Postal Packaging

Shipping goods via courier or through the post? Our postal packaging options will help you protect your products in transit. At Macfarlane Packaging, we can supply a wide range of ready to use postal packaging as well as custom postal solutions.

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Not sure what postal packaging solution you need?

We’re here to help you find the perfect solution so you can post your products. Check out our free postal packaging guide, discover custom options and more!

How to choose the right postal solution for you

Customised postal packaging just for you

Design your own packing tape

Unpack productivity with packaging automation & machinery

Packaging automation can be the key to helping you save time and money. From small scale automation like electronic tape dispensers through to case erectors, case sealers and pallet wrappers, Macfarlane’s automation experts can recommend the machinery you need and supply it too…

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Postal Packaging for Your Business

We’re here to help you get the packaging you need

As the UK's largest distributor of protective packaging materials, we have perfect postal solutions so you can ship your products with ease

The maximum weight allowed for postal packaging depends on the courier you choose.

For UK customers, Royal Mail states:

  • 100g - Letters
  • 750g - Large letters
  • 2kg - Small parcel
  • 20kg - Medium parcel
  • 30kg - Large parcel


For IRE customers, An Post states:

  • 100g - Letters and postcards
  • 500g - Large envelopes
  • 2kg – Packets
  • 20kg – Parcels


Our range offers:

  • 100g - Letters
  • 750g - Large letters
  • 2kg - Small parcel
  • 20kg - Medium parcel


This will also be different if your ship internationally or choose alternative couriers to the ones listed above, so it's a good idea to check with your chosen shipping partner.
The type of postal packaging you’ll need to ship your goods, will depend on how big your goods are, how heavy they are and how fragile they are.

For example, if you’re shipping posters that are lightweight, but could easily tear, you may want to consider postal tubes. Alternatively, for if you’re shipping wine, beer or spirits, you may want to choose durable bottle packaging to provide protection in transit.

Our team can help you choose the best postal packaging, get in touch to ask for expert advice.
We offer a range of postal packaging, but some common sizes you will find are:

For UK customers, Royal Mail states that maximum sizes are:

  • Letters - 240mm x 165mm x 5mm
  • Large letters - 353mm x 250mm x 25mm
  • Small parcel - 450mm x 350mm x 160mm
  • Medium parcel - 610mm x 460mm x 460mm
  • Large parcel - 1500mm x 300mm


For IRE customers, An Poststates maximum sizes:

  • Letters and postcards - 235mm x 162mm x 5mm
  • Large envelopes - 400mm x 300mm x 25mm
  • Packets - a combined length, height and depth of 900mm
  • Parcels - 1.5 metres
Postal boxes provide a secure packaging solution for a variety of goods in transit. They are typically flat-packed (non-assembled), so they take up very little space in your store. They are simple to put together and come with self-sealing strips or tuck in locking flaps, making them easy to close.

Postal boxes come in a variety of sizes, and are an affordable, safe, and eco-friendly option for sending your products.
Mailing bags are one of the most popular postal packaging options used for protecting goods in transit. They are perfect for a wide range of businesses and, in many cases, can reduce shipping costs, compared to boxes and padded envelopes.

Shipping bags are affordable, lightweight, waterproof (if they're plastic), and versatile enough to pack a wide range of products. Bespoke options are also available, so you can personalise them with your logo or custom message to enhance customer experience.
Postal wraps are a self-sealing, cleverly designed solution for the transportation of books and other rigid, flat objects. Simply, place the item into the pre-packaged envelope, fold it over the creases and secure it with a self-sealing strip.

No additional wrapping or packaging is required but you may want to tape your postal packs prior to mailing for additional protection.
Postal packaging offers you versatility when finding the right solution for your business. Here are some popular options:

  • Bubble envelopes
  • Padded envelopes
  • Mailing Bags, including paper mailing bags and plastic mailing bags
  • Paper Document Wallets
  • Paper Document Wallets
  • Document Wallets
  • Postal Envelopes and Cardboard envelops
  • Postal Wraps
  • Postal Tubes
  • Postal Cubes
  • Ecommerce boxes
  • Korrvu® Insert
  • Postal Boxes – with or without lining
  • Bottle Boxes, including Flexi-Hex® and Airsac®

Discover our video guides

Quick Facts about Mailing Bags | Macfarlane Packaging

Bestselling products

Free standard delivery when you spend £150 / €150

We offer a wide range of delivery services and options to suit your business. Your delivery is in the safest of hands.

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We serve businesses of various sizes, allowing you to find the ideal packaging solutions for your requirements with ease.

Packaging advice to protect your products

Speak to one of our packaging specialist online, by email or over the phone 0800 2 88 88 22 in business hours.

Unrivalled choice of postal packaging

With a variety of postal packaging solutions to choose from, you can be confident that whatever you need, Macfarlane Packaging has the solution.

Macfarlane Packaging offers a comprehensive selection of postal products designed to meet all your shipping needs. Whether you're sending small, fragile items or larger, bulkier goods, our postal packaging ensures they arrive safely and securely.

Our postal packaging options include a wide array of choices, including postal boxes, envelopes and mailing bags. These products are available in many sizes, shapes, and styles, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your specific requirements. For those unique shipping needs, we offer custom postal packaging that can be printed with your branding or tailored to your exact specifications.

A benefit of choosing Macfarlane Packaging is the convenience of purchasing postal packaging in single packs or bulk quantities. We understand the urgency of shipping, which is why all our postal products are available with free fast delivery over £150 / €150. This ensures that you can keep your shipping process smooth and efficient, avoiding any unnecessary delays.

Our commitment to providing high-quality postal packaging is matched by our dedication to exceptional customer service. If you're unsure about the best postal packaging solution for your needs, our friendly and knowledgeable team is ready to assist you. They can help you navigate our extensive product range and guide you in selecting the ideal packaging to ensure your items are well-protected during transit.

Packaging advice, news and opinion

Protective packaging products and services to businesses throughout the UK, Ireland and Continental Europe

An updated guide to postal packaging
There were approximately 5 billion parcels delivered in the UK in 2023. We all know the humble cardboard box, but it isn’t the only packaging product we see on a (often) daily basis. There are many options; finding suitable styles to protect your products can be confusing. In the blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know! From helping yo
4 postal packaging solutions for a great unboxing experience
We all know how important it is to make a good first impression. The better your customer’s experience when opening your package, the greater their likelihood of returning to your brand and, more importantly, recommending it to others. According to our 2022 unboxing research, 61% of consumers get more excited about a parcel arriving if the pack
How online retailers can combat rising business rates through packaging optimisation
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Macfarlane Packaging announces automation agreement with Lantech

Macfarlane Packaging, the UK’s leading distributor of protective packaging, announces today (18 March) a new automation distributor agreement with U…

Macfarlane Packaging announces automation agreement with Lantech

Macfarlane Packaging, the UK’s leading distributor of protective packaging, announces today (18 March) a new automation distributor agreement with U…

Macfarlane Packaging announces automation agreement with Lantech

Macfarlane Packaging, the UK’s leading distributor of protective packaging, announces today (18 March) a new automation distributor agreement with U…

Confident for any packaging challenge

Whether you want to buy packaging materials now, ask for advice about custom packaging or transform your entire packing operation, our experts are on hand.