Are poly mailers considered envelopes

The question of whether poly mailers are considered envelopes is a matter of debate, and the answer can vary depending on the context and the organization or industry involved.

From a technical standpoint, a poly mailer is a type of flexible, plastic bag designed to protect and mail items, whereas an envelope is typically a rigid, paper-based container with a flap that closes to enclose the contents. Poly mailers do not have a flap or a rigid structure, so they do not conform to the traditional definition of an envelope.

However, many postal services, shipping companies, and industry organizations use the terms "envelope" and "poly mailer" interchangeably, or consider poly mailers to be a type of envelope. For example:

• The United States Postal Service (USPS) considers poly mailers to be a type of envelope, and they are subject to the same regulations and pricing as traditional paper envelopes.
• The International Air Transport Association (IATA) defines a poly mailer as a type of envelope that is used to mail items, and they have specific guidelines for packaging and shipping items in poly mailers.
• Many e-commerce companies and shipping carriers, such as Amazon and UPS, use poly mailers as a type of envelope to mail items to customers.

In summary, while poly mailers may not conform to the traditional definition of an envelope, they are often referred to as envelopes in industry and commercial contexts, and are subject to similar regulations and guidelines.