FAQs
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General
- How do I go about getting a quote from Information Packaging?
Feel free to give us a call at 800-776-7633 or complete our online quote request form. A member of our Sales Department will respond within 24 hours; most of the time same day.
- What would my shipping costs be?
We ship via Fed Ex Ground, unless otherwise requested. Shipping charges will vary depending on the product ordered/manufactured, weight and final destination. We are happy to provide you with approximate shipping charges upon request. If you place an order at our online store, shipping charges will appear during the checkout process.
- Where should I send my art files?
Art files can be sent to Information Packaging via the Send Us Your Files page or sent directly to your sales rep (please see file submission guidelines for more details).
- Where do I send my Purchase Order’s?
Purchase orders can be faxed to 315-986-4585 or emailed directly to your Sales Rep.
- How do I open an account with Information Packaging?
A credit application can be faxed or emailed to you by request. First orders are generally prepaid by credit card until Net 30 terms can be established.
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Card Sleeves and Envelopes
- Can I put a window on a card sleeve?
Small windows may be an option for your card sleeve or envelope. Some manufacturing restrictions may apply, so give us a call with your specific request and we will be happy to help you out.
- Can card sleeves be made in custom sizes?
Information Packaging is a custom manufacturer of sleeve and envelope products, therefore we have the ability to customize the size of sleeves and envelopes to best meet your requirements.
- Can card sleeves and envelopes be made using specialty papers?
Yes, we can manufacture your sleeves and envelopes from a wide variety of specialty papers and stocks to meet your specific needs. Please call us to discuss your project.
- Can the card sleeves and envelopes be made using recycled paper?
Yes, recycled papers and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified papers are available and can be used to make these sleeves and envelopes.
- How do I protect the magnetic stripe on my credit card /access card?
Tyvek® provides excellent protection for the magnetic stripe on credit cards, ATM/debit cards, and campus access/ID cards. The properties of Tyvek® protect the stripe from scratching and wear.
- Does a Tyvek® credit card sleeve without alloyed inside protect credit card from RFID frequencies?
A Tyvek® credit card sleeve on its own cannot protect or stop a credit card from being scanned. The Tyvek® sleeve will protect the magnetic strip from being scratched. Our ArmorShield™ RFID blocking sleeve is made from Tyvek with a foil lining that inhibits the possibility of information being taken from the card. This RFID secure sleeve is used to stop your identity from being stolen.
- When is it best to use ArmorShield® Tyvek®, or paper for card sleeves?
- Our ArmorShield® sleeves are best used for applications to protect the data on smart or contactless cards, passports and enhanced drivers licenses.
- Tyvek® is ideal for long term use of cards such as credit cards, ATM/debit cards or loyalty cards which do not contain an RFID embedded chip. Tyvek® is durable, tear resistant, light weight and water resistant.
- Paper is an ideal material for short term use cards such as hotel key cards and gift cards where the card will be used and the sleeve will not be used again.
- How does Tyvek® protect my credit card?
Tyvek® is ideal for cards with magnetic stripes as they provide a low abrasive surface for the cards. Tyvek® is also extremely durable, tear resistant and water resistant which makes it an excellent substrate for card storage.
- Can you print a 4 color process on card sleeves?
We can print spot PMS colors and process color on paper, paperboard, and Tyvek® card sleeves. Card sleeves are an excellent means of getting your company logo and key message out to your customers.
- Can you print on the face and back of card sleeves?
We print on flat sheets, then die cut and fold into card sleeves and envelopes, so printing on the face and back of the sleeves is easy to accomplish with no additional print charges.
- What is the best material to use on a sleeve or envelope for hotel key cards?
Hotel key cards are typically short term use items and do not require the protection of Tyvek®. Therefore, paper is the best material for this application. Paper is also easier to write on (as compared to Tyvek®), so room number and other guest information is easier to read.
- Do you have different styles of card sleeves and envelopes?
As a manufacturer, we have the ability to produce any size to meet your requirements. Common/most popular sizes include:
- 2 1/4″ x 3 1/2” (or 2 3/8″ x 3 1/2″ to fit 2 cards) open end sleeve with thumb cut
- 2 3/8” x 3 3/4″ open end with flap on the short side
- 3 5/8” x 2 5/8” open side with “V” flap.
- 2 ¼” x 3 ½” open side card sleeve
- Custom sizes are always available
- What is the best material to use on a sleeve or envelope for gift cards?
This would depend on the length of time the card is intended to be used and how often it is used. For short term cards that are not subject to constant use, paper is the most economical material. For cards that are used frequently or will be stored for a longer term, Tyvek® will perform better.
- What is the best material to use on a sleeve or envelope for cards with magnetic stripes such as credit cards or debit cards?
The properties of Tyvek® make this an ideal material for protection and storage of these types of cards. Tyvek® will protect the magnetic stripe from scratching against other cards in your purse or wallet.
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RFID Blocking Card Sleeves and Envelopes
- Can card sleeves be made in custom sizes?
Information Packaging is a custom manufacturer of sleeve and envelope products, therefore we have the ability to customize the size of sleeves and envelopes to best meet your requirements.
- What is RFID?
RFID, or radio frequency identification, is the technology that lets you simply wave your credit card, passport or license in front of a nearby scanner instead of having to slide the magnetic stripe through it. The electronic scanner sends a signal which is received by an antenna embedded into the card, which is connected to the card’s RFID chip, thus activating it. The RFID chip in these cards emits all of the information, including the account number, which is needed to complete a transaction.
Learn about our ArmorShield® RFID blocking sleeves.
- What types of cards are typically embedded with RFID technology?
- All HID iClass, HID MIFARE®, HID FlexSmart, DESFire
- Indala FlexSmart
- Any card ISO 14443A/B or ISO 15693 compatible
- All MIFARE® and DESFire compatible cards
- All new contactless credit cards
- sQuid cards used in Europe
- Military CAC (Common Access Cards)
- New Government PIV (Personal Identity Verification) cards such as the Linc- Pass
- TWIC™ (Transportation Worker Identification Credential)
- New long range RFID EPC Gen1/Gen2 cards
- US Passport Cards
- Enhanced Driver’s Licenses such as Washington, New York, and Vermont
- Many transit cards such as the DC Metro and Boston Charlie™ card
- Why is there a need for RFID shielding for credit cards?
About 100 million credit cards now have RFID technology embedded into them. However, over the next two to three years, credit card issuers plan to replace every single magnetic stripe credit and debit card with new contactless smartcards. These cards can be read without even taking them out of your wallet. The RFID shielding technology in our ArmorShield® card sleeves blocks this transmission from happening as long as the card is inside the sleeve.
- What is skimming?
Skimming is the process where “thieves” take your personal information from your card without your knowledge. This technology is relatively easy to acquire and is so unobtrusive, you would never know it has happened.
View Video: MythBusters® Won’t Talk About RFID Episode
- What is ArmorShield®
Exclusive to Information Packaging, ArmorShield® is a unique material used to make our ArmorShield® sleeves protect smart cards and contactless cards from being read without your knowledge. ArmorShield® is durable and resistant to tears, punctures, moisture and chemicals, and provides shielding for ISO 14443/15693 and EPC Gen 1/Gen 2 contactless smart card and any contactless card that operates at 13.56 MHz and above. ArmorShield® sleeves effectively block the ability to read an RFID encoded card. The ArmorShield® sleeve is FIPS 201 approved by the U.S. Government as an electromagnetically opaque shield.
- What frequencies will the ArmorShield® block the RFID transmission?
ArmorShield® material is designed to shield ISO 14443 A/B and EPC Gen1/Gen2 contactless smart cards. This encompasses any contactless card that operates at 13.56 Mhz and above. This material will not shield the older 125khz proximity cards. On cards that include a secondary 125 khz antenna added for backward compatibility, only the newer 13.56 Mhz interface is shielded. The 13.56 Mhz interface is generally the only one with personal data.
- Are there cards that the ArmorShield® material will not block the RFID transmission?
Yes, older type proximity cards and those operating with 125Khz will not be shield. Examples of these types of cards include: Older “prox” cards, HID 125 khz. Includes: ProxCard II, ISOProx II, DuoProx II, Smart ISOProx II, Smart DuoProxII, ProxCard Plus. Also Indala FlexISO, FLexCard, FLex Tag
- When is it best to use ArmorShield® Tyvek®, or paper for card sleeves?
- Our ArmorShield® sleeves are best used for applications to protect the data on smart or contactless cards, passports and enhanced drivers licenses.
- Tyvek® is ideal for long term use of cards such as credit cards, ATM/debit cards or loyalty cards which do not contain an RFID embedded chip. Tyvek® is durable, tear resistant, light weight and water resistant.
- Paper is an ideal material for short term use cards such as hotel key cards and gift cards where the card will be used and the sleeve will not be used again.
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CD/DVD Sleeves and Envelopes
- What kinds of “green packaging” are available for CDs / DVDs?
Information Packaging offers a window envelope made from 100% recycled paper. IBM uses this product. Custom printed packaging is also offered qualifying for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) designation. Window envelopes for Intuit are produced in this manner.
- How do I include a CD/DVD into a book or magazine?
One solution is to put the CD into a bind-in envelope that holds the CD and is bound into the book or magazine. Information Packaging offers several standard sizes for bind-ins for both perfect bound and saddle stitched books and magazines. Custom sizes, windows and custom printing are also available. Another method to enclose a disc is to use a mountable envelope made from Tyvek, paper or vinyl which is attached to the inside cover of the book or magazine. These are usually applied by hand whereas the bind-in is automatically placed into the book or magazine as another page in the binding process.
- I need a solution for packaging two or three CDs/DVDs. What’s available?
Information Packaging invented the two-pocket and three-pocket window envelope for CDs, DVDs or BluRay discs. The graphics of one of the discs can be seen through the window and one or two dividers in the envelope separate the discs for their protection. These are offered in both Tyvek® and paper.
- Why is Tyvek® used for CD/DVD packaging?
Tyvek offers the smoothest surface of all CD packaging materials. Paperboard, paper, vinyl and other materials are far more likely to scratch the disc and create reading or recording problems.
- Do you offer mountable sleeves?
Absolutely! We have mountable sleeves available in paper, Tyvek® and vinyl. The paper and Tyvek® versions are available with or without latex or our “Strip & Seal” on the flap. Our vinyl mountable sleeves offer a tamper evident feature.
- Do you offer 80mm versions of your CD/DVD sleeves?
We do carry a paper version of our mini paper envelope with flap (FGCDEP), with no window that fits an 80mm disc.
- What is the difference between perfect bound and saddle stitch?
A saddle stitched product has staples on the spine of the book to hold it together, such as a magazine. A perfect bound product has glue on the spine to adhere the pages to the cover. Perfect binding is the same process used to bind soft cover novels and textbooks. Learn more about our Bind-In products.
- Are all of your paper sleeves available using recycled or “green” material?
Currently we only carry our paper envelope with flap and window (item FGCDWINP) as a stock “green” item. We can manufacture all of our paper packaging items using “green” recycled paper materials as a custom order for you.
- If I want to order a custom printed item, how long will it take for me to receive my order?
We pride ourselves on quality work with quick turn times. In most cases, our lead times are 7-10 business days from proof approval until the day we ship your order. There may be exceptions for highly customized items or extremely large orders. Contact the sales rep in your area for more details.
- What do you offer in a tamper proof mountable sleeve that is clear?
We carry a clear vinyl sleeve that is tamper proof and mountable – item FGCDVTU.
- Do you offer discounts for large quantities? For example, if I want to order 50,000pcs of your Tyvek® window sleeves, do I pay the same per-sleeve price as I would for one box?
If you are looking for large quantities, please contact the sales rep in your area for large quantity pricing. You can find your rep by clicking on the “Meet Your Sales Team” page.
- What sleeves can you print on and do printing costs include both front and back or just one side?
We can print on all of our paper or Tyvek® sleeves and envelopes, bind-ins or board sleeve options. Our pricing includes printing on the entire outside of the packaging, so if your artwork is front and back of a Tyvek® sleeve, for example, you’re covered!
- Do you offer sleeves with a sealable flap?
We manufacture several envelopes with a sealable flap. We offer several different options including latex, Strip & Seal, gum seal (lick and stick), and hot melt seal.
- Do you offer CD/DVD sleeves that are auto-insertable?
Yes, we do. All of our paper and Tyvek® sleeves are auto-insertable. Our poly (items FGPPS43 and FGPPF59) and vinyl (item FGCDSV) sleeves are as well.
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Envelopes and Mailers
- What is a MailSaver® CD/DVD mailer?
The MailSaver® is the trademark name of our 1-Way and 2-Way Mailers.
- What kind of seals can I get on a paper mailer?
Our mailers can have the Strip & Seal closure which is our most popular option. We also provide a Latex/Self Seal Adhesive, which is applied to the envelope and the flap. When closed, it seals on its own. Latex/Self Seal Adhesive is a quick solution for sealing the mailer and works well with automated CD/DVD inserting equipment.
- What are my options for CD Mailers that are two way – meaning I can send the mailer with a CD to my customer, then they can send it back to me?
Our CD/DVD 2-Way MailSaver® is manufactured in 24 lb. white paper. This mail piece is designed with a “return” envelope as part of construction, allowing a reply mail to be sent back. It can be purchased as an in-stock product or ordered custom printed with your company logo or company design.
- Can the paper mailers be custom printed with my company’s logo?
Yes, we can. We can custom print mailers in 1-4 colors with your logo and designs.
- Should I be concerned with my CD/DVD being damaged when mailing with a 24lb mailer?
There is always a chance that the CD/DVD could be damaged, but it is a very small percent. Over 100 million CD or DVDs are mailed every year with no damage. When using MailSaver® mailers, breakage is typically due to the quality of the disc.
- What does it mean that your mailers are USPS approved for auto-mailing?
Information Packaging has had our 1-Way and 2-Way MailSaver® tested and approved by the Engineering Department of the United States Postal Service for processing on letter-size automation equipment. These mail pieces can be processed by the USPS without surcharges or additional fees typically incurred when mailing one CD or DVD in our mailers. When properly prepared and sealed, our CD mailers are in the shape of a rectangle. This helps in two ways: the CD is centered in the mailer, providing extra protection on the sides of the mailer. Additionally, rectangle mailers cost less to mail than square mailers.
- What is an inexpensive way to mail a CD/DVD?
Information Packaging offers two solutions that save money for mailing a disc. The MailSaver® board mailer is made of paperboard, is used to hold a disc in a Tyvek® sleeve and has a total mailing weight of one ounce. It confirms to the proper USPS mailing aspect ratio dimensions for the one ounce first class mailing rate. Another growing option in the “MailSaver®” family is the “1-Way Mailer”. This mailer is made from lighter paper and is similar to the mailers used for home delivery of DVDs by Netflix. As an automatable envelope, there are considerable postage savings using this product. The MailSaver® 1-Way Mailer has been approved by the USPS to be mailed and processed at the automated letter rate, saving you postage by eliminating the rigidity surcharges.
- Can I order mailers for CDs and DVDs that are light weight and save on postage costs?
Yes, you can. We have a couple of options to give you a mailer that weighs less than an ounce and are US Postal Service approved to be mailed at the automated letter rate.
- CD/DVD 1-Way Mailer – 24 lb. paper for one time mailings.
- CD/DVD 2-Way Mailer – 24 lb. paper for mailing in two directions. Used when you need a mail piece or payment returned to you. To be mailed at automated letter-size rates.
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Custom Envelopes
- How many colors can I print on my envelopes?
You can print as many colors as you want. The most economical printing is flexo and most of our folding equipment can print 2/1 ink colors. When you exceed 2 colors, we will be printing litho or offset.
Learn more about our custom printing capabilities.
- Do I receive a proof prior to production?
All custom printed jobs will have a PDF proof provided and approved by you before the job is manufactured. The PDF proof is for placement and content only and not to be used for color matching. We print ink colors to the PMS (Pantone Matching System) color guides. If ink color is critical, please provide a sample for comparison.
Learn more about our pre-press and custom printing capabilities.
- Can I make my two color print job look like three colors?
Yes. By using screens and halftones (small dots of printing) you can make your graphics look like 3 or even 4 colors.
Learn more about our custom printing capabilities.
- What is the difference between Litho (offset) printing and flexo printing?
Litho print is a higher quality than flexo. Most envelopes are flexo printed when it is only text. Litho printing should be used if you want high quality printing for images, logos and graphics.
Learn more about our custom printing capabilities.
- What if I don’t have a prepress department?
If you don’t have a prepress department, we can work with you to create the art. All additional prepress work to get it in the appropriate format will be charged an hourly rate of $125/hour with a 1 hour minimum.
- What file formats do you prefer for art?
- Illustrator (ai)
- Editable PDF (vector)
- EPS (vector)
- Photoshop
- TIF
- BMP
For All custom printed jobs, vector art is preferred (Illustrator or EPS files).
GIF and JPG files do not hold PMS information and thus cannot be used in 1 or 2-color printing. Hi-Res GIF and JPG images can be used for 4-color process printing.
Read more about our Pre-press Guidelines.
- What does 4/4, 4/1, 3/1, 2/0, 1/0 mean for printing?
The first number represents the amount of printed colors on the outside of the envelope and the second number represents the amount of colors in the inside of the envelope. The front and back of the envelope are both considered the outside of the envelope.
- What is the minimum size order for custom printing?
We do custom printing in quantities as low as 1,000.
- What are standard substance weights for envelopes?
- 16 lb. Used for overseas air mail envelopes.
- 20 lb. Used for commercial envelopes where strength and opacity is not a factor.
- 24 lb. Used for most open side official and commercial envelopes.
- 28 lb. Used for most open end catalog envelopes and large (i.e. 11, 12 and 14) size commercial envelopes.
- 32 lb. Used for heavy duty envelopes and clasp envelopes.
- 40 lb. Used for large envelopes, heavy duty envelopes or envelopes used for storage and frequent reference.
- What are A size envelopes?
A size envelopes hold announcements, small booklets, brochures, less formal invitations, and promotional pieces. These envelopes have a square flap and come in a wide range of finishes and colors. What happens most often is enclosures are produced custom to fit within the envelope.
- What is special about an invitation envelope?
Often used in formal occasions. These types of envelopes are characterized by their pointed flaps and enclosures.
- What are catalog envelopes?
Catalog envelopes are used to mail catalogs, large booklets and other high weight articles. Catalog envelopes (open on the short side) do not have the machine insert option. They are often hand packed.
- What are booklet envelopes
Booklet envelopes (open on the long side) are often used to mail annual reports, brochures, sales literature and small documents. These types of envelopes are normally used in high volume because they can be automatically inserted.
- What are standard commercial envelope measurements or sizes?
Commercial business envelopes sizes are often referenced by a number such as #9 or #10. The chart below includes all of the most common types used by printers today.
Size
Width x Length
#6 1/4
3 1/2″ x 6″
#6 3/4
3 5/8″ x 6 1/2″
#7
3 3/4″ x 6 3/4″
#7 3/4
3 7/8″ x 7 1/2″
#8 5/8
3 5/8″ x 8 5/8″
#9
3 7/8″ x 8 7/8″
#10
4 1/8″ x 9 1/2″
#11
4 1/2″ x 10 3/8″
#12
4 3/4″ x 11″
#14
5″ x 11 1/2″
- What are commercial envelopes?
Commercial envelopes are normally used for letterhead, invoices, statements, direct marketing mailings, and reply mail. Typical packaging includes boxes of 500 that are packed in cartons of 2500. Large orders may be bulked packed to reduce handling.
- I have a large mailing, how can I save postage?
Having the right size envelope will save you postage. If you are just over the weight limit for the envelope class, a good way to save postage is to use envelopes made with Tyvek®. Tyvek® is stronger than paper and also lighter in weight. The Tyvek® envelope will cost more but the savings in postage may provide you with your lowest total cost.
- What seal should I use on the envelope?
It all depends on what you are trying to achieve. The most common is the re-moistenable seal, which also incurs the least cost. The most aggressive seal would be our strip & seal. If you are looking to reduce labor and are hand inserting a few items in an envelope, a latex seal works well. With latex, all you need is to fill the envelope and then close and press the flap.
- Do you manufacture envelopes with outside seams?
Yes, we do manufacture envelopes with outside seams. Outside seams can make it easier to insert items since there are no flaps or seams on the inside of the envelope. No seam on the inside also reduces abrasion for products that are sensitive to scratching.
- What size envelopes can I purchase from Information Packaging?
We manufacture a variety of envelopes from 2 ¼” x 3 ½” to 7 ¼” x 11 ½”. We work with a variety of materials from paper to Tyvek® to board stocks.
- What can I print on envelopes?
You can print anything you want from 1-color to multiple colors. Customers will often want their name and logo on the envelope. Create a custom inside tint by repeating the company name on the inside of the envelope. The possibilities are endless. Call customer service for more information and samples.
- How can my envelopes be customized?
Envelopes can have a variety of features including windows, custom printing, special seals, different materials, and just about any shape or size you can imagine. Call our sales team and let them know your objective and we can work with you to determine the best envelope for your application.
- How long will it take get a quote on a custom envelope?
We respond to quote requests within one business day.
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Tyvek® Mailing Envelopes
- Where can I buy Tyvek®?
Information Packaging is a DuPont™ Tyvek® Authorized Distributor for Envelopes (one of four distributors). Depending on your need, we can provide Tyvek® rolls, Tyvek® sheets, Tyvek® blanks, Tyvek® printed sheets or the finished Tyvek® envelope.
- Can Tyvek® Envelopes be printed?
Information Packaging has been printing on Tyvek® since 1985. High quality offset litho printing presses are used to print on Tyvek® from 1-color to 4-color, to multiple colors. Graphics really pop out when printing on Tyvek® due to its extra whiteness. Ask your Sales Rep for samples.
- Can Tyvek® Envelopes be recycled?
Yes, DuPont has set-up programs with Waste Management to have envelopes recycled. Go to DuPont™ Tyvek® Envelopes Nationwide Recycling Program for additional information and resources.
- I am mailing something sharp or heavy, what material should I use?
When mailing something sharp or heavy, Tyvek® is a great material to use. Tyvek® is durable and very difficult to tear or puncture. It holds it strength and when it is dry or wet.
- Why use Tyvek® Mailing Envelopes?
Tyvek® envelopes are commonly used in industries that promote a professional image. Substantial postage savings can be achieved by using a Tyvek® envelope instead of a heavier paper envelope. If you have a large mailing and are just over the weight limit for the postage class when using a paper envelope, the lighter weight of Tyvek® may bring you to the lower class of postage.
- What is Tyvek®?
Tyvek® (pronounced tie-vek) is a synthetic material made of flash spun, high-density polyethylene fibers and is a registered trademark of DuPont. Tyvek® is a material that is light weight, durable, water and chemical resistant, and has a neutral pH.