The history of envelopes

Of all of the kinds of packaging out there, envelopes may be the most common and instantly recognized. In fact, envelopes have developed, right alongside humankind, with a history just about as long and rich. The history of envelopes is fascinating and long and covers the development of the shape, use and materials in constructing these icons of direct mailing. Learn about the history of envelopes, their place in the mailing industry and what the future holds for this venerable method of packaging.

The Earliest Envelopes

Thousands of years ago in biblical times, it was important to have a means by which proclamations, messages and other missives could be packaged and delivered. The use of envelopes dates as far back as the days when written language was put onto papyrus in ancient Egypt and Babylon. We even have discussions of sending out messages as far back as the Old Testament Book of Esther; wherein the king sends letters to every province in his territory.

The first clear use of a device that could be called an envelope dates back to 2,000 B.C. in ancient Babylon. This envelope was made of a clay wrapping that could protect deeds, bookkeeping forms, mortgages, financial accounts and even letters from the elements while in storage. To gain access to the documents inside, the baked clay envelope would have to be utterly destroyed. This was an exceptional form of protection and security.