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Glossary
 

Search our Glossary of Terms for definitions of envelope terminology.

A |  B |  C |  D |  E |  F |  G |  H |  I |  J |  K |  L |  M |  N |  O |  P |  Q |  R |  S |  T |  U |  V |  W |  X |  Y |  Z

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Adjustable Die
Dies that have movable blades which can be adjusted to produce the size and shape of the envelope blank desired.

Artlining (also called Innerlining)
Patterns which are printed on the inside of the envelope to make them more opaque, providing security for items, such as payroll cheques. Also referred to as Security Lining

Avpexine
A clear and relatively inexpensive plastic material which is most commonly used in the manufacture of window envelopes.

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Back Flap
This is a term used to designate the back of the envelope as opposed to the seal flap. The back flap is frequently used for advertising messages, etc.

Banding
This is done by placing an elastic band around a group of envelopes for applications such as packaging for counter sales or interoffice dispersion.

Base Price
The base price in the envelope price book is the 250M price which is the basis on which percentages are added to or subtracted from, depending on the quantity purchased.

Blank
Unfolded envelope or Paper stock die cut into the appropriate envelope shape. When folded, the blank becomes the desired envelope.

Bleed
Printed image that extends past the envelope folds.  Usually 1/8”.

Booklet (Pictorial) Envelope
Larger open side envelopes that are generally used for mailing booklets or brochures.

Business Reply Envelope (B.R.E.)
Envelopes which have the name and address pre-printed on to facilitate the return of mail to a company.

Button & String
An appendage used to allow an envelope to be closed and re-opened several times, non-adhesive.

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Catalogue
A large sized, open end mailing envelope, generally made from Kraft paper stock. Used primarily for mailing catalogues or heavy materials of various types.

Chevrons
Generally placed on business reply envelopes (B.R.E.s) that denotes to the post office that return mail postage is paid by the receiver. Also used in conjunction with a postal permit.

Clasp
A closure device which enables the envelope to be opened and closed several times.

Coin Envelope
Smaller, open end envelopes which are used as payroll envelopes or blank envelopes in which coins are placed.

Corner Card
The return address of the sender set in any form of type and/or logo printed in the upper left corner of the envelope.

Courtesy Window
Carries a message in the window position. When the insert is removed from the envelope, the words "Thank You", or some other similar notation is made on the inside of the envelope.

Cross Back
Cross Back: refers to the style of envelope, which when folded, has the seams diagonally across the back of the envelope.

Centre Seam
Centre Seam: refers to the style of envelope, which when folded, has the seams vertically up and down the back of the envelope.

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Die Cutting
The process by which a steel die is used to cut paper into a variety of shapes and sizes.

Double Side Seam (D.S.S.)
This style of envelope has seams on the back of the envelope which are parallel to the depth of the envelope, as opposed to the seams on the cross back envelope, which are diagonal.

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Ecologo
An Environmental Choice Program trademark that is rigorously guarded and only attainable after in-depth scrutiny and audits of the operation.

Embosselope
A Pioneer created item, manufactured in house where paper is embossed on a set of dandy rollers. Paper is embossed high speed and converted into envelopes that have a unique finish and make a statement. Custom runs available. Direct your inquiry to your Account Executive.

Expansion Envelope
See Gusset Envelope.

Eyelet (Eyelet & Clasp)
A hole with a reinforcement around it, into which the metal clasp is inserted before it is flattened.

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First Class Mailers
The "Green Edged" envelope that historically received preferential treatment over other mail. Canada Post, however, no longer recognizes the green edge.

Flaps Extended
Envelopes with the seal flap extended (not folded down).

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Glassine
A window material which is made of very thin and transparent paper fibres which is recyclable as fine paper. This material is subject to alteration and does not have a very long shelf life.

Gusset Envelope
An expanding envelope used for heavy mailings and packaging. This envelope extends like an accordion to accommodate bulky objects.

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Handfold
A department in the envelope manufacturing plant that folds envelopes by hand. This generally applies to item quantities under 5,000 envelopes that are too cumbersome for our machines to accommodate.

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Invitation
Open side envelopes, generally crossback, used for formal invitations or notices but can also be used for regular mail.

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No terms available.

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No terms available.

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Laid Finish
This term describes the finish imparted by a dandy roll, which contains wires that produce markings of lines across the grain of the paper.

Lay Sheet or Layout
A lay sheet contains the following information:
- Sheet size, including gripper and guide
- Proper layout with registration marks for die cut locations.
- Bleeds (printing copy must either stop short of score lines by 1/8" or exceed past the score line by 1/8")
- Gum area (printing copy must not enter seal gum or gum side areas).

Legal / Tufold Envelope
Refers to the 4" x 7-1/2" envelope.

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M
Is the Roman symbol for 1,000. In the paper industry, this symbol is used to designate 1,000 sheets of paper or envelopes.

M Weight
The weight, in pounds, of 1,000 sheets of a grade in a given size.

Machine Charge
This charge is levied against a special order for the adjusting of the machine to a particular size of envelope.

M.I.C.R.
Magnetic Ink Character Recognition

Make Only Envelopes
This unique process allows the printer / designer almost total freedom in their design and printing of the envelopes. They get to choose their stock, select the envelope size and style and control the quality of the printing, embossing or stamping of the envelopes.

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Natural Kraft
Natural kraft paper is easier to recycle and manufacture than the traditional brown kraft stock, is made from 60% post-consumer waste and is Ecologo certified.

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Octavo
Term refers to the shape of the envelope. This crossback, invitation envelope is stocked in three specific sizes (small, medium and large).

Official
See Legal / Tufold.

Offset Paper
Coated or uncoated papers available in several finishes. Generally refers to paper that is manufactured specifically for use on offset presses. It is characterized by strength, cleanliness, pick-resistance and relative freedom from curl.

Open End (OE)
Refers to the style of envelope which opens on the shortest dimension of the envelope.

Open Side (OS)
Refers to the style of envelope which opens on the longest dimension of the envelope.

Outlook
An opening through which the address would show, without the window material. This feature does not meet postal regulations for first class mail.

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Pay Envelope
Generally a small open end coin envelope used for inserting pay.

Pictorial Flap
The seal flap on an open side, side seam envelope which is "square" in shape and short in depth (generally not longer than 2 inches).

Postage Paid
Refers to the postal permit or chevron in the upper right hand corner with the accompanying bar coding on the front of a reply envelope, indicating the return postage will be paid by the receiver.

Press to Seal
A sealing method utilizing a patch of latex gum on the flap and on the back of the envelope which adhere to one another on contact.

Printing: In-line / Flexography
The printing is done while the envelope is being manufactured. The copy image is applied to the paper while still in "web" form. From that point, the envelope is cut, folded, glued and gummed in one continuous process. There are significant cost advantages to in-line printing, however, there are some limitations (including a minimum run quantity of 75,000 units).

Printing: Off-set / Lithography

A method of printing by which the ink is picked up by the original plate and is offset on to a blanket and subsequently to the paper.

Printing: Take From Stock and Print
Where the manufacturer takes finished goods inventory from their stock and prints. The envelope manufacturer can usually print at a lower cost per thousand because of specialized Jet Presses and envelope feeders.

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No terms available.

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Remittance Envelopes
Those envelopes which are sent out in the mail, generally with a return address printed on them for the return of moneys to the original sender.

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Self Seal
See Press to Seal.

Single Side Seam (SSS)
An open end style of envelope which has only one seam at the side, rather than down the middle, which is ideal for making-only envelopes with printing on the back side of the envelope.

Special Envelopes
Any envelope that is not listed in the regular price book or of different window specifications or paper. In other words, an envelope that is manufactured as a custom item and is not carried in regular inventory.

S.S.E.
Side Seam Envelope

Stock Envelopes
The most commonly used envelopes which are stocked on manufacturers' shelves for immediate use.

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T4 Envelope
Used to carry the T4 Tax Form which has 1 or 2 windows through which the name and address appears.

Tabbing
A small piece of paper is placed at a customer's request after a certain number of envelopes, indicating the count in the box.

Teaser Advertising
Advertising used on the outside of the envelope to try to create interest so that the receiver of the envelope is more likely to read the contents.

Thumbhole
A cut out portion of an envelope which is in the shape of a semi-circle.

Tyvek
A tear and moisture resistant lightweight material used in the manufacture of highly durable envelopes.

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No terms available.

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Wallet Flap
A rectangular seal flap.

White Wove
A standard envelope paper which is used to manufacture most envelopes. Wove finishes are smooth and clear of designs.

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X-Ray Envelope
A specific style of large envelopes used to store x-rays.

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No terms available.