Envelopes have been a part of our society for longer than you may think. Some historians believe the first envelopes were invented in China around 3500 BC, as a way to keep royal secrets safe from prying eyes. Of course, these envelopes looked nothing like those that we receive in the mailbox on a daily basis. These ancient envelopes were hollow clay spheres sealed with more clay over the opening, which was then broken by the recipient upon receipt. There’s definitely no way to tamper with those types of envelopes! Our modern envelopes naturally look much different but still serve the same general purpose — to get written communications from point A to point B without damage or unauthorized views. Luckily, they’re also a lot easier to carry and open than their ancient predecessors, largely thanks to a man named Americus F. Callahan. Callahan received the first patent for a window envelope in 1902, and mail hasn’t been the same since.
So while some folks may take our modern envelopes for granted, that would be a mistake. The envelope is the first physical touchpoint your customer has with your communications, so don’t overlook its importance. The companies listed below can help you ensure your mail piece is well-received by the end recipient. This special sponsored section takes a look at some of the providers who can help you optimize one of the most crucial components of mail — the envelope.
ENVYPAK
EnvyPak, America’s #1 clear envelope manufacturer, recently announced an Automation Letter Rate-approved, machine-insertable, patent pending, clear plastic envelope format. This monumental USPS approval can reduce postage for marketers by as much as 57%.
Columbus, Ohio-based EnvyPak manufactures clear and printed polypropylene envelopes developed specifically for the direct mail industry. Our focus is centered around providing innovative cost-effective mailing products that inspire audiences to act. Trusted by the world’s most recognized brands, EnvyPak envelopes rise above typical mailbox clutter to maximize ROI.
EnvyPak envelopes are manufactured from recyclable crystal clear polypropylene that is engineered to protect envelope contents in the mail stream and to work with most automated insertion equipment. Our high-end “interactive” printing technology enables us to decorate clear envelopes in up to 10 colors with graphics that work with the printed insert to provide a truly unique mail moment.
Call us to discuss your next project at 877.925.3052 or visit us at www.envypak.com.
KIRK-RUDY
Kirk-Rudy’s KolorJet is a high-speed, full-color, inkjet printing system. Using HP’s thermal inkjet technology with four 4.25” print heads, the Kolorjet can produce full-color images, graphics, and variable data at 600 dpi quality. Combined with a heavy-duty transport base that Kirk-Rudy is famous for, this color inkjet can print at speeds of 500 feet per minute, or a box of 500 #10 envelopes in one minute.
This high-production color inkjet printing system is designed for continuous runs. The hot swappable 775 ml dye-based ink cartridges ensure the unit never has to stop to re-load ink. With automatic head wiping at startup, there is virtually no maintenance required. Together with a Kirk-Rudy feeder and delivery conveyor, the KolorJet can offer a profitable alternative to the smaller, slower digital color printers on the market today. For more information, visit www.kirkrudy.com/kolorjet/.
OKI DATA
OKI Data Americas is backed by Tokyo-based parent company OKI Electric Industry, a $4.0B global public corporation, and is recognized for pioneering “next generation” LED technology for color-critical applications and delivering world-class print output to the most reputable brands and respected business leaders in the country.
OKI’s white toner print systems provide production-grade color quality in a compact and profitable short-run footprint. Our C9 product line delivers white spot color or color-on-color with intense penetration — all in a single pass and utilizing best-in-class industry white toner technology.
Accepting up to 52” banner length requirements and accommodating media versatility and flexibility, there is virtually no print job that cannot be supported with OKI’s C9 print system.
OKI’s range of C9 models enables you to extend your in-house color printing capabilities, adding new offers to your product portfolio — and delivering a lower cost-per-print for your customers — while preserving color consistency and registration perfection. Unlock new high-value revenue streams by integrating white toner technology into your product portfolio.
The low cost of ownership and high-margin opportunity make it a great time to invest in the C9 series printers and complementary envelope feeder system.
PITNEY BOWES
Increase mail piece effectiveness by printing high-quality, variable, full-color text and images on envelopes inline within your mail inserter. Pitney Bowes Print + Messenger® color inkjet printing system turns the everyday business envelopes into a powerful marketing tool — with high open and read rates. Studies show consumers are more likely to open a mail piece with colorful graphics on the envelope. Tap into that behavior and drive greater response by cost-effectively printing personalized messages and graphics directly on envelopes.
Inline envelope printing can also help you to lower costs and improve operational efficiency by eliminating preprinted envelopes, reducing envelope storage needs, streamlining application changeover, and commingling mail.
Creating personalized envelope messaging is easy. The Print + Composer software merges address and postal data, marketing messages, and images to create dynamic envelope content. It simplifies the creation of envelope templates, making it easier to create and print higher value communications.
You can personalize messages down to each individual envelope. With high-impact color and graphics, your mail piece delivers a great first impression before it’s even opened. Learn more about Print+ Messenger and the family of inline printing solutions at https://pbi.bz/2HwTfDP.
WESTERN STATES ENVELOPE & LABEL
Western States Envelope & Label is an envelope and label manufacturer dedicated to serving printers, distributors, mailers, and the graphic arts industry. In business since 1908, Western States is headquartered in Butler, Wisconsin and has five full-service facilities, including one label plant. The company is known for its expansive offerings, progressive manufacturing techniques, and commitment to environmental initiatives, including many FSC and SFI Chain-of-Custody Certified products. Customers count on Western States for the industry’s largest inventory of in-stock products ready for immediate shipment; convenient 24/7 online ordering; expert sales and service support; and custom envelope and label manufacturing capabilities. We listen to our customers, learn what they need, and keep moving forward to make WSEL the place where “Your Message is Our Mission.” To learn more, please call 888.894.6572 or visit www.wsel.com.
FEATURED ENVELOPE SOLUTION PROVIDERS
ENVYPAK
KIRK-RUDY
OKI DATA
PITNEY BOWES
WESTERN STATES ENVELOPE & LABEL
