Whether you’re sending an iconic poster print, a piece of art or certificates/important documentation, it can often be tricky knowing how to properly post your items. Regardless of whether you’re someone who needs a one-off solution or if you run a small business which regularly sends designs, posters and artwork on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to know how to safely send these sorts of items in the post or via courier.
Cardboard tubes are incredibly versatile and make for an ideal transport solution for artwork, printouts of CAD designs, architectural blueprints, certificates, posters and more. However, with so many different types of postal tube to choose from, it’s important to use the right size tube for your project.
Why cardboard tubes size matters?
It’s obvious that if your postal tube is smaller than the item you’re wanting to send, you’re going to have a hard time rolling it up to ensure the perfect fit. In fact, if your tube is too snug a fit, you’ll risk creasing or otherwise damaging your document. While you might think a postal tube that is much larger than the item you are sending will work, you should be aware that the contents of the tube are likely to get moved around in transit in this instance, which could result in creased edges or even tearing of your document/poster.
You’ll want the correct size and the right protection levels to ensure your documents withstand the elements and the rough-and-tumble of courier delivery.
Common Cardboard Tube Sizes
• A0 mailing tubes
• A1 mailing tubes
• A2 mailing tubes
• A3 mailing tubes
• B0 mailing tubes
• B1 mailing tubes
• B2 mailing tubes
How to choose the right cardboard tubes & preparing your items for transit
If you’re sending documents or artwork which can be rolled up, be certain to measure the items and make a note of their width and length. This will help you decide upon the right size tube for the job. Roll the items up carefully, ensuring that you don’t crease the item, and perhaps use additional sheets of blank paper on the outside for increased protection. At this stage, you might want to use a piece of masking tape to prevent the item from unrolling during transit. We do not recommend the use of elastic bands, as this could potentially crease your documents/artwork during delivery.
Eco-friendly cardboard tubes options
If your business is big on having green credentials, the last thing you’ll want to do is tarnish your reputation by using mailing tubes that don’t meet your eco-friendly requirements. If your customers value your environmentally conscious approach, they’re going to smell a rat if you start posting artwork or documents in plastic mailing tubes.
The good news is that our cardboard tubes are durable, reusable and recyclable. They’re sturdy enough to withstand the rigours of delivery, but completely biodegradable and can be recycled and transformed into all manner of products. That’s great news for the environment, and something your customers will love. If sustainability is important to you, cardboard tubes are the right choice for your business.
What about tube ends?
Some cardboard tube manufacturers completely miss the mark on the environmental front by using plastic tube ends. The good news is that at Essex Tubes, we’re happy to supply a range of cardboard tube ends from plastic end caps, eco-friendly tucked ends, stapled ends and MDF ends.
Custom mailing tubes to promote your business
Did you know that it’s possible to tailor your cardboard tubes to your exact requirements? This means you can promote your business or build up excitement among recipients by adorning your tubes with your logo so that they can anticipate what’s inside as soon as the delivery person drops the item off.
Customisation is only limited by your imagination and creativity – and if you need a helping hand in that department, our design team will be more than happy to help discuss your options. From printed company logos to improve branding to a choice of printed finishes and colours to help create eye-catching packaging, we’re a name you can trust when it comes to getting your business name out there.
If you’d like to offer custom mailing tubes to your clients, contact Essex Tubes today to find out more about how we can help you promote your company while your items are in transit. As experienced manufacturers of cardboard tubes, we regularly serve hundreds of businesses who rely on our high quality, sustainable products for transporting their goods. Based in Essex, we’re perfectly positioned to distribute our postal tubes throughout the UK.