Glossary of Terms
Browse our Glossary of Terms for definitions of envelope terminology.
A
Adjustable Die
Dies that have movable blades which can be adjusted to produce the size and shape
of the envelope blank desired.
Artlining
Patterns which are printed on the inside of the envelope to make them more opaque,
providing security for items, such as payroll cheques. Also referred to as Security
Lining
Avpexine
A clear and relatively inexpensive plastic material which is most commonly used in
the manufacture of window envelopes.
B
Back Flap
This is a term used to designate the back of the envelope as opposed to the seal
flap. The back flap is frequently used for advertising messages, etc.
Banding
This is done by placing a paper band around a group of envelopes for applications
such as packaging for counter sales.
Base Price
The base price in the envelope price book is the 250M price which is the basis on
which percentages are added to or subtracted from, depending on the quantity
purchased.
Blank
Paper stock die cut into the appropriate envelope shape. When folded, the blank
becomes the desired envelope.
Bleed
Printed image that extends past the envelope folds.
Booklet (Pictorial) Envelope
Larger open side envelopes that are generally used for mailing booklets or
brochures.
Business Reply Envelope (B.R.E.)
Envelopes which have the name and address pre-printed on to facilitate the return
of mail to a company.
Button & String
An appendage used to allow an envelope to be closed and re-opened several times,
non-adhesive.
C
Catalogue
A large sized, open end mailing envelope, generally made from Kraft paper stock.
Used primarily for mailing catalogues or heavy materials of various types.
Chevrons
Generally placed on business reply envelopes (B.R.E.s) that denotes to the post
office that return mail postage is paid by the receiver. Also used in conjunction
with a postal permit.
Clasp
A closure device which enables the envelope to be opened and closed several
times.
Cockle Finish
A ripple-like finish caused by shrinkage during drying under little or no tension.
Used most frequently in bond papers.
Coin Envelope
Smaller, open end envelopes which are used as payroll envelopes or blank envelopes
in which coins are placed.
Corner Card
The return address of the sender set in any form of type and/or logo printed in the
upper left corner of the envelope.
Courtesy Window
Carries a message in the window position. When the insert is removed from the
envelope, the words "Thank You", or some other similar notation is made on the
inside of the envelope.
C/B
Cross Back: refers to the style of envelope, which when folded, has the seams
diagonally across the back of the envelope.
C/S
Centre Seam
D
Decco
A paper that is manufactured by the mill, which has a coloured pattern on one side
to provide opacity for security.
Die Cutting
The process by which a steel die is used to cut paper into a variety of shapes and
sizes.
Double Side Seam (D.S.S.)
This style of envelope has seams on the back of the envelope which are parallel to
the depth of the envelope, as opposed to the seams on the cross back envelope,
which are diagonal.
E
Ecologo
An Environmental Choice Program trademark that is rigorously guarded and only
attainable after in-depth scrutiny and audits of the operation.
Expansion Envelope
See Gusset Envelope.
Eyelet (Eyelet & Clasp)
A hole with a reinforcement around it, into which the metal clasp is inserted
before it is flattened.
F
First Class Mailers
The "Green Edged" envelope that historically received preferential treatment over
other mail. Canada Post, however, no longer recognizes the green edge.
Flaps Extended
Envelopes with the seal flap extended (not folded down).
G
Glassine
A window material which is made of very thin and transparent paper fibres which is
recyclable as fine paper. This material is subject to alteration and does not have
a very long shelf life.
Gusset Envelope
An expanding envelope used for heavy mailings and packaging. This envelope extends
like an accordion to accommodate bulky objects.
H
Handfold
A department in the envelope manufacturing plant that folds envelopes by hand. This
generally applies to item quantities under 5,000 envelopes that are too cumbersome
for our machines to accommodate.
I
Invitation
Open side envelopes, generally crossback, used for formal invitations or notices
but can also be used for regular mail.
J
Jobber
A re-seller that sells to printers and consumers.
K
Kraft
Low grade paper used for the manufacture of envelopes which are strong and opaque.
This paper is generally used in larger envelopes because of its strength.
L
Laid Finish
This term describes the finish imparted by a dandy roll, which contains wires that
produce markings of lines across the grain of the paper.
Lay Sheet
A lay sheet contains the following information:
- Sheet size, including gripper and guide
- Proper layout with registration marks for die cut locations.
- Bleeds (printing copy must either stop short of score lines by 3/16" or exceed
past the score line by 3/16")
- Gum area (printing copy must not enter seal gum or gum side areas).
Legal / Tufold Envelope
Refers to the 4" x 7-1/2" envelope.
M
M
Is the Roman symbol for 1,000. In the paper industry, this symbol is used to
designate 1,000 sheets of paper or envelopes.
M Weight
The weight, in pounds, of 1,000 sheets of a grade in a given size.
Machine Charge
This charge is levied against a special order for the adjusting of the machine to a
particular size of envelope.
M.I.C.R.
Magnetic Ink Character Recognition
Make Only Envelopes
This unique process allows the printer / designer almost total freedom in their
design and printing of the envelopes. They get to choose their stock, select the
envelope size and style and control the quality of the printing, embossing or
stamping of the envelopes.
N
Natural Kraft
Natural kraft paper is easier to recycle and manufacture than the traditional brown
kraft stock, is made from 60% post-consumer waste and is Ecologo certified.
O
Octavo
Term refers to the shape of the envelope. This crossback, invitation envelope is
stocked in three specific sizes (small, medium and large).
Official
See Legal / Tufold.
Offset Paper
Coated or uncoated papers available in several finishes. Generally refers to paper
that is manufactured specifically for use on offset presses. It is characterized by
strength, cleanliness, pick-resistance and relative freedom from curl.
Open End (OE)
Refers to the style of envelope which opens on the shortest dimension of the
envelope.
Open Side (OS)
Refers to the style of envelope which opens on the longest dimension of the
envelope.
Outlook
An opening through which the address would show, without the window material. This
feature does not meet postal regulations for first class mail.
P
Pay Envelope
Generally a small open end coin envelope used for inserting pay.
Pictorial Flap
The seal flap on an open side, side seam envelope which is "square" in shape and
short in depth (generally not longer than 2 inches).
Postage Paid
Refers to the postal permit or chevron in the upper right hand corner with the
accompanying bar coding on the front of a reply envelope, indicating the return
postage will be paid by the receiver.
Press to Seal
A sealing method utilizing a patch of latex gum on the flap and on the back of the
envelope which adhere to one another on contact.
Printing: In-line / Flexography
The printing is done while the envelope is being manufactured. The copy image is
applied to the paper while still in "web" form. From that point, the envelope is
cut, folded, glued and gummed in one continuous process. There are significant cost
advantages to in-line printing, however, there are some limitations (including a
minimum run quantity of 75,000 units).
Printing: Off-set / Lithography
A method of printing by which the ink is picked up by the original plate and is
offset on to a blanket and subsequently to the paper.
Printing: Take From Stock and Print
Where the manufacturer takes finished goods inventory from their stock and prints.
The envelope manufacturer can usually print at a lower cost per thousand because of
specialized Jet Presses and envelope feeders.
R
Remittance Envelopes
Those envelopes which are sent out in the mail, generally with a return address
printed on them for the return of moneys to the original sender.
Round Trip Mailer
An envelope that serves as both the outgoing and return envelope. This unique,
patented design is viewed as "environmentally friendly" as well as price and space
competitive.
S
Self Seal
See Press to Seal.
Single Side Seam (SSS)
An open end style of envelope which has only one seam at the side, rather than down
the middle, which is ideal for making-only envelopes with printing on the back side
of the envelope.
Special Envelopes
Any envelope that is not listed in the regular price book or of different window
specifications or paper. In other words, an envelope that is manufactured as a
custom item and is not carried in regular inventory.
S.S.E.
Side Seam Envelope
Stock Envelopes
The most commonly used envelopes which are stocked on manufacturers' shelves for
immediate use.
T
T4 Envelope
Used to carry the T4 Tax Form which has 1 or 2 windows through which the name and
address appears.
Tabbing
A small piece of paper is placed at a customer's request after a certain number of
envelopes, indicating the count in the box.
Teaser Advertising
Advertising used on the outside of the envelope to try to create interest so that
the receiver of the envelope is more likely to read the contents.
Thumbhole
A cut out portion of an envelope which is in the shape of a semi-circle.
Two-Way Mailer
See Round Trip Mailer
Tyvek
A tear and moisture resistant lightweight material used in the manufacture of
highly durable envelopes.
W
Wallet Flap
A rectangular seal flap.
Wove
A standard envelope paper which is used to manufacture most envelopes. Wove
finishes are smooth and clear of designs.
X
X-Ray Envelope
A specific style of large envelopes used to store x-rays.
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