Question 1: Which format do I need?

The most important decision when shipping is the correct format.

1. DIN Long (220 × 110 mm) & Compact (235 × 125 mm)

The classic in everyday business.

Suitable for:

• A4 documents folded twice
• A5 pages folded lengthwise
• Invoices and business letters

DIN long is the standard envelope. Compact envelopes offer more space for more extensive contents.

2. DIN C6 (162 × 114 mm)

Ideal for:

• A6 documents
• Greeting cards
• Invitations
• folded A4 or A5 sheets

3. DIN C5 (229 × 162 mm) and DIN B5 (250 × 176 mm)

Perfect for:

• unfolded A5
• single folded A4
• high-quality mailings or greeting cards

DIN B5 offers additional leeway for thicker contents.

4. DIN C4 (324 × 229 mm) and DIN B4 (353 × 250 mm)

For shipping without creasing.

Suitable for:

• unfolded A4 documents
• Applications
• Offer cards
• Presentation documents

DIN B4 optimally utilizes the maximum letter dimensions and offers particularly a lot of space.

Question 2: Mailers and envelopes with or without a window?

Basically, many envelopes are available in both variants.

With window

Ideal for:

• Business letters
• Invoices
• Serial mailings
• Mass mailings

The address appears directly through the window – no additional labeling is required.

Without window

Recommendation for:

• personal contribution
• data privacy sensitive content
• shipments with address labels
• marketing campaigns

Question 3: Which closure type is the right one?

Self-adhesive (peel-and-seal)

• particularly convenient
• strong adhesive power
• long shelf life
• ideal for confidential mail

Peel – close – done.

Self-sealing

• fast processing
• ideal for high consumption
• Suitable for inserting machines

Gummed flap

• classic standard
• machine-processable
• economical for large shipping volumes

Question 4: Which material should I choose?

In addition to the format, the material determines stability and appearance.

White wood-free paper

• large
• professional
• ideal for business letters
• Premium effect with high grammage

Natural brown

• particularly stable
• Predominantly for mailers
• ideal for heavy contents

Recycled paper (grey)

• resource-friendly
• sustainable
• increasingly popular with companies
• Suitable for private and business mail

The proportion of recycled envelopes has been steadily increasing for years. While this material is per se prescribed for many authorities and public institutions, more and more companies are now opting for it as part of developing their sustainability strategies.

Mailers for special requirements

Bubble mailers

Protect sensitive contents with integrated bubble wrap.

Ideal for:

• Electronics
• Spare parts
• Analytical small parts

Gusseted Envelopes

With side or bottom gussets for more volume.

Suitable for:

• Catalogs
• Books
• Brochures
• Textiles

Rigid Mailers

Crease protection for flat contents.

Perfect for:

• Documents
• Photos
• Certificates
• Magazines

Tyvek® Shipping Envelopes

Extremely robust special solution.

Features:

• tear-resistant
• water-repellent
• very lightweight
• durable
• recyclable

Ideal for valuable or important shipments.

Question 5: How do I store envelopes correctly?

To maintain adhesive and paper quality:

• Temperature: 18–20 °C
• Humidity: 50–55 %
• Storage: in the box, protected from dust
• Light: Avoid direct sunlight

This way, envelopes remain usable for years.

Question 6: What postage does Deutsche Post charge?

Shipping costs depend on weight and dimensions. Your choice of envelope directly affects your shipping costs.

Overview of German Letter Postage

Our Tip: Stock up on the most important envelopes

Many businesses operate optimally with a small basic stock:

• DIN long with window (business mail)
• DIN C4 shipping envelopes (documents unfolded)
• Bubble mailers (goods shipments)
• Recycled envelopes (sustainable shipping)

This way, you are prepared for almost any shipping scenario.

Further Wiepa Guides

Buying Guide for Office Paper and Copy Paper
Organizing the Mailroom in the Office