Product Guide

The Difference Between Do Not Bend Envelopes and Rigid Mailers

Do not bend envelopes vs rigid mailers: which format is right for your mailing needs?

2 min readUpdated April 2025

Key differences

Do not bend envelopes: board-backed paper envelopes. One rigid side, one flexible. Standard for documents and prints.
Rigid mailers: all-board construction with rigid sides all around. Maximum protection for high-value items.
DNB envelopes are cheaper and lighter. Rigid mailers provide more protection.

Quick answer

Do not bend envelopes have a board back and paper front. Rigid mailers are board on all sides. DNB envelopes suit most documents and prints at lower cost and weight. Rigid mailers provide all-round protection for high-value artwork, glass-covered certificates, and items needing edge-to-edge rigidity. Choose based on the value and fragility of your contents.

Protection levels

The board back prevents flex, but the paper front offers limited impact protection.

All-board construction resists bending, impact, and compression from every direction.

Lower material cost and weight make them more postage-efficient.

Choose wisely: size and material or GSM guide.

When to use each

DNB envelopes: documents, standard prints, certificates, business correspondence
Rigid mailers: fine art, mounted photographs, glass-covered frames, irreplaceable originals
From ProcuraPack

Both formats available

Board-backed envelopes and rigid mailers from ProcuraPack.

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Frequently asked questions

DNB envelopes have board back + paper front. Rigid mailers are board on all sides.

DNB envelopes, due to less material and lighter weight.

Rigid mailers, with all-round board protection.

For high-value artwork, mounted photos, glass-covered items, and irreplaceable originals.

Yes, if under 25mm thick and 750g. Rigid mailers are thicker and usually ship as parcels.

Part of our guide

Product Guide: Do Not Bend Envelopes

Expert guides on rigid mailers and board-backed envelopes for protecting documents, prints, and certificates.

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