Envelope Terms – Glossary
The Priority Envelope Glossary offers a comprehensive look at the terminology commonly used in envelope design and production. Whether you’re new to envelope customization or a seasoned professional, understanding terms like window placement, flap styles, paper grades, and sealing methods is essential for making informed choices. This resource simplifies the technical jargon, giving you a clear understanding of the various options available for your custom envelope projects. With insights into everything from materials to production processes, our glossary helps you confidently select the right envelope features to meet your business or personal needs.
Patch Material:
Refers to the material used to cover envelope windows. Can be translucent or clear. Materials are poly, cello and glassine. An envelope with a window but containing no patch material is referred to as an “open window”.
Pictorial:
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Polystyrene:
A thermoplastic material used for window patch.
POSTNET:
(POSTal Numeric Encoding Technique) This is the barcode used to encode ZIP Code information letter mail for rapid and reliable sorting by barcode sorters (BCS’s). To receive automation discounts, letter-size mail must be 100-percent delivery point bar coded and meet addressing, readability, and other requirements for processing on automated equipment. Used on BRE and CRE mail.
Printing:
The choice of a printing process depends upon several factors. Some of which include the quantity, complexity and characteristics of the artwork, number of ink colors, as well as the paper stock and the level of desired quality of the finished product.
Flexography: (Also called FLEXO printing) A form of rotary letterpress using flexible rubber or photopolymer plates. Most common type of envelope printing, fast drying process, suitable for screens with 65105 lines. Printed in line at the same time envelope is converted. The art is lower imagery art. Generally the most cost effective price for larger quantities.
Jet Printing: Prints converted envelopes; equipment varies from 1 to 4 colors, 1 or 2-sided. Allows for fast turn times, good quality, and medium pricing.
Lithography: (Also know as FLAT SHEET LITHO or OFFSET PRINTING) Offers highest degree of precision, clarity and quality, uses screens of 133 lines or more. Artwork with full bleeds requires flat sheet lithography. Highest quality, top of price range.
Proxy:
A booklet style envelope used to mail an annual report and a proxy statement. Contains a special pocket for the proxy.
