Board back envelopes have a rigid card backing — typically 1000 micron board — bonded to the rear panel of the envelope. This prevents the envelope from flexing or bending during transit, making them the correct choice wherever crease or bend marks would be unacceptable: photographs, certificates, artwork prints, architectural drawings, greetings cards, calendars and DVDs.
The range covers over 10 products across over 50 sizes, from compact C6 enclosures through to large C3 formats. Face paper weight runs from 115gsm to 130gsm; all-board variants use 350gsm board construction throughout. Available in a range of colour options alongside white, manilla and kraft.
Benefits of Board Back Envelopes
- 1000 micron backing board — rigid card lining prevents flex, bending and crease marks throughout transit.
- 115–130gsm face paper — heavier than standard envelopes, giving a more substantial, professional feel.
- Size range — over 50 sizes from small enclosures through to large A3+ formats for oversized prints and documents.
- Peel & seal closure — permanent self-adhesive strip for fast, reliable dispatch without separate equipment.
- Suitable for franking — compatible with standard franking machines for high-volume business dispatch.
- Colour options — available in a range of colour options for branded or occasion-specific mailings.
Board Back vs All-Board Envelopes
Board back envelopes have a rigid backing on the rear panel only — the front face is standard envelope paper. All-board (or rigid board) envelopes are constructed from board throughout, offering the highest level of stiffness. For most photograph and document applications, a board back envelope provides sufficient protection at a lower cost. All-board variants are better suited to very heavy or particularly rigid contents where even minor flex is unacceptable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the board thickness in board back envelopes?
Standard board back envelopes use a 1000 micron (1mm) backing board. This is the industry standard thickness for photograph and document protection. Premium or heavy-duty variants may use 600gsm board construction throughout — check individual product specifications if board weight is a purchase requirement.
What are board back envelopes used for?
Board back envelopes are used wherever the contents must not be bent or creased: photographs, certificates, diplomas, artwork prints, architectural drawings, greetings cards, DVDs and CDs, calendars, and any flat document where a fold or crease mark would be unacceptable. The rigid backing also makes them suitable for items that need to lie flat on delivery.
What sizes do board back envelopes come in?
Available in over 50 sizes across the range, covering all standard C-sizes from C6 (114 x 162mm) through to C3 (324 x 458mm), plus non-standard sizes for specific applications. Size refers to the internal (usable) dimension — always check individual product pages for exact measurements.
Are board back envelopes compatible with Royal Mail?
Yes. Board back envelopes are posted as standard mail items — the board backing adds weight but not thickness beyond standard large letter limits for smaller sizes. Larger formats (C4 and above) will typically fall into small parcel. Always weigh the packed item including the envelope before assigning a postage rate.
Are board back envelopes compatible with franking machines?
Yes — board back envelopes pass through standard franking machines in the same way as regular envelopes. The board backing sits on the rear panel and does not affect the franking path on the front face.
Do board back envelopes come with a 'Do Not Bend' marking?
Most board back envelopes do not have 'Do Not Bend' printed as standard — this is typically added by the sender via a printed label or stamp. The physical rigidity of the backing board provides the protection; the marking is a handling instruction for the postal service.
Are eco or recycled board back envelopes available?
Yes — recycled board back envelopes are available within the range. Check individual product listings for recycled content certification. Recycled options use the same 1000 micron board specification and are suitable for the same applications.
