Envelope printing involves applying logos, colours, finishes, and textures to envelopes, transforming them from simple packaging solutions to engaging branding tools. In 2025, businesses have increasingly recognised that envelopes are not just a means of delivering mail but an opportunity to extend their brand and make a lasting first impression. Let’s explore the latest innovations, finishes, and design ideas that are shaping the future of envelope printing.
Sustainability
Whether it’s by using recyclable materials, reducing packaging, or optimising mail design for less paper usage, consumers are demanding businesses to reduce their environmental impact.
By using eco-friendly printed envelopes, businesses can not only reduce waste but also have a positive impact on how their brand is perceived by customers. Sustainable approaches that businesses can make when designing custom printed envelopes include:
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Recycled and FSC-certified materials
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Waterless printing techniques
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Soy-based and Algae inks
Colour trends of 2025
Colour is considered one of the most powerful tools in envelope design. Whether brands want to keep up with the latest trends or highlight their brand identity, colour allows them to engage their customers and create an exciting first impression.
In 2025, bold contrasts, earthy natural tones, such as Pantone’s Colour of the Year Mocha Mousse, and metallic highlights are all on trend. Bright and vibrant colours are becoming increasingly popular for promotional mailers, whereas luxury brands are leaning towards muted palettes that can be paired with premium finishes.
Discover our wide range of colours and shades today.
Creative Finishes
2025 is all about innovation in envelope finishes. Beyond traditional embossing or foiling methods, brands are experimenting with metallic inks, tactile coatings, textures and even glow-in-the-dark effects. These unique touches enhance design and create a sensory experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Examples of creative finishes include:
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Foil stamping: Metallic accents in gold, silver, or colour foils for luxury branding.
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Embossing and debossing: Raised or recessed designs that add a tactile element.
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Spot UV coating: Glossy highlights that make logos or text stand out.
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Metallic or pearlescent inks: Eye-catching colours that shimmer under light.
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Textured stocks: Envelopes with unique surfaces that enhance the sensory experience.
Smart Print
In 2025, envelope printing is no longer limited to ink and paper; it’s becoming interactive. Smart print technology is creating a bridge between physical mail and the digital world and transforming the way businesses can connect with their audience.
Smart print techniques include:
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QR Codes printed directly onto envelopes that take users to personalised landing pages, special offers, or event sign-ups.
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NFC (Near Field Communication) Printing enables recipients to tap their smartphones against the envelope to instantly access digital content.
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Augmented Reality (AR) includes designs that “come to life” when scanned with an app, offering a unique and memorable brand experience.
For businesses, marketing with envelopes that incorporate smart print features can allow you to stand out from the crowd, engage with wide audiences, increase campaign engagement, and analyse the impact of a campaign with digital results. Get in touch with our team to enhance your brand.
Personalisation and Branding
In 2025, businesses can no longer rely on plain envelopes to grab their customers' attention. By utilising personalisation and branding techniques, such as the ones listed below, brands can ensure they stand out in mailboxes, reinforce their brand identity, and create a positive relationship with their customers.
Personalisation and branding techniques include:
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Printing the recipient’s name and address directly onto the envelope.
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Featuring company logos and brand colours.
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Printing taglines or calls-to-action directly on the flap.
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Seasonal or campaign-specific designs to match marketing goals.
The future of envelope printing with All Colour Envelopes
Envelopes are evolving from simple packaging into powerful marketing tools. Looking ahead, we’ll see envelope printing becoming even more innovative, with new finishes, sustainable materials, and interactive elements transforming the way brands communicate.
At All Colour Envelopes, custom envelope printing options are endless. Get in touch with our team to discuss how we can incorporate innovative envelope printing techniques with your branding to create envelopes that enhance your message and create an engaging first impression.
Frequently asked questions about printed envelope trends:
What are the latest envelope printing trends in 2025?
In 2025, the biggest trends include sustainable materials, bold colour palettes, luxury finishes, personalised printing, and smart features like QR codes and NFC technology.
Why is sustainable envelope printing important?
Sustainable printing helps businesses reduce their environmental impact while appealing to environmentally-conscious customers. Recycled paper, biodegradable inks, and FSC-certified options are increasingly in demand.
What colours and finishes are trending in envelope printing?
Bold contrasts, metallic highlights, and earthy tones are popular in 2025. Finishes such as foil stamping, embossing, and spot UV are also being used to create a premium feel.
How is technology transforming envelope design?
Not only does digital printing allow for cost-effective customisation, but businesses are also adding QR codes and interactive elements to envelopes, combining print with digital marketing.
How can printed envelopes improve direct mail campaigns?
A well-designed envelope captures attention before the contents are even opened. Personalisation, branding, and creative finishes can boost engagement and make campaigns more memorable.