of all sizes. At Priory Direct, we provide a diverse range of mailing bags and postage bags designed to meet your specific needs while prioritising sustainability.

Our selection includes paper mailing bags made from sustainable materials, which boast exceptional recycling rates in the UK. By opting for these postage bags, you contribute to the circular economy and reduce environmental impact. We also offer ultra-low-cost poly mailers with a high percentage of recycled polythene content. These bags not only help drive demand for recycled plastics but also keep your costs low, making them an economical choice.

Mailing Bags or Postage Bags?

If you've been searching for postage bags, you're in the right place. "Mailing bags" and "postage bags" are simply two names for the same essential ecommerce packaging — the lightweight, flexible bags used to send everything from clothing and accessories to books and small goods through the post. Whichever term you prefer, our complete range of paper and poly postage bags is built to protect your products, keep your despatch costs low, and reduce your environmental impact.

Poly vs Paper Mailing Bags

In the modern digital age, businesses seek innovative ways to be more sustainable and reduce their impact on the environment. Packaging materials offer a prime opportunity to make a substantial impact. When it comes to mailing bags and postage bags, two popular contenders steal the spotlight: paper and polythene.

The demand for paper mailing bags is rising among ecommerce businesses of all sizes, as they seek sustainable packaging options. Our paper postage bags are at the forefront of eco-friendliness, providing a fully climate-neutral, biodegradable, and plastic-free solution for your crucial deliveries. Embrace our environmentally conscious mailing bags to ensure your important despatches are packaged with sustainability in mind.

Did you know, paper postage bags have a negative carbon footprint? They help reduce carbon emissions by 50% compared to new plastic, which means less carbon dioxide in the air.

Recyclability

Can mailing bags be recycled? In short, yes, but the level of recyclability differs by material. The UK paper recycling rate is 71%, much higher than the 44% rate for plastic waste in 2021. Are poly mailers and poly postage bags recyclable? LDPE soft plastics used for poly mailers create 600,000 tonnes of waste, but we only have capacity to recycle 210,000 tonnes. There is no system to recycle LDPE soft plastics, so it is difficult to handle the packaging that consumers throw away.

So, if reducing your environmental impact through your postage bags is on the agenda for your business, paper based packaging is the best solution.

Protecting the planet with every mailing bag

We go beyond offering sustainable mailing bags and postage bags. When you partner with us, you have the opportunity to support charitable causes through our charity rewards program. As part of this initiative, 1% of your purchase goes back to a charity of your choice, allowing you to make a positive social impact while fulfilling your packaging needs.

Plus, each order you place can help protect 1000m² of threatened rainforest. By supporting us, you contribute to the conservation and preservation of vital ecosystems, safeguarding biodiversity and combating deforestation.

About our ranges

Paper Mailing Bags - Experience the brilliance of sustainability with paper mailing bags. These postage bags are eco-friendly and provide excellent item protection during transit, while also reducing costs and minimising bulk.

With 13 popular sizes available, each bag features a convenient peel and seal strip for easy packing. We've also included customer-friendly environmental markers, ensuring that your commitment to sustainability is visible to your customers.

These bags consist of 1 ply paper and have a strong block bottom with gusseted sides. So if you need to send bulkier, non-fragile items, our range of paper postage bags will suit a great variety of products.

Priory Elements EcoMailingBags - Our pride and joy, the Priory Elements EcoMailingBags, are our own brand of paper mailing bags that go above and beyond in promoting sustainability. By purchasing these bags, you're not only benefiting from their sustainable features but also contributing to environmental and planet-supporting causes.

Through our partnership with 1% for the Planet, one percent of your spending on these paper postage bags directly supports these initiatives. Branded with easy-to-understand eco markers for a compelling customer story and great for reinforcing your brand's dedication to the planet.

Padded Mailing Bags - When a thin paper outer layer doesn't provide enough protection for your valuable goods during shipping, our padded mailing bags are the perfect solution. These padded postage bags are lightweight, quick to pack, and are stocked in a wide range of sizes to meet your packaging needs. With our padded mailing bags, you can have peace of mind knowing that your items will arrive safely and securely.

Paper Padded Mailing Bags - Gone are the days when bubble wrap and single-use plastics were the only options for padded mailing bags. Our plastic-free paper padded postage bags offer a sustainable alternative. With 20 sizes and three different ranges to choose from, you'll find the perfect paper mailing bags to suit your requirements. These bags provide the necessary padding without compromising on sustainability.

Recycled Poly Mailing Bags - In some cases, shipping water-sensitive items like electronics or valuable shoes and clothes requires the use of poly mailers. To minimise the use of new raw materials and support recycling infrastructure, we encourage you to choose our postage bags with recycled polythene content.

Polymailers - We know that budget can limit eco-friendly options, and sometimes plastic packaging is necessary for shipping certain items. That's why we offer our economy Polymailers range. While these mailing bags have a lower cost, they still allow you to make a positive impact. Every purchase from this range contributes to our charitable initiatives, and you help protect 1000m² of rainforest with each order.

Go custom

Using custom mailing bags for packaging offers numerous benefits for businesses. These specialised postage bags are designed to provide a secure and efficient solution for shipping a wide range of products. Customization options allow companies to incorporate their branding elements, such as logos, colours, and promotional messages, enhancing brand recognition and creating a professional image.

Postage bags can be tailored to fit specific product dimensions, reducing excess material and minimising shipping costs. Additionally, these bags often feature durable materials, such as polyethylene or bubble wrap, offering superior protection against moisture, tampering, and rough handling during transit.

By investing in custom mailing bags, businesses can ensure safe and visually appealing packaging, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and strengthening their brand reputation.

Worried about the sustainability of printed packaging? Fear not because customised packaging, whether it be paper postage bags, cardboard boxes, or paper packing tape, is generally environmentally-friendly. There are a couple of things to look out for though to make sure your custom packaging is as sustainable as possible - the materials used, and the ink used, especially metallic and some spot UV coatings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between mailing bags and postage bags?

There's no difference — "mailing bags" and "postage bags" are two names for the same product. Both refer to the lightweight, flexible bags used to send clothing, books, accessories and other non-fragile items through the post. You'll also see them called postal bags, mailer bags, parcel bags or poly mailers. Whichever term you use, they all describe the same type of ecommerce despatch packaging.

Are postage bags the same as poly mailers?

Poly mailers are one type of postage bag, made from polythene. The wider postage bags category also includes paper mailing bags and padded versions. So all poly mailers are postage bags, but not all postage bags are poly mailers — paper and padded options give you plastic-free and protective alternatives.

What size postage bags do I need?

The right size depends on what you're sending. Choosing a bag that fits snugly reduces wasted material and helps keep parcels within Royal Mail's Large Letter or Small Parcel pricing bands, which keeps your postage costs down. Our mailing bags come in a wide range of sizes — from small bags for accessories up to larger options for bulkier soft goods — so you can match the bag to the product and avoid paying for excess space.

Are postage bags recyclable?

Yes, though recyclability depends on the material. Our paper postage bags are widely kerbside recyclable across the UK, where the paper recycling rate is 71%. Poly mailers are technically recyclable but usually require soft-plastic drop-off points rather than kerbside collection. If recyclability is a priority for your business and customers, paper-based postage bags are the more practical sustainable choice.

Are paper postage bags waterproof?

Standard paper postage bags offer good resistance to general handling but are not fully waterproof in wet conditions. If moisture is a risk, a poly-lined paper bag or a recycled poly mailer offers better protection while still letting you keep recycled content high.

Can I get custom printed postage bags?

Yes. Custom mailing bags can be printed with your logo, brand colours and messaging, turning everyday despatch packaging into a branding opportunity and a more memorable unboxing experience. Custom postage bags can also be sized to your products to reduce excess material and shipping costs.

Are postage bags cheaper than boxes for shipping?

For non-fragile, soft items they usually are. Postage bags are lighter and more compact than cardboard boxes, which helps keep parcels within lower postage bands and reduces both shipping cost and storage space. Boxes remain the better choice where products need rigid protection or premium presentation.