If you want your posters, blueprints, artwork, certificates, or other delicate items to reach their destination in perfect condition, cardboard postal tubes are one of the most dependable ways to get them there. Thanks to their round shape, sturdy cardboard walls, and secure end caps, postal tubes are great at keeping items safe from creases, tears, or other damage while they’re on the move.
Not only do they keep your products safe, but they’re also a sustainable packaging choice. They’re available in a range of custom lengths, diameters, and thicknesses, and can even be custom-made to suit your specific requirements.
In this blog, we will explore what postal tubes are, the different sizes available as standard, the best use cases for them, and the key benefits they offer when it comes to shipping products safely and sustainably.
What Are Cardboard
Postal Tubes?
Cardboard postal tubes are a round packaging solution that is made from recycled, thick, and durable cardboard. They are designed to protect rolled and delicate items during the shipping process, and thanks to their rigid structure, they are perfect for preventing bending, creasing, tearing, or shattering.
Unlike most flat packaging solutions, like boxes or envelopes, cardboard mailing tubes will hold your items in a secure and rolled position, reducing the risk of movement during transit. They are more favourable to plastic tubes as they offer the same protective strength while also being fully recyclable and biodegradable.
Common Uses for Cardboard Postal Tubes
Posters and Artwork
Poster mailing tubes are the go-to choice for individuals or businesses that are looking to send out prints, photographs, or artwork. The cylinder structure of these tubes will help to keep your items rolled instead of folded. This helps to protect the edges and surfaces of your items from dents, scratches, and moisture. If you’re looking to add extra presentation value, you can also add protective sleeves inside these tubes to ensure your recipients are receiving a perfectly preserved piece.
Blueprints and Large Documents
Blueprint tubes are an essential packaging choice for architects, engineers, and project managers who are working with large-format technical drawings. By rolling documents safely into a postal tube, you will avoid creating any creases that will distort scale lines or even obscure any fine details within the drawing, making these tubes ideal not just for shipping, but also for transporting and storing.
Delicate and Fragile Items
When you pair cardboard postal tubes with protective wrapping, they will provide a secure packaging solution that will protect products like cosmetics, glassware, candles, or small bottles during transit. Their solid walls will absorb knocks, while their round shape will help to prevent any movement that could cause breakages. For particularly fragile items, end caps can be reinforced with tape or custom inserts for added security and peace of mind.
Industrial and Specialist Use Cases
In the manufacturing and engineering industries, postal tubes will often carry far more than just paper; some examples include rolled textiles, printed films, and precision components that need a protective outer shell. Their strength, stackability, and customisability are what make them a practical choice for a wide range of industrial and specialist shipping and storage needs.
Choosing the Right
Size and Strength
Choosing the right postal tube for your needs will ensure that your items are protected properly, without adding any unnecessary bulk or weight.
- Diameter: We recommend you measure your item once it is rolled and then add at least 10 mm for clearance. This will help to prevent tight packaging, which can lead to creases or even pressure marks.
- Length: You should match the tube length to the length of your item (remember to include space for your end caps). A snug fit will help to ensure your items don’t move during transit.
- Wall Thickness: Standard tubes are appropriate for everyday documents and posters, whereas heavy-duty tubes with thicker walls will be needed for more valuable and fragile items.
We have created a quick reference guide below to show some common uses and the recommended tube sizes for each:
Item Type | Recommended Diameter | Wall Strength |
A1 Poster | 75 mm | Standard |
Blueprint / Large Format Document | 100 mm | Standard / Heavy |
Glassware / Fragile Items | 100 – 125 mm | Heavy-Duty |
Benefits of Using
Cardboard Postal Tubes
- Protection from Damage: The rigid, round shape and thick cardboard walls help to prevent crushing, bending, or tearing. Additional end caps or plugs can also shield against moisture during transit.
- Professional Presentation: A neatly packed tube improves brand perception and gives recipients a positive unboxing experience.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: Made from recyclable and biodegradable materials, eco-friendly mailing tubes are a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging.
- Customisation Options: Custom printed postal tubes can feature logos, colours, or patterns to reinforce brand identity while maintaining full protective function.
- Versatility: Suitable for everything from posters and blueprints to fragile items when paired with protective inserts.
Why Choose Essex Tubes for Your Postal Packaging?
At Essex Tubes, we manufacture high-quality cardboard postal tubes designed to protect a wide range of items during transit.
Each one of our tubes is produced in-house to meet exact specifications, whether you require a standard size or a fully customised length, diameter, and wall thickness for specialist shipping needs. With precision spiral-wound construction and the option for branded or eco-friendly finishes, we ensure every tube delivers consistent performance and presentation.
We work with businesses of all sizes, offering both small runs and bulk orders to suit different packaging demands. Whether you’re shipping creative work, important documents, or fragile goods, our team will help you find the right protective postal tube for the job.
Get in touch today to discuss your postal packaging requirements and see how our custom options can support your shipping needs.