Last Updated on 2025-06-15 by Jacky Zhou
In my work, clients often ask me about the difference between PP Non-Woven (PP non-woven fabric) and PP Woven (PP woven fabric) materials.
Since this is a common question, we believe many readers may have the same curiosity. Therefore, today, we will provide a detailed explanation on this topic.
Since our company mainly produces shopping bags, this article will compare the features and differences between these two materials from the perspective of shopping bags, without involving agricultural or industrial applications.
Non-Woven Bag vs PP Woven Bag
Non-Woven Bag vs PP Woven Bag: Raw Material Comparison
PP Non-Woven and PP Woven have the same raw material, both made from Polypropylene (PP).
Polypropylene is a lightweight, durable, recyclable thermoplastic plastic with excellent chemical resistance, tensile strength, and low moisture absorption. It is widely used in eco-friendly bags, packaging materials, and industrial products. Since both materials are primarily made from polypropylene, they share similar characteristics in terms of environmental friendliness, degradability, and recyclability.
Non-Woven Bag vs PP Woven Bag: Weaving Method Comparison
Non-woven fabric is made by directly bonding polypropylene fibers, instead of traditional weaving or knitting methods. The process involves melting polypropylene pellets, extruding them into fibers, laying these fibers into a web-like structure, and bonding them together through heat, chemicals, or mechanical methods.
PP Woven fabric is produced by stretching polypropylene into flat strips (PP flat yarn) and then weaving them in a cross pattern to form a mesh structure. This weaving process gives it higher tensile strength and tear resistance, making it capable of carrying heavier weights and pressure. Basic PP woven fabric does not undergo lamination or coating. Its surface shows a clear woven texture, which provides some breathability, but its moisture resistance is relatively limited.
Non-Woven Bag vs PP Woven Bag: Do They Need Lamination?
Non-woven fabric does not necessarily need lamination, while woven fabric typically requires lamination or coating.
Does Non-Woven Fabric Need Lamination?
Non-woven fabric does not necessarily require lamination. It can be directly printed with silk screen, heat transfer, or gravure printing, which simplifies the production process and reduces costs. Non-laminated non-woven bags are widely used in promotional bags, advertising bags, and disposable shopping bags, particularly suitable for mass production and short-term use.
However, if non-woven fabric needs to enhance durability, water resistance, or improve printing effects, it can be laminated. Laminated non-woven fabric feels firmer, has a smooth surface, and can support high-quality, full-color prints, but the cost will increase accordingly.
Does Woven Fabric Need Lamination?
When PP woven fabric is made into shopping bags, it almost always needs lamination or coating. Due to the clear woven texture on the surface, if it is not laminated, the printed patterns will be unclear and uneven, and its water resistance is relatively poor. Therefore, a layer of PP film (glossy or matte) is usually applied to the surface, not only enhancing the vibrancy and clarity of the print but also improving the bag’s water resistance and durability.
Non-Woven Bag vs PP Woven Bag: Load-Bearing Capacity Comparison
PP woven fabric has a much stronger load-bearing capacity than PP non-woven fabric because its interwoven structure provides higher tensile strength and tear resistance, making it suitable for carrying heavy items like rice bags, flour bags, wholesale market shopping bags, etc. Non-woven fabric, due to its fiber bonding structure, has a weaker load-bearing capacity and is more suitable for lightweight shopping bags or promotional bags. Laminated non-woven bags have improved load-bearing capacity, but they still do not match woven bags and are more suited for medium-weight items.
Non-Woven Bag vs PP Woven Bag: Durability Comparison
PP woven fabric, due to its interwoven structure, has high tear resistance and durability, making it suitable for long-term use without easily breaking or getting damaged. While PP non-woven fabric can also be used multiple times, especially laminated non-woven fabric, which greatly improves abrasion resistance and water resistance, its overall durability is still slightly inferior to woven bags, especially when carrying heavy items or during long-term use.
Non-Woven Bag vs PP Woven Bag: Uses and Applications
PP woven bags, due to their high load-bearing capacity and durability, are better suited for carrying heavy items, such as large shopping bags for supermarkets, library book bags, and beverage packaging. PP non-woven fabric, on the other hand, is more lightweight and suitable for everyday shopping bags, storage bags, and promotional bags, especially non-laminated non-woven bags, which are cost-effective and commonly used for large-scale advertising promotions or gift packaging.
Non-Woven Bag vs PP Woven Bag: Cost Comparison
Non-laminated PP non-woven fabric has the lowest price, making it suitable for promotional bags or small gift bags, daily shopping bags. Laminated non-woven fabric has a higher cost due to the additional processing, bringing its price closer to that of PP woven fabric. Considering that woven fabric is thinner and denser than non-woven fabric, the shipping cost of woven bags is usually lower for the same quantity, meaning that after including shipping costs, laminated non-woven fabric might have an overall cost slightly higher than woven bags.
Non-Woven Bag vs PP Woven Bag: Flexibility Comparison
PP non-woven fabric, due to its fiber bonding structure, feels softer and has better flexibility and foldability, making it more suited for lightweight shopping bags and promotional bags. PP woven fabric is sturdier and less prone to deformation, although it still has some flexibility. However, compared to non-woven fabric, it is more rigid and suitable for shopping bags that require higher load-bearing capacity.
Non-Woven Bag vs PP Woven Bag: Surface Texture Comparison
Non-woven fabric has a texture similar to canvas, giving it a breathable surface that looks and feels comfortable. On the other hand, PP woven fabric is made by interweaving warp and weft threads, and its surface is relatively flat.
Non-Woven Bag vs PP Woven Bag: Printing Effect Comparison
Since woven fabric is not used for silk-screen or heat transfer printing, here we specifically compare laminated non-woven fabric and laminated woven fabric. Both are printed with patterns first on the film and then laminated onto the fabric. The printing effects on both materials are excellent, and they can both support highly detailed and colorful designs.
Non-Woven Bag vs PP Woven Bag: Water Resistance Comparison
Laminated non-woven fabric and PP woven fabric both have excellent water resistance, but because woven fabric has a smoother surface, similar to plastic bags, it dries faster after becoming wet. In contrast, non-woven fabric, due to its looser fiber structure, while water-resistant, dries more slowly when wet.
Non-Woven Bag vs PP Woven Bag: Environmental Friendliness Comparison
Both non-woven fabric and woven fabric have the same raw material, made from polypropylene (PP), which is recyclable. However, because most regions lack specific recycling facilities, recycling is difficult, and therefore, their environmental friendliness mainly lies in their reusability. Both non-woven and woven fabrics can be reused to extend their lifespan, reducing the waste from single-use plastic bags, thus achieving environmental goals.
Which Bag Is Right for You?
In conclusion, non-woven fabric and woven fabric each have their unique advantages and suitable applications. Regular non-woven fabric, due to its softness, lightness, and low cost, is ideal for promotional bags, advertising bags, and disposable shopping bags. On the other hand, laminated non-woven fabric maintains the lightweight nature of non-woven fabric while adding water resistance and durability, making it suitable for applications that require higher-quality printing and packaging. In contrast, woven fabric, with its higher load-bearing capacity and durability, is more suitable for long-term use or carrying heavy items in shopping bags and packaging. Both materials have certain environmental benefits, and the choice depends on usage requirements, budget, and durability needs.
Looking for the ideal bag for your needs? Choose from our durable, customizable PP woven or non-woven bags! Contact us today at sales@yanxinbag.com to find your perfect solution
FAQs
What are PP woven and non-woven bags used for?
PP woven bags are ideal for heavy-duty applications, while PP non-woven bags are perfect for shopping, promotional, or light storage needs.
How are PP non-woven bags made?
They are made by bonding polypropylene fibers through heat, chemicals, or mechanical processes, avoiding traditional weaving methods.
Are PP woven bags biodegradable?
No, PP woven bags are made from synthetic polymers and are not biodegradable.
What are the main types of PP non-woven fabrics?
They include Spunbond Non-Woven, Meltblown Non-Woven, SMS Non-Woven, and more.
Which type of bag offers better printing quality?
PP non-woven bags usually deliver superior printing quality due to their smoother surface.
Can laminated PP bags be waterproof?
Yes, both PP woven and non-woven bags with lamination have excellent waterproofing properties.
What is the primary difference between PP woven bags vs non-woven bags?
PP woven bags are stronger and more durable, while PP non-woven bags are softer and more flexible.
Can PP non-woven bags be laminated for additional properties?
Yes, laminating PP non-woven bags enhances their strength, durability, and waterproofing.
Additional Resources
Learn about the environmental impact of single-use plastic bags and explore alternatives like woven and non-woven bags on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website
Non Woven.Discover sustainable packaging solutions and eco-friendly alternatives on the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) website
Non Woven.Read about the benefits and challenges of using reusable bags for reducing plastic pollution on the Ocean Conservancy website
Wasteless Group.Learn about the recycling and sustainability of polypropylene bags on the Plastic Pollution Coalition website
Codefine International.Explore the recycling process and environmental impact of polypropylene products on the Recycling Partnership website
Neway.Understand the importance of plastic waste reduction in packaging through initiatives supported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) website
Wasteless Group.Delve into the production and disposal methods of synthetic fabrics, including PP bags, on the Greenpeace International website
Non Woven.Get informed about eco-friendly packaging alternatives and the lifecycle of polypropylene materials on the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) website
Neway.Read about the importance of sustainability in consumer goods packaging on the Green Building Council website
Wasteless Group.Explore insights into polypropylene recycling and sustainable practices on the American Chemistry Council (ACC) website
