Board Backed Envelopes

Board Backed Envelopes – Strong, Rigid Protection for Important Documents and Prints

Board backed envelopes (also known as stiffened envelopes or Do Not Bend envelopes) are designed to provide superior protection for flat items that must remain crease-free and undamaged during postage. Each envelope features a durable kraft paper front combined with a high-strength backing board — giving it rigidity and crush resistance that ordinary paper or bubble envelopes can’t match.

What Are Board Backed Envelopes?

Board backed envelopes are manufactured from premium white or manilla kraft paper laminated to a sturdy greyboard or chipboard backing. This backing acts as a rigid support layer, preventing bending and folding in the postal system. The front face remains flexible enough for printing, labelling, or handwriting addresses, while the back panel maintains a strong, protective structure.

Most board backed envelopes include a peel-and-seal or self-adhesive strip for quick and secure closure, as well as a printed “Please Do Not Bend” message to alert postal handlers.

Common Uses

These envelopes are the go-to choice for businesses and individuals who need to post important flat items securely and professionally. Typical contents include:

  • Photographs and artwork prints
  • Certificates, legal documents, and contracts
  • Brochures, catalogues, and reports
  • Calendars, greetings cards, and presentation materials
  • Press releases, promotional mailings, and product literature

Their rigid backing prevents creasing or corner damage, ensuring your items arrive flat, clean, and presentation-ready.

Board Backed Envelopes

How Board Backed Envelopes Are Made

Board backed envelopes are made using a two-part construction process:

  1. A heavyweight kraft paper front is die-cut and printed with addressing areas or “Do Not Bend” warnings.
  2. A rigid recycled board is laminated or bonded to the back, creating a tough envelope with one flexible and one stiff side.

This combination delivers the best of both worlds — the lightweight economy of paper and the robust protection of cardboard. The envelopes are then finished with a peel-and-seal adhesive strip for fast, tamper-resistant closure.

Advantages Over Standard or Padded Envelopes

Board backed envelopes offer several key advantages:

  • ✅ Superior rigidity – protects contents from bending or folding
  • ✅ Lightweight and postage-efficient – avoids the bulk of padded mailers
  • ✅ Professional appearance – ideal for artwork, documents, and branded mailings
  • ✅ Environmentally friendly – fully recyclable and plastic-free
  • ✅ Fast sealing – peel-and-seal closure saves time in busy mailrooms
  • ✅ Wide size range – available in C3, C4, C5, and C6 to suit standard paper formats

Whether you’re sending A4 certificates, A5 photographs, or larger A3 artwork, there’s a board backed envelope to fit your exact needs.

Choose Defendapack for Quality and Reliability

At Defendapack, we supply C3, C4, C5, and C6 board backed envelopes manufactured from premium, sustainably sourced materials. Our envelopes are trusted by photographers, artists, educational institutions, and corporate offices across the UK for their strength, reliability, and professional finish.

When you need to send documents that must not bend — choose Defendapack board backed envelopes for total peace of mind.