How long is an envelopes shelf life????
By ctryhnny
@ctryhnny (3460)
United States
January 15, 2013 1:29pm CST
I have a box of envelopes that I've had for a couple of years. I seldom mail anything so they never get used. I had to use 2 of them yesterday and when I licked the flap it wasn't sticky any more! I had to add scotch tape when I sealed. This is something I never thought about happening and guess just took it for granted that the glue would still be good! Have you ever had a problem with envelopes and the glue not working any more? Shouldn't they still be good since they are still in the box?
3 responses
@Mavic123456 (21891)
• Thailand
16 Jan 13
if it is stored for real good it will last for a lifetime. maybe you did not kept it well. it should be "sealed" tightly in the box. no air inside for the adhesive will surely dry. but still those envelopes are usable just have the glue ready when you will use it.
@Mavic123456 (21891)
• Thailand
16 Jan 13
hahaha of course don't.... unless it is chocolate coated (joke) just have a stand by glue and use them as often as you can. 
@wolfie34 (26770)
• United Kingdom
16 Jan 13
A friend of mine gave me a big box of brand new white envelopes a few years ago, I keep them in a filing cabinet, I don't use many envelopes but they are there if I need them, however over the course of time they have lost their adhesiveness, and now I have to use sellotape because they won't seal properly. It's only the air getting to them that will have that affect, if they are airtight they should in theory have a lengthy shelf life.
