Abstract: Disclosed herein is a printable paper comprising a cellulose-based substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the printable paper has a 2-minute Cobb sizing value of less than 20 g/m2, and wherein the first surface, the second surface, or both has a surface energy of greater than 37 dynes/cm. Further disclosed herein are shipping mailers, such as those derived from the printable papers, and recyclable flexible packaging containers, such as those comprising the printable papers. A method of making a recyclable flexible packaging container is also disclosed herein.