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One of the giant leaps forward in envelope design, the window envelope was invented in 1901 by genius American stationery inventor Americus F. Callahan who patented his idea on the 10th June 1902 and called it the outlook or see through envelope. A small transparent patch or window is used on an envelope to allow a portion of the envelope content that usually displays the recipients address to be visible. There are standard size windows for different types of envelopes but you can design virtually any sized window to be added to any type of envelope. Try to stick with standard sizes and window positioning as bespoke envelopes cost more per unit and involve relatively large minimum order quantities. Originally the patent intended using thin rice paper as the transparent material forming the window (the window patch), since been replaced by clear plastics. These days Polyclear is now the most popular, least expensive and most easily scanned by the Post Office. Glassine is less see through than polyclear, harder to scan but completely recyclable whilst Cellophane offers higher clarity than polyclear is more expensive and is not recyclable. The design of the window envelope has otherwise remained nearly unchanged.
From invoices to statements to reminders, you name it - the window envelope has carried them all. By rights as well as some sort of Nobel prize for business ingenuity.
Callahan might also be entitled to go down in history as one of the first environmentally friendly office stationery designers and enjoy the accolades of environmentalists. Not only have window envelopes made office life more efficient and cut costs and hassle for business, saving millions of man-hours over the years simply place your document inside seal, then post. There's no hand addressing or attaching any fiddly labels and the mind boggles at the cumulative cost savings accrued through the last century by not having to address the envelopes. There is also the argument that the paper of the envelope needn't be as high quality. Callahan specifically recommended the use of Manila paper, which is much cheaper than thicker paper and provides an opaque background for secure covering of the letter inside. On the environmental side, the transparent window that reveals the recipient's address (and sometimes the sender's address too with a double windowed envelope) has over the years saved millions gallons of ink. Surely thousands of trees too have been saved by negating the need to print onto the surface of the envelope, therefore saving on the amount of paper used?
A truly wondrous invention, the most popular window envelopes are known as the number 10 size. These are a 4 - 1/8" by 9 - 1/2" size - perfect size to fit a sheet of 8-1/2" x 11" paper folded. Hardy perennials also are the 9 x 12 Catalogue Envelope with a standard window ideal for mailing annual reports, brochures and catalogues etc and the number 8 size double window envelope with two standard windows for both the return address and the mailing address.
There are several types of standard closure to choose from. Again adding a custom closure will add cost and you will need to commit a larger minimum order. Standard seals you can opt between include remoistenable gum seals, the most commonly used adhesive and applied to the seal flap and moistened. Split Seal Gum adhesive on the seal flap, which is broken where the flap covers the envelope seams. A Latex Seal is pressure a sensitive adhesive and sticks to itself, whilst Peel & Seal window envelopes use pressure sensitive adhesive applied to it with a protective release paper covering the adhesive. When pressure is applied, the flap adheres to the envelope.
Talk to your stationery supply company today for expert advice on which window envelopes you need.
Making the right choice of window envelope for your business post depends on volume, usage and your views on recycling. In this assessment of history and options, Mark Bartley looks at how you might make your choice.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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