If you’re like most folks around here in Camden, you know a thing or two about working hard and treating our neighbors – and our planet – with respect. That’s the spirit we carry at Gilchrist Bag Manufacturing (GBM), and it’s the same spirit behind the growing movement toward sustainable shipping, especially when it comes to paper mailers.
In 2025, shipping and packaging have found themselves right in the middle of a big, necessary change. More and more companies, big and small, are taking a closer look at what they send out the door and how it affects the world we all share. With plastic waste piling up and customers asking for greener options, paper mailers are truly stepping into the spotlight. Here’s why they’re making such a difference.
Why the World Is Looking to Paper Mailers
Shipping has always been about getting things where they need to go, safely and securely. But now, it’s also about doing it responsibly. New environmental regulations and changing customer values are pushing companies to find alternatives to traditional plastic poly mailers. That’s where paper mailers come in, offering a solution that’s both practical and earth-friendly.
Eco-Friendly from the Start: Paper mailers are made from renewable resources and can be easily recycled – right alongside your newspapers and cardboard boxes. Unlike plastic, which can take centuries to break down, paper mailers biodegrade naturally, leaving a much lighter footprint on our environment.
Lightweight but Tough: Don’t let their simple appearance fool you. Modern paper mailers are strong, durable, and built to protect what’s inside. They’re ideal for shipping everything from clothing to books, offering the same protection as traditional poly mailers but without the environmental baggage.
Easy to Customize: With advances in printing and manufacturing, paper mailers can be tailored to fit your business’s needs. Whether you want to show off your logo or share a special message with every order, paper mailers are a canvas for creativity and connection.
Find the Right Bag for Your Business
Shipping has always been about getting things where they need to go, safely and securely. But now, it’s also about doing it responsibly. New environmental regulations and changing customer values are pushing companies to find alternatives to traditional plastic poly mailers. That’s where paper mailers come in, offering a solution that’s both practical and earth-friendly.
Eco-Shipper® Shipping Bags: For more than three decades, Eco-Shipper® paper mailers have stood as a trusted solution for e-commerce and catalog businesses seeking both affordability and sustainability. Now, even the smallest shops and independent sellers can take advantage of flexible order quantities and competitive pricing on both stock and custom-branded mailers. Each bag is made with at least 60% recycled content and is fully recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable – offering a greener, smarter alternative to plastic mailers. Designed with a crisp white exterior, natural brown interior, and easy-to-use Peel & Seal closure, Eco-Shipper® bags deliver secure, tear-resistant protection along with a polished, professional look. Perfect for everyone from solo sellers to national retailers, Eco-Shipper® helps reinforce your commitment to earth-friendly packaging and responsible business practices.
Eco-Natural® Shipping Bags: Eco-Natural® paper mailers are the go-to choice for brands looking to ship responsibly without breaking the bank. Crafted entirely from recycled paper – 90% of it post-consumer – these sturdy kraft mailers are light, durable, and fully compostable, recyclable, and biodegradable. Ideal for shipping anything from clothes and books to jewelry and accessories, they’re a perfect fit for businesses who want to cut down on waste without sacrificing presentation or reliability. The secure Peel & Seal strip makes packing orders a breeze, while custom printing options let you showcase your logo or message. With low order minimums and bulk discounts, Eco-Natural® mailers are a smart, sustainable option for growing brands of every size.
Eco-Natural Lite® Shipping Bags: Eco-Natural Lite® mailers deliver simple, eco-conscious shipping at an affordable price. Each mailer is crafted from a single, uncut sheet of 100% recycled paper – 90% post-consumer – giving you a smooth, seamless design for a neat, modern look. These mailers are fully compostable, recyclable, and biodegradable, making it easy for businesses to minimize their carbon footprint. The Peel & Seal closure ensures a secure and speedy seal, while an optional resendable tear-strip with reseal adhesive simplifies returns. Available with custom printing, Eco-Natural Lite® bags offer a great way to put your logo front and center while showing your commitment to the planet. Strong, lightweight, and practical – these mailers are ideal for businesses seeking straightforward, earth-friendly shipping solutions.
Dura-Bag® Shipping Bags: Dura-Bag® Shipping Bags are built for strength – combining the toughness of dual-layer natural kraft paper with extra reinforcement from crisscrossed fiberglass strands. This makes them a reliable choice for shipping heavier or bulkier items, such as coffee, apparel, or automotive parts. While not recyclable due to their fiberglass lining, Dura-Bag® mailers are made from renewable paper resources and use less energy and space during transport than traditional boxes. Their water-resistant outer layer keeps shipments clean and protected, while the smooth, machine-glazed finish ensures easy handling and quick loading. Offered in a range of sizes, with both gusseted and flat styles, Dura-Bag® meets the needs of e-commerce, industrial, and manufacturing shippers who need serious protection at lower shipping costs. Custom branding options let you put your best foot forward. With Dura-Bag®, your products travel safe, your brand stands out, and you save on every shipment.
The GBM Difference: Sustainable Manufacturing Close to Home
Here at GBM in Camden, we take pride in doing things the right way. Our paper mailers are made using responsible sourcing and energy-efficient processes. We believe in supporting our local community and our planet – one bag, one mailer at a time.
From the first cut of paper to the last bit of packaging, we keep sustainability at the heart of what we do. Our manufacturing process is designed to minimize waste, conserve resources, and ensure every product is ready to meet the demands of today’s eco-conscious customers.
Why Now Is the Time to Make the Switch
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the world’s challenges, but real change starts with the choices we make every day. By choosing paper mailers, you’re not just making a business decision – you’re joining a movement to protect the places we all call home.
If you’re looking for a simple, effective way to lower your environmental impact and show your customers you care, switching to paper mailers is a step in the right direction. At GBM, we’re here to help you make that transition smooth, affordable, and rewarding.
📞 Get in touch today to learn more or request a quote. Let’s work together to keep your packaging affordable, sustainable, and 100% American-made.
Visit us at www.gilchristbag.com to get started!
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