Abstract: Fiber-based composite material for padded mailers and corresponding systems and methods are provided herein. A fiber-based composite includes a fiber-based backing material and a fiber-based padding attached to the backing material to provide cushioning for items within a mailer. The fiber-based padding is applied as a plurality of tubular structures, each defining a perimeter extending from a first point of attachment to a second point of attachment. The perimeter further defines an apex point which is spaced apart both laterally and vertically from a center point on the backing material that is between the first and second points of attachment. A plane connecting the center point and the apex point defines an angle with the backing material that is greater than 5 degrees and less than 75 degrees.

Abstract: A thermoplastic bottle has a generally cylindrical body, in turn having an upper portion, a lower portion, and opposite sides joining at a diametric plane. A plurality of adjacent finger recesses extend about one of the opposite sides in the lower portion of the body, and a thumb depression is provided in the lower portion on the other of the opposite sides. A continuous circumferential indentation is formed in the cylindrical body between the upper portion and the lower portion to decouple pressure response of the upper and lower portions and minimize lean transfer to the upper portion resulting from expansion of the lower portion on the one of the opposite sides. The bottle is also formed with at least one vertical reinforcing indentation, preferably at least one set of three such vertical reinforcing indentations in each of the finger grooves, and at least one, preferably three spaced vertical reinforcing indentations in the thumb depression.