Delve into the fascinating world of packaging to understand a familiar and essential mailing method – the envelope. An indispensable tool, the envelope has evolved alongside human civilization, boasting a rich and captivating history. This exploration into the “history of envelopes” will take us through different ages, materials, and purposes while revealing its current standing in the mailing industry and future prospects.
Origin of Envelopes
Ancient Times
The necessity to securely package and deliver messages has been crucial for thousands of years. Envelopes trace back to:
- Age-old civilizations like Egypt and Babylon, where the written word was cherished on papyrus
- Biblical times, with references even in the Old Testament’s Book of Esther
Interestingly, the first functional envelope dates back to 2,000 B.C. in ancient Babylon. These clay envelopes provided remarkable protection and security to important documents such as deeds, letters, and financial accounts.
The Emergence of Postal Envelopes
Around the Middle Ages, the need for privacy led to the inception of postal envelopes. These simple folded pieces of paper, sealed with wax, housed private and sensitive documents. However, it was not until 1845 that mass production of envelopes began. British inventors Edwin Hill and Warren De La Rue patented a breakthrough – an envelope-making machine that vastly hastened production, creating uniformly shaped envelopes which could be efficiently sealed.
The Iconic Diamond Shape
Though the exact origin of the diamond shape remains unknown, it’s believed to have been adopted by the first envelope-making machine, which folded pre-cut diamond-shaped blanks. The diamond shape, sturdy and logical, ensures the envelope perfectly wraps around a folded letter for optimal protection. By the early 1800s, this shape gained popularity, especially for fancy letters and invitations.
The Rise of Diamond Envelopes
The standardized diamond envelope turned mainstream around 1840, when Britain nationalized the post office under Rowland Hill. Hill’s reforms to standardize and minimize letter and postage costs paved the way for the widespread use of envelopes. It became affordable even for less affluent individuals to protect their letters using envelopes, marking a significant shift.
Envelope Evolution through the Ages
Envelopes were initiated as protective tools, became novelty items among the wealthy, and then became the standard packaging method for mailed documents. The evolution saw various technological advancements, like:
- The typewriter, largely used for addressing envelopes until the 1970s
- Computer printers and word processors with envelope-feeding and addressing features
- The commercial printing industry produces varied envelopes to cater to specific mailing needs
The Modern Envelope
Today, the envelope caters to diverse needs, such as:
- Security envelopes for protecting documents from unauthorized access and electronic scanning
- Direct mail envelopes, crafted in any imaginable size, weight, color, pattern, and texture
- Customized envelopes with cut-out windows, illustrated designs, and logos
Modern envelope machines impressively produce over 1,000 pre-glued envelopes in a minute. Even with the advent of digital communication, over 450 billion envelopes are produced annually, proving their essential role in today’s world.
Custom-Designed Envelopes
Curious about the potential of custom-designed envelopes for your direct mail business? Our company can help design envelopes to fit your precise needs without breaking the bank. Discover more fascinating aspects about the “history of envelopes” in part 2.
