How to re-use (re-seal) poly bubble mailers

[glassy-rabbit]

I receive a lot of poly bubble mailers in the mail, and I would like to find a way to re-use them for my eBay shipments.

The issue is re-sealing them. I tried to put clear packaging tape over the flap (after cleaning the outside of envelope), but the tape comes undone. The sticky residue under the flap is no longer sticky enough to keep the flap sealed. 

Any recommendations on a glue product to use that will re-seal the plastic envelope flap? Or is there a type of packaging tape that will adhere really well to plastic?

I'd hate to throw these envelopes away, since they're in excellent condition after the labels are removed.

Thank you.

[glassy-rabbit]

Also, my paper shipping labels (not self-adhesive) will not stick to the plastic. I only have Elmer's Glue and clear packaging tape, and neither of these items will help the printed label adhere to the poly envelopes.

Is there a kind of glue that will help paper adhere to plastic? Or do I have to buy self-adhesive labels?

I've always used paper bubble mailers, so this is different for me.

[ironvalkyre556]

Try a better quality of packing tape.  I have reused many paper and plastic mailers by sealing with good packing tape.  I also use it to tape over labels, just be careful to not have any tape wrinkles over the barcode.

[mr_lincoln]

@glassy-rabbit  Will the bubble mailers fit inside a large manilla envelop?  I think you can get those in large quantities pretty cheap ... just use the poly bubble mailers for protection of the item you are shipping.

[glassy-rabbit]

Yes, they will fit inside a manila envelope. I hadn't thought of trying that tip. That might work for me. Thanks!

[glassy-rabbit]

Thanks for your reply. The brand I've been using is by Duck. What I have is not the best, I guess. Any brand you'd recommend?

[lja440]

I've always used Duck brand and it seals fine. One tip is to tape on your label first before filling the mailer. I also trim the mailer to make a new flap so you are not folding over 2 layers of the bubble.

I think the problem you are having is that you state that you clean the mailer. Any wetness or residue from the cleaner could cause the tape to slip. If it is that dirty the mailer shouldn't be reused. 

[glassy-rabbit]

Thanks for your reply, lja440. Yes, I always apply the label before filling the envelopes. I figured that I'd wipe the surface of the mailer with a cleaning product before applying the label, in order to remove any possible residues from handling during shipping. But the mailers are in excellent condition and aren't dirty.  I let it air dry before trying to apply the label or sealing the flap.  I may have used vinegar & water or Formula 409 to wipe the surface. Not sure if those cleaners left a residue, but it's something for me to be aware of next time. 

[kattinsanity]

If they aren't dirty don't worry about any "residue" from previous handling & mailing.  They'll only get the same "residue" when you mail them again anyway.

I just bought 100 #5 purple bubble mailers right here on ebay for around $35.00 with free shipping.  Being that cheap wouldn't make it worth my time to clean up a used one to reuse.  Do you wash used bubble wrap too?

[Anonymous]

What cycle do you wash them on? LOL

Have a nice day all!

[imakesugar]

Many of the bubble mailers I get I peel off the outside layer and then have a clear bubble envelope to use on the inside. I do check to see IF there are any bubbles left though If NOT then I toss them!  sugar