The Packaging Lifecycle: Where Mailer Bags Go After Delivery

Ever wonder what happens to your mailer after you’ve opened your package? It doesn’t just disappear. Instead, it enters a whole new journey. And how it’s handled next can have a big impact on the environment.

At Impack, we think about this full cycle when we design packaging. Here's a quick look at where your mailers go, why it matters, and how you can help make a difference.

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Crimson Grove Mailers 10" x 13" From $20.00 USD /

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Crimson Grove Mailers 10" x 13"

Design: The “Crimson Grove” print features a deep crimson background with a pattern of white, flowing lines that resemble the intricate veins of leaves or the branches of a tree.

Thick and sturdy: Our most popular size, these 10x13 biodegradable mailers combine strength and sustainability, making it perfect for medium-sized shipments.

Versatile packaging solution: Great for clothing items such as t-shirts or artisanal crafts, providing ample protection and a sleek look.

Transit protection: This mailer safeguards your products against the rigors of shipping, with a strong adhesive strip to keep contents secure and protected from moisture and dirt.

So, what happens after you use your mailers?

Once a mailer’s job is done, it usually ends up in one of these places:

• Trash Bin – Sadly, a lot of packaging still goes straight to landfill.  In 2018, 30.5 million tons of containers and packaging waste were sent to landfills in the U.S., making up 20.9% of total landfilling.

• Recycling Bin – A better choice—but only if it's done right.

• Reused for Returns – Some customers save mailers and reuse them, which helps cut down on waste.

But here’s the problem: Most people are confused about how to dispose of packaging. Over half of consumers admit they’re not sure if something’s recyclable, which often leads to “wishcycling”—putting things in the bin hoping they’re recyclable. This can do more harm than good.

BUT! Not everything labeled “Recyclable” is actually recycled 

Here’s why proper disposal is tricky:

• Not all "recyclable" materials are accepted by local facilities. Recycling capabilities vary dramatically between municipalities.

• The recycling symbol doesn't guarantee recyclability. The chasing arrows symbol on plastic items indicates the type of resin used, not necessarily that the item can be recycled in your area.

• Contaminated packaging often can't be recycled. Food residue, adhesives, and mixed materials can render otherwise recyclable packaging unprocessable.

That’s why understanding how to properly dispose of different types of packaging is so important.

Here are the 7 resin identification codes found within the chasing arrows recycling symbol, along with what they mean, common uses, and recyclability status:

D2W is a silver lining 

Being aware of the issues above, we opted for the D2W material at Impack as it addresses the problems when the packaging waste ends up in nature. 

The D2W mailers are made by adding the regular raw materials to make (plastic) poly mailers with the D2W agent to help speed up the breakdown process. By default, we *always* recommend people to recycle these mailers under "soft plastics" or "flexible plastic packaging" as this is the most appropriate way.

However, we realize that not everything gets recycled (the overall recycling rate for packaging materials in the US is about 39%, with similar numbers in Canada. This means more than 60% of packaging waste does not get recycled properly and ends up in landfills, incinerators, or the environment). If and when a bag winds up in nature, it is when the D2W agent gets to work. See this video for a quick explanation on how D2W does its job.

Want to learn the best way to dispose of our D2W mailers? Check out our guide on how to do it right.

How mailers are sorted 

Recycling centers use tech like infrared scanners, air jets, and water systems to sort different materials. But even with smart systems, some packaging can cause problems:

• Mixed materials (like paper + foil) are hard to recycle.

• Soft plastics can clog machines.

• Sticky labels and tape can ruin a whole batch.

• Confusing packaging often ends up in landfill.

That’s why we design our packaging to be easy to recycle—no laminates, no weird mixes, and clear instructions (via QR codes!) right on the mailers.

What happens when mailers are not properly recycled?

When packaging isn’t properly recycled, it usually ends up:

• In landfills – taking hundreds of years to break down and releasing microplastics.

• In incinerators – creating emissions and wasting materials that could’ve been reused.

• In nature – where it pollutes water, soil, and wildlife habitats.

And this is exactly  why circular design matters—creating packaging that can be reused, recycled, or safely break down when it’s not.

What You Can Do

As a consumer, your actions matter. Here’s how you can help:

• Check local recycling rules. They’re not all the same.

• Clean your packaging. Food or dirt = trash.

• Drop off soft plastics. Most curbside bins don’t take them, but grocery stores often do.

• Don’t “wishcycle.” If you’re unsure, look it up first.

• Reuse your mailers. They’re great for returns, organizing stuff, or even DIY hacks.

Want tips on reuse and recycling? Here’s our guide.

Join the Cycle

At Impack, we’re not just thinking about what your packaging looks like, we’re also thinking about where it ends up. Our mailers are designed with the full lifecycle in mind: made from better materials, labeled clearly, and built to be reused or recycled with ease.

But we can’t do it alone. You’re the final step in this cycle. When you dispose of your packaging responsibly, you're making a real impact.

👉 Shop our eco-friendly mailers and be part of the change.