In our daily life, whether you're an artist, e-commerce seller, or just an average consumer, creases and damage are often the biggest headaches when purchasing and shipping posters, art prints, or promotional posters. This is especially true for cross-border or long-distance shipping, where ordinary cartons and envelopes struggle to maintain the flatness of printed materials, often leaving them wrinkled or dented upon delivery. For sellers, this not only means returns and negative reviews, but also directly impacts brand image.

So, how can these crucial printed materials, which must remain intact, be protected from creases during transportation? Mailing tubes may be the ideal answer. Their sturdy construction and protective roll packaging have made them widely used in the art, educational, research, and advertising industries.

As a service provider specializing in customized flexible packaging solutions, MTPAK is also continuously exploring this area. We offer a diverse selection of mailing tubes, offering flexible customization in color, shape, and structure. We also support eco-friendly materials, helping brands protect their products while promoting sustainable development. This guide will provide a comprehensive understanding of mailing tubes, specifically how to choose the right type for your needs.

What are mailing tubes?

A mailing tube is a cylindrical packaging container, typically made of sturdy cardboard or plastic, specifically designed for shipping items that need to remain flat. Unlike standard delivery boxes or envelopes, a mailing tube's structure prevents permanent damage from folding or pressure. By gently rolling posters, drawings, or printed materials inside, they effectively prevent creases and damage during shipping.

For example, an art poster sent by ordinary mail might be damaged by stacking and wrinkling. However, when placed in a thickened mailing tube, the recipient can be assured of pristine work, even after long journeys.

What can mailing tubes be used for?

Mailing tubes have applications beyond simply protecting posters. In fact, they encompass nearly any rolled item that needs to remain flat and intact.

In the art world, mailing tubes are commonly used to ship paintings, photographs, and limited-edition prints, helping artists and galleries preserve the pristine appearance of their works during international shipments.

In education and research, many universities and research institutions use mailing tubes to ship academic posters, graduation project drawings, or lab results display boards. This method is not only secure but also allows recipients to quickly unfold and use the items.

In business marketing, companies use mailing tubes to distribute large-scale promotional posters, exhibition materials, and advertising canvases. With custom branding, the tubes themselves can even become a form of "mobile advertising," conveying the brand's image before the customer even receives the goods.

Mailing tubes aren't just for documents; they offer a safe and risk-free shipping. With a wide range of lengths and diameters, cardboard mailing tubes are also ideal for shipping a variety of long and narrow items, from fishing rods and umbrellas to golf clubs, glow sticks, and canes. They're also suitable for transporting art supplies like pencils, pens, and paintbrushes, as well as wallpaper, curtains, blinds, and other home decor items.

It's safe to say that mailing tubes have evolved from a simple means of transportation to a crucial medium connecting brands and customer experiences.

What are the types of mailing tubes?

-Classification by color

Mailing tubes on the market aren't limited to the traditional brown kraft paper appearance. Depending on brand needs and application scenarios, they can come in a variety of colors. Brown, white, red, blue, gold, yellow, green, and more are all common mail tube colors.

-Classification by shape

In addition to the traditional cylindrical shape, mailing tubes have also been extended to more innovative shapes. For example, the triangular mailer uses the most stable triangular structure to fix items and prevent them from rolling.

And square mailing tubes that save space and provide convenience for stacking and transportation.

The Kraft crimped end mailing tubes have a rolled edge design that enhances the durability of the tube opening and effectively prevents damage to the tube body during the opening and closing process. This design is also more suitable for long-distance transportation.

-Classification by structure

Different structural designs offer greater practical flexibility for mailing tubes. Common options include adjustable mailing tubes and twist-and-pull mailing tubes.

Adjustable mailing tubes, constructed with an inner and outer sleeve, offer greater flexibility in size. Their length can be manually adjusted to accommodate items of varying sizes, reducing the need for inventory of multiple sizes. As long as your item is shorter than the maximum length, the tube can be used.

Twist-and-pull mailing tube: It is simple and easy to open and close. Just twist and pull the lid to lock it into place. It has a good user experience, and this design also increases the reuse rate.

Can mailing tubes be recycled?

The answer is yes. Most cardboard mailing tubes are made from recycled paper, a highly sustainable material that can be recycled. The adhesives used are mostly starch- or water-based, making them environmentally friendly. However, you should still recycle them according to your local regulations.

How to choose the right mailing tube for your needs?

To ensure you choose the best paper tube for your specific needs, you need to consider several factors to find the size that provides just the right amount of protection and durability.

-Consider weight and fragility

First and foremost, one of the most important considerations is the weight and fragility of the items you plan to package. Heavy or fragile items require thick-walled or cardboard mailing tubes to prevent them from being crushed or damaged during transit. For high-value or particularly fragile items, double-walled reinforced tubes with end caps are recommended.

-Consider length and diameter

Next, you'll need to accurately measure the dimensions of your item to ensure a snug fit in the tube. Too short a length can cause the contents to bend or compress, while too long can increase shipping costs and cause the item to slip inside the tube. Regarding diameter, a smaller diameter allows for compact storage but can easily cause curling in thicker posters. A larger diameter, on the other hand, is better suited for items you don't want to bend excessively, such as art prints. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.

-Consider design and aesthetics

Consider the overall design and aesthetics of the mailing tube. While functionality is crucial, choosing a mailing tube with an attractive appearance is preferable, provided the protection provided is comparable. After all, the packaging a company chooses can also be a branding opportunity; in other words, the mailing tube itself can become a marketing tool.

-Consider cost and availability

Finally, budget and supply are equally important. You can research quotes from different suppliers and compare prices to ensure you get value for money, especially during peak sales seasons and e-commerce seasons.

Conclusion

In summary, mailing tubes are a simple yet effective packaging method that not only effectively prevents creases during shipping but also caters to diverse needs through a variety of colors, shapes, and structures. They're ideal for shipping delicate items like posters and drawings on e-commerce platforms, while also being both environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing, adding a professional touch to your brand.

If you're looking for the right mailing tube solution, MTPAK offers a wide range of options and customization services. At MTPAK, we can provide a wide range of sizes and styles. Our cardboard mailing tubes and paper tubes are made from sustainable, recycled fibers and wrapped with a water-based adhesive, making them ideal for reuse and upcycling. They're stronger, more durable, and more resistant to pressure than most alternatives. They're economical, without compromising safety, sustainability, or aesthetics, even when stored or displayed for extended periods.

For more information and quotes about mail tubes, please contact:

Email：account@mtpak.com

Contact us：https://mtpak.com/contact-mtpak

Mailing Tubes - The Ultimate Solution for Shipping Prints Safely