Tyvek® vs Herculink® Envelopes: Compare Strength, Durability & Cost
When choosing envelopes for business, shipping, or specialty mailings, the material can make a big difference. Tyvek® and Herculink® are two popular high-performance choices. This guide helps you understand their differences—especially in durability, moisture resistance, printability, cost—and which is best for your specific needs. Comparing features, durability, moisture resistance, cost, and print quality to help you choose between Tyvek® and Herculink® envelopes.
Material Overview
- Tyvek®: synthetic high-density polyethylene fibers — top strength, high tear and moisture resistance.
- Herculink®: reinforced fiber weave with a moisture barrier under a paper layer — many protective features, more budget-friendly.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Tyvek® | Herculink® |
|---|
| Tear / Puncture Resistance | Very high | High, though slightly less than Tyvek® |
| Moisture / Weather Resistance | Excellent | Good, with moisture barrier |
| Weight & Thickness | Light for strength | Somewhat heavier in reinforced styles |
| Printability | Good, but printer compatibility important | Better in many office/print shop setups |
| Cost | Premium | Lower-cost alternative |
| Durability Over Time | Very durable even under harsh conditions | Durable enough for many commercial uses |
| Environmental / Recycling | Recyclable in many areas but synthetic constraints | More paper content may make recycling more feasible locally |
When to Use Each
- Choose Tyvek® for maximum durability, moisture conditions, important documents.
- Choose Herculink® for strong protection with cost savings, better print flexibility, and good performance where conditions aren’t extreme.
FAQs
- Can I print on Tyvek®?
- Yes — many inks and print methods work, but heat-based machines (laser printers) may cause issues. Test first.
- Will Herculink tears much faster than Tyvek®?
- No — Herculink is built to resist tears, though under extreme abuse Tyvek® will hold up a bit longer.
- How do the moisture resistances compare?
- Tyvek® generally resists water better; Herculink’s moisture barrier helps but doesn’t fully match Tyvek® in very wet conditions.
- Do cost differences justify choosing one over the other?
- Often yes — for high-volume mailings or less extreme environments, Herculink® gives many benefits at lower cost. But in critical cases, Tyvek® may prevent damage costs that outweigh its higher material cost.
Ready to choose the right envelope for your mailing? Browse our Tyvek® and Herculink® lines to see sizes, pricing, and features.
View Tyvek® Options
View Herculink® Options
