More about Paper Mailing Bags

Paper mailing bags — also known as paper shipping bags or paper courier bags — are a recyclable alternative to plastic packaging for posting and shipping orders. They're made from strong kraft paper that recycles in the same kerbside collection as cardboard, which is accepted by virtually every UK local authority.

A single material, recycled as one stream. The advantage of a paper mailing bag over a plastic or bubble-lined mailer is simple: it's one material. There's no plastic layer to separate, nothing for your customer to pull apart, and it goes straight in the paper recycling. That single-material construction is also what places it in a lower EPR fee category than plastic or composite mailers — the reason many UK senders are switching ahead of the 2026 fee changes. (For the full picture, see our guide to mono-material mailing bags and EPR fees.)

Strong and water-resistant. Our paper mailers use a pressure-sealed kraft paper with high wet strength, so they resist water ingress and hold their strength even after a long spell in the rain — important for a bag that may sit on a doorstep. This means paper mailing bags can replace plastic mailers in almost all everyday applications: strong, durable, water-resistant, and able to survive multiple handling stages in transit.

Lightweight and economical. Paper mailers are light, which helps keep postage costs down — and because EPR fees are charged by weight, a lighter mailer also means less tonnage placed on the market.

Quick to pack. Most of our paper mailing bags have a self-seal adhesive strip, so there's no need for additional tape — which also keeps the sealed parcel a single paper stream. If you do tape your parcels, pair them with paper tape to keep the whole thing recyclable together.

Gusseted paper mailing bags

Our gusseted paper mailing bags have base and side gussets — folded sides that open out to take thicker, bulkier items such as chunky clothing. They're a direct paper alternative to poly mailers for online orders that won't sit flat.

Paper mailing bags with self-seal strip

Self-seal paper mailing bags have a peel-and-seal glue strip with a silicone release backing, so you can close them quickly without tape. The peel-and-seal strip makes packing faster and removes the need for separate sealing tape — ideal for higher-volume order fulfilment.

Water-resistant paper mailing bags

Manufactured from pressure-sealed kraft paper with high wet strength, our paper mailers resist water penetration and retain their strength even when wet, so they don't tear easily. That keeps your contents protected even if the bag is left outside in poor weather.

Part of our wider EPR-friendly packaging range — recyclable, lower-fee alternatives across mailers, boxes, protective packaging and tape.

Frequently Asked Questions about Paper Mailing Bags

Are paper mailing bags recyclable? Yes. They're made from kraft paper with a glue seal and are widely recycled in kerbside paper collections across the UK — the same stream as cardboard. There's no plastic layer to separate first.

Are paper mailing bags waterproof? They're water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. The pressure-sealed kraft paper resists water penetration and keeps contents dry through normal handling and weather. (Keep any specific soak-time figures only if backed by your own test data.)

Are paper mailing bags still strong when wet? Yes. The kraft paper retains high wet strength, so the bag continues to protect its contents and resists tearing even when damp.

What are paper mailing bags made of? Strong kraft paper, with a self-seal adhesive strip on most variants. They're a single-material paper product — which is what makes them recyclable in the standard paper stream and places them in a lower EPR fee category than plastic.

Do paper mailing bags lower my EPR fees? They can. Paper sits in a lower fee category than plastic or composite, and a single-material paper mailer is well placed for the lower, recyclable end of the modulated fees. See our guide to paper mailing bags and EPR fees for how this works.

Are paper mailing bags better than bubble mailers? For recyclability and EPR fees, yes — a bubble mailer combines two bonded materials and is assessed as a composite, while a paper mailer is a single recyclable material. For very fragile or moisture-sensitive items, more protective packaging may still be appropriate. We compare them in detail in paper vs bubble mailers.

Do paper mailing bags have a self-sealing feature? Yes — most come with a peel-and-seal adhesive strip, so you can seal them quickly without separate tape.

Are paper mailing bags suitable for heavy items? They handle a range of weights, but for heavier goods choose a heavier paper weight or a gusseted style, or step up to a cardboard box for the heaviest or most fragile items.

Can I use paper mailing bags for fragile items? For semi-fragile items, a padded paper mailer adds cushioning. For genuinely fragile goods, add paper-based protection such as paper void fill or use a box.

Can I reuse paper mailing bags? Often yes, if the bag is in good condition after first use — and reuse is a good way to get more value from the packaging before it's recycled.

Are paper mailing bags suitable for international shipping? Yes, for both domestic and international post. As with any shipment, check the destination's requirements for the goods you're sending.

Custom Printed Paper Mailing Bags

Custom printed paper mailing bags let you put your brand on a recyclable, single-material mailer. They combine the recyclability and lower-fee advantages of plain paper mailers with the brand presence of a printed bag — every parcel becomes a branded, on-message touchpoint that reinforces your sustainability credentials rather than undercutting them.

We print paper mailing bags with logos and text in colour-matched brand colours, from a simple single-colour logo through to an all-over pattern in up to four colours. The bags are lightweight yet durable, with the same strong kraft paper and self-seal closures as our plain range, in a choice of sizes from small accessories to larger items.

Because the bag is a single paper material, your branded packaging stays recyclable in the kerbside paper stream and keeps the lower EPR fee position of the plain range — so you're enhancing the brand without adding a plastic or composite penalty.

White paper mailing bags

We also offer white paper mailing bags, which can be printed with your logo and brand colours. White paper mailers give a clean, premium look that adds a touch of class to your order packaging while keeping the same single-material recyclability.

Get in touch with our team to discuss custom printed paper mailing bags for your brand.

Start with the customer – find out what they want and give it to them.