Window Envelopes

The notion behind window envelopes is quite simple. They are envelopes that have "windows" or openings through which important pieces of information are visible before an envelope is open. Most basically, the window can be simply a hole cut into the envelope in a certain location. However, it can also be an opening covered in a transparent material to protect the letter inside. The two most popular covers are plastic or very thin paper. 

Single window envelopes will typically display the recipient's name and address. Double window envelopes will have windows for both the sender's and the receipient's information. Though available in nearly every shape and size imaginable, the most popular window envelope you are likely to encounter is referred to as a Number 10 window envelopes (or "#10"). This size is perfect for the standard 8-1/2" by 11" piece of paper (which is ideal for notebook, copy, computer printer paper, etc.). But this is only the beginning. There are window envelopes which are specially designed for paychecks. There are those which work paricularly well with a specific computer software program or application, making it convenient to keep track of expenses and pay bills all in one place. And if you are sending documents that should not be folded, catalogs with unusual layouts, or other less standard mail, you will undoubtedly be able to find window envelopes, either on the shelf or through any of myriad retailers, that are designed to fit your needs. Finally, you can easily locate businesses that will be happy to design a custom window envelope to suit your needs.

Even after determining the proper size for your envelopes, there are other options to consider. For instance, you can choose envelopes with different colors. These can be especially effective when mailing promotional materials. Window envelopes are available which are self-adhesive, meaning the days of licking envelopes shut are gone. Finally, window envelopes can be made with security tinting making it nearly impossible for someone to see what is inside prior to opening it. In short, you can get nearly any feature you would like in a window envelope.

While there are several advantages to a window or double window envelope, the main one is that it saves the sender from having to write out the receipient's (and possibly the sender's) name and address on the envelope. Instead, and particularly when sending correspondence that already includes addresses printed on the letters themselves, all that the sender needs to do is to fold the letter so that the address(es) are lined up with the opening(s). This is not nearly as difficult as it may sound since there are only so many ways to make the letter fit into the envelope properly.

Window Envelope Considerations

The final bit of information needed to make your selection is the weight of the envelope. Without getting bogged down in the details, you should look for "24 pound" envelopes. Simply put, this is the weight or heft that is routinely used for both business and personal envelopes. Going with something less (say, 20 pound weight, which is the minimum available), can result in an inferior product. 

There is one last consideration when selecting your ideal window envelope. While choosing among the various styles of "windows" is largely a matter of preference, one factor which may influence your decision is the ultimate impact on the enviroment of your choice. Fortunately, each type easily lends itself to recycling. For the environmentally conscious, envelopes with a hole and those with the thin paper windows can be recycled just like any other paper. As for those plastic windows, some local recyclers will remove them through the recycling process. However, some simply cannot are not equipped to take them. So the best advice is to contact your local recycling program and see what it recommends. Of course, you can also just tear or cut out the plastic yourself and avoid the problem altogether.