Last Updated on 2024-10-29 by Jacky Zhou
Nonwoven fabrics are manufactured products that are produced from short and long fibers by chemical, mechanical, heat, or solvent treatment. Nonwovens on the other hand are not made through weaving or knitting of threads but are made by enumerating fibers through various processes that bond the fibers together to form a fabric.
Advantage of nonwoven bags
Durability: Non-woven bags are stronger than traditional plastic bags. They can carry more weight and are less likely to tear, making them ideal for reuse.
Water resistance: These bags are water-resistant, protecting the contents from moisture.
Printability: Non-woven bags are great for printing logos or designs, as their smooth surface makes the prints clear and vibrant.
Low Cost: The most significant benefit of nonwoven bags is that they are cheap. Nonwoven materials are easy and quick to produce, especially in large quantities, thus reducing the cost of production. This makes nonwoven bags a cheaper option especially for business people who are looking to save on their costs as well as the costs of the environment.
Lightweight and Portable: These bags are easy to carry and fold up and are small for convenient storage.
Dust-resistant and Stain-resistant: Non-woven material is resistant to dust and stains, keeping the bags looking clean with less maintenance.
Washability and Reusability: These bags can be cleaned with a damp cloth to remove dirt, making them reusable and long-lasting. They are a sustainable alternative to plastic bags, helping reduce waste.
Customizability: Non-woven bags can be customized in size, color, weight, and accessories, making them suitable for various needs.
Versatility: These bags are not just for shopping but can also be used for packaging, advertising, and giveaways.
Environmentally friendly: While non-woven bags are made from polypropylene (PP) fibers, they are more durable and reusable than traditional plastic bags. Proper use and disposal reduce plastic waste in landfills and oceans.
Cost-effectiveness: Non-woven bags are cheaper than other eco-friendly bags. Their production is efficient, and the material is affordable, making them a budget-friendly option.
Applications of nonwoven bags
Shopping Bags: Nonwoven bags can be used in supermarkets, convenience stores, clothing stores, shoe stores, dry cleaners, cosmetic stores, pharmacies, bookstores, gift shops, electronics stores, bakeries and pastry shops. They are ideal for these areas due to their durability and versatility thus minimizing the use of plastic bags.
Promotional Bags: Nonwoven bags are commonly used in advertising and promotion. For instance, the corporate promotional bags that are designed with company logos and slogans are used for advertising. Trade show gift bags are given out at events to increase brand recognition. Gift bags made to order are applied for corporate gifts to enhance the image of the company. Commemorative bags are used in the packaging of souvenirs and other collectibles to make them more valuable.
Gift Bags: Nonwoven bags are widely applied in gift packaging, including holiday gift bags and wedding celebration bags. They are used in packaging of gifts for holidays, weddings, and birthdays as well as return gifts for such occasions to improve on the appearance of the gifts.
Home Storage Bags: Nonwoven bags can be used for storage of items at home. Due to their durability and breathability, they can be used for storing clothes, toys, and other items, helping to keep rooms clean and clutter-free. They are portable, can be easily moved around and are also easy to clean thus making them the best home storage solution.
Printing methods for nonwoven bags
If you don’t need to apply a waterproof layer on the surface of the nonwoven fabric, the suitable printing methods include screen printing and heat transfer printing.
1. Screen Printing
Screen printing allows the ink to be pre-mixed to match the customer’s requirements, resulting in minimal color variation. Although it cannot print gradients or too many colors, it is ideal for simple designs. The print may be unclear if the design has very fine lines. This makes screen printing ideal for simple, single-color, or two-color designs.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Screen Printing?
Advantages:
- Minimal Color Variation: The ink can be pre-mixed to ensure the printed color matches the design.
Disadvantages:
- Cannot Print Gradients or Multi-Color Designs: Not suitable for complex gradients and multi-color designs.
- Difficulties with Fine Lines: Print quality may be poor if the design has fine lines.
2. Heat Transfer Printing
Heat transfer printing transfers the design onto the bag using high heat. Its main advantages include vibrant colors, high precision, and the ability to print detailed images with depth. Although heat transfer printing is slightly more expensive, it offers high design precision and visual appeal, making your bags look refined.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Heat Transfer Printing?
Advantages:
- Vibrant Colors: Can achieve complex colors and vibrant designs.
- High Precision: Suitable for printing detailed and complex designs.
Disadvantages:
- Slightly More Expensive: More costly than other printing methods, especially for small production runs.
If You Prefer Your Bags to Have a Waterproof Surface, Consider the Following Printing Methods (Note: These methods are generally more expensive than regular nonwoven bags)
3. Gravure Printing
Gravure printing process includes making a plate, printing the design on a film and then exporting the film onto the nonwoven fabric. If the design does not change, the prepared plate can be used up to one year. Although the cost of making plates is expensive, the cost of printing is much cheaper than other laminating printing methods, which makes it suitable for mass production.
Gravure printing can print CMYK and spot colors, which provide good color management.
What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Gravure Printing?
Advantages:
- Reusable Plates: Plates can be reused for a year hence cutting on the future expenses.
- Excellent Color Control: Is capable of doing CMYK and spot color printing.
Disadvantages:
- High Initial Cost: The main disadvantage is that the cost of creating the plates at the beginning is quite high.
4. Digital Printing Without Plates
This printing method has become popular in the last two years. This is ideal for those who want a laminated surface but with a small order quantity since it does not entail plate making. The printing machine is Heidelberg and ink used is from HP which gives the colors a boost. The colors are even brighter and more vivid than in gravure printing.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital Printing Without Plates?
Advantages:
- No Plate Making Required: Suitable for small quantities.
- Vibrant Colors: It offers high color gamut and is ideal for high quality images.
Disadvantages:
- Higher Printing Costs: It may be slightly costly as compared to other methods.
5. UV Printing
For this method, a very thin film is sprayed onto the material’s surface, followed by printing with a UV printer. This method is recommended for designs with gradient colors.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of UV Printing?
Advantages:
- Ideal for Gradients: Suitable for designs with gradient colors.
- Digital Precision: Provides high-quality and precise prints.
Disadvantages:
- Thin Film Requirement: Requires an additional step of spraying a thin film on the material.
Simplifying Your Choice
Does this sound complicated? You don’t need to understand all the differences. The simplest method is to provide your design to customer service for a quote. Based on your design, the customer service team will recommend the appropriate printing method and offer several price options. You only need to choose the price that suits you.
FAQ about nonwoven bags
What are non-woven bags?
A non-woven bag is eco-friendly and made from polypropylene (PP) fibers using the spun-bonded process. In this process, polypropylene granules are melted, stretched into fibers, and bonded with heat or other methods to form fabric.
What are the properties of non-woven bags?
Durability, water resistance, printability, lightweight and portability, breathability, dust resistance, washability and reusability, stain resistance, customizability, versatility, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectiveness are some of the key properties of non-woven bags.
Are non-woven bags biodegradable?
Non-woven bags do not naturally break down in the environment. If not recycled or disposed of properly, they can cause long-term pollution.
How can I reuse non-woven bags?
Non-woven bags can be reused in various ways. You can use them for grocery shopping, carrying books, or as storage bags at home. They are also great for organizing items when traveling, carrying workout gear, or even as gift bags. With their durability and easy-to-clean surface, non-woven bags are ideal for long-term use in different daily activities.
Are non-woven bags suitable for heavy items?
Yes, non-woven bags can be suitable for carrying heavy items, depending on their thickness and stitching quality. Bags made with thicker non-woven fabric and reinforced stitching can support heavier loads. However, it’s always a good idea to check the bag’s specifications or do a strength test before using them for very heavy items to ensure durability and safety.
How should I clean non-woven bags?
For minor stains, spot clean by wiping the surface with a damp cloth. If water washing is needed, avoid washing the printed parts to prevent damage. After cleaning, let the bag air dry naturally, avoiding dryers or prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Can non-woven bags be customized for promotional purposes?
Yes, non-woven bags are highly customizable for promotional purposes. You can personalize them with your company’s logo, brand colors, or messaging, making them ideal for giveaways, events, and corporate promotions. The material’s printability allows for clear and vibrant designs, and the bags can be tailored in various sizes, shapes, and styles to suit your specific marketing needs.
FAQ about nonwoven bag printing
What Kind of Design Files Do You Accept for Printing?
Please submit your print design files in vector format. Acceptable file types include AI, EPS, CDR, PSD, and PDF with a resolution of 300 DPI or higher. For JPG files, use high-resolution images of at least 2000×3000 pixels. Ensure that all text is converted to curves. If you don’t have a design file, our designers can create one for you based on the materials you provide.
What If I Don’t Have My Own Design?
If you don’t have your own design, don’t worry. We offer design services to help you create a custom look for your bags. Our team of professional designers can work with you to develop a design that meets your needs and reflects your brand. Just provide us with your logo, any specific text, and an idea of what you want, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Additional Resources
- You can learn more detailed information about what nonwoven fabric is on Wikipedia.
- You can read more latest news and trends and insights about the nonwoven industry on Nonwoven Industry Websites.
- For detailed information on different printing techniques, visit Printing News.
