Last Updated on 2025-06-15 by Jacky Zhou
Non-woven bags are a popular choice in packaging today because they are eco-friendly, durable, and versatile. From shopping bags to promotional items, non-woven bags are used in many different ways. Their growing use not only improves packaging but also helps with sustainable development goals. As more people look for eco-friendly options, non-woven bags are quickly replacing plastic bags and becoming the top choice on the market.
What is a Non-woven Bag?
A non-woven bag is an eco-friendly bag made from a material called non-woven fabric. This fabric is made by melting polypropylene (PP) particles, stretching them into fibers, and then bonding those fibers together with heat or adhesive. Unlike traditional fabrics, non-woven fabric doesn’t need to be woven or knitted. Non-woven bags are lightweight, affordable, and reusable, making them great for shopping, packaging, and promotional use.
What’s the History of Non-woven Bags?
Non-woven bags were first developed in the 1950s as part of the growth in non-woven fabric technology, initially for industrial uses. By the 1990s, as people became more aware of the environment, non-woven bags started to be seen as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags. Today, non-woven bags are used widely in stores and promotional activities, and their quality and eco-friendliness keep improving thanks to new technology.
Types of Non-woven fabric
Non-woven fabric can be divided into the following seven types, depending on how it is made:
- Spunbond Non-woven
- Meltblown Non-woven,
- SMS: Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond Non-woven
- Needle-punched Non-woven
- Thermal Bonded Non-woven
- Wetlaid Non-woven
- Airlaid Non-woven.
The most commonly used type for making bags is Spunbond Non-woven.
What Are the Uses of Non-woven Bags
Shopping Bags
Non-woven bags are lightweight and durable, making them perfect for everyday shopping. They are affordable, reusable, and a favorite choice for eco-conscious consumers.
Promotional Bags
Non-woven bags are low-cost and easy to customize. They are often used for brand promotion and giveaways at events, helping to increase brand visibility.
Tea Bags and Charcoal Bags
Due to their breathability, non-woven bags are commonly used for packaging tea leaves and charcoal bags. They help keep food fresh and prevent moisture.
Item Divider Bags
These bags are great for organizing items like underwear and shoes, especially when traveling. They help keep things neat and prevent cross-contamination.
Exhibition Material Bags
Non-woven bags are durable and lightweight, making them ideal for carrying promotional materials and gifts at trade shows, conferences, and other events.
Custom Event Bags
Easy to customize and print, non-woven bags are widely used at events, exhibitions, and for brand promotions. They help give events a more professional feel.
Storage Bags
Non-woven bags make excellent storage bags for items like clothes, toys, books, shoes, and underwear. They are breathable and help prevent moisture and mold.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Non-woven Bags
pros of non- woven bags
Reusable: One of the biggest advantages of non-woven bags is their high reusability. They are made from durable polypropylene material, which can withstand heavy items, making them perfect for everyday use. Compared to disposable plastic bags, non-woven bags effectively reduce plastic waste, helping to lower environmental pollution.
Durability: Non-woven bags are made from strong polypropylene material, which can bear heavy items, making them suitable for multiple uses. They have high tear resistance and can maintain their condition for a long time, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Water Resistance: While non-woven bags are not fully waterproof, they do offer a degree of water resistance. They can effectively withstand light rain or moisture, protecting items from getting damp, making them ideal for outdoor use.
Breathability: The unique structure of non-woven fabric allows air to circulate, preventing odors or moisture buildup and keeping items fresh. This is especially beneficial for storing products like fruits, vegetables, and clothes that require ventilation.
Printability: Non-woven bags have a smooth surface that is easy to print on using various methods (such as screen printing, heat transfer, etc.), with vibrant colors and clear patterns. This makes them ideal for brand promotion and custom designs.
Eco-Friendliness: The environmental impact of non-woven bags is a complex issue. On one hand, they are made from non-renewable plastic; on the other hand, they are more durable and reusable than traditional plastic bags, helping to reduce plastic waste going into landfills and oceans. The eco-friendliness of non-woven bags depends on how they are used and disposed of. If used multiple times and recycled after their life ends, their environmental impact is relatively low. However, if discarded after a single use, the environmental impact could be significant.
Lightweight and Convenient: Non-woven bags are generally lightweight and easy to carry. They are also foldable, making them convenient to store and carry in various situations.
Aesthetics: Non-woven bags come in a wide range of colors and have excellent printability, offering a more visually appealing alternative to traditional plastic bags.
Customization: Non-woven bags are highly customizable in terms of size, color, weight, and accessories. Whether it’s the shape of the bag, the length and style of the handles, or other design features, they can be tailored to meet customers’ needs. This makes non-woven bags not only practical but also highly customizable, perfect for various industries and promotional purposes.
Dust-resistant and Stain-resistant: Non-woven material is resistant to dust and stains, keeping the bags looking clean with less maintenance.
Easy to Clean: Non-woven bags are easy to clean. Usually, you just need to wipe them with a damp cloth to remove stains without requiring a complex cleaning process. Even after multiple uses, they maintain a clean and attractive appearance, making them suitable for everyday use.
Versatility: These bags are not just for shopping but can also be used for packaging, advertising, and giveaways.
Cost-effectiveness: Non-woven bags are relatively low-cost compared to other eco-friendly bags because their production process is simple, and the materials are easy to obtain. Compared to cotton or canvas bags, the manufacturing process for non-woven bags is more efficient, allowing for mass production, and their raw material, polypropylene, is relatively inexpensive.
Cons of non- woven bags
Slow Degradation: Non-woven bags take a long time to degrade, and this slow decomposition could pose a long-term environmental threat, especially if disposed of improperly, contributing to plastic pollution.
Microplastic Generation: During degradation, non-woven bags may release microplastics, which can harm wildlife and ecosystems.
Complex Recycling Process: Although non-woven bags are recyclable, the process is complex and requires additional treatment and technological support.
Low Demand for Recycled Products: The demand for recycled non-woven bags is relatively low, which can limit the effectiveness of recycling efforts and reduce recycling rates.
Bacterial Accumulation: If not properly cleaned, prolonged use of non-woven bags can lead to bacterial and harmful substance buildup, potentially impacting health.
Resource consumption in production: Although non-woven bags are considered eco-friendly, their production relies on fossil fuels for the creation of polypropylene.
Prone to Wear and Tear: While durable, non-woven bags can wear out faster than cloth or canvas bags. Using thicker materials and reinforced designs can improve their lifespan.
Common Printing Methods for Non-woven Bags
- Silk screen printing:
- Heat transfer Printing
- Gravure Printing (Laminated)
- Digital Printing without Plates (Laminated)
How to Customize Non-woven Bags？
Customizing non-woven bags is a multi-step process that involves design, material selection, and printing techniques. Here are the main steps and considerations for customizing non-woven bags:
Determine Your Usage:
Consider the intended use of the non-woven bags, such as for shopping, promotions, exhibitions, corporate events, giveaways, gifts, etc. Defining the purpose helps narrow down the range of options.
Determine Your Budget:
Establishing a clear budget framework will help you make better decisions, including your overall procurement budget and the required quantity. After analyzing the total budget, you can calculate the cost per bag and find suitable options.
Determine Bag Size:
Choose the bag size based on the target customer group’s needs or the size of your products.
- Small Bags: Suitable for small items or as gift bags.
- Medium Bags: Suitable for daily shopping or promotional activities.
- Large Bags: Suitable for carrying books, documents, or other large items.
You can also offer various size options to meet the needs of a broader customer base.
If you are unsure about the size, you can consult with suppliers. They typically provide past case studies to help you select the right size. This ensures that the bag meets practical usage requirements and avoids issues with bags being too large or too small.
Determine Material:
Non-woven bags are generally available in two types: laminated and non-laminated. Laminated bags have a thin film on the surface, which enhances water resistance and strength, making them suitable for situations where waterproof protection is needed. Non-laminated non-woven bags, on the other hand, are better suited for eco-friendly needs and come in various colors, allowing them to better match the brand image or event theme.
When selecting materials, the weight (GSM) is an important factor. The higher the GSM, the thicker and more durable the bag, making it suitable for carrying heavier items. Common non-woven bags typically range from 60 GSM to 100 GSM, and the specific choice should be based on the intended use.
Choose Color:
If you choose non-laminated bags, color will be a key consideration. These bags offer a variety of color options, such as black, blue, green, red, and more. Depending on your brand or event requirements, you can select the most suitable color to enhance the bag’s visual appeal and recognition.
Choose Production Process:
Non-woven bags are generally made using either stitched or heat-sealed processes.
Stitched Non-woven bags style choice:
- All side gusset non-woven bags
- Bottom gusset non-woven bags
- Flat non-woven bags
- Laminated non-woven bags
- Drawstring non-woven bags
- Foldable non-woven bags
- Zipper non-woven bags
Heat-sealed Non-woven bags style choice:
- Heat-sealed Nonwoven Bag with Sides and Bottom（not laminated)
- Heat-sealed Nonwoven Bag with Bottom
- D Cut Heat-sealed Nonwoven Bag
- W Cut Heat-sealed Nonwoven Bag
- Heat-sealed Nonwoven Bag with Sides and Bottom（laminated)
Handle Options for Non-woven Bags:
- Non-woven Material Handles:
These handles are made from the same non-woven material as the bag itself, offering a coordinated and natural look. They are perfect for those who prefer eco-friendly and natural styles.
- Laminated Handles:
These are typically used for laminated bags. You can choose handles that are laminated just like the bag, making them stronger and more aesthetically pleasing than non-woven handles.
- Webbing Handles:
Webbing handles are commonly used with laminated bags. The most popular option is PP webbing handles. Among the three types of handles, webbing handles are the strongest. They also come in a variety of colors to choose from.
Design Patterns:
If you are working with a design company, you can provide your logo, promotional slogans, graphics, or other design elements to be printed on the template of the bag, which will save time in communication with the supplier. If you do not have a design company or department and only have a logo, that’s perfectly fine. Some experienced suppliers can offer simple design services for you. However, if your design is more complex and time-consuming, additional design fees may apply. Here are a few design suggestions:
The Importance of Design Patterns:
Design patterns should reflect your brand’s priorities and image. A well-designed custom bag increases the likelihood of customer use, which in turn enhances brand exposure. The design should be attractive and align with the brand spirit, encouraging customers to display and use it.
Design Options:
Designs can convey brand personality through logos, motivational quotes, brand slogans, or illustrations. Simple and direct designs are the most effective while ensuring visual appeal. For custom bags, you can place contact information or a website on the back of the bag, making full use of both sides of the design space.
Design Flexibility:
Custom bags offer significant flexibility in design, allowing design placement and size adjustments based on bag style. Different styles (e.g., custom luggage bags or shopping bags) may have different design areas, so flexibility is key.
Common Accessory Choices for Non-woven Bags:
- Zippers
- Buttons
- Hang hoop
- Pockets
- Reinforced Handles
- Eyelet
Conclusion
Non-woven bags, with their lightweight, eco-friendly, and reusable characteristics, have gradually become a popular choice in the packaging industry. While they still have room for improvement in terms of environmental friendliness, the environmental benefits of non-woven bags will become more evident with continuous technological advancements and the development of recycling technologies. For businesses, choosing non-woven bags is not only a response to environmental calls but also an effective way to enhance brand image and market competitiveness. Understanding the various features of non-woven bags helps make more informed packaging decisions and promotes sustainable development.
If you’re looking for high-quality non-woven bags that meet your eco-friendly and customization needs, feel free to reach out to us! We provide expert advice and superior products to help elevate your brand while promoting sustainability. Contact us today to start your custom non-woven bag journey and create packaging solutions that leave a lasting impression!
FAQs
Q1: What are non-woven bags? Answer: 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.
Q2: What is non woven polypropylene bags? Answer: Non-woven polypropylene bags are eco-friendly bags made from polypropylene fibers. The fibers are bonded together using a process called spun-bonding, which creates a lightweight, durable material that is commonly used for reusable shopping bags. These bags offer an excellent alternative to traditional plastic bags.
Q3: Are non-woven bags biodegradable? Answer: Non-woven bags do not naturally break down in the environment. If not recycled or disposed of properly, they can cause long-term pollution.
Q4: What is the raw material for non woven bags?
Answer: Non-woven bags are mainly made from polypropylene (PP), a durable plastic material known for its strength and reusability.
Q5: Are Non Woven Bags Recyclable?
Answer: Yes, non-woven bags are recyclable, though the process may be more complex compared to regular plastic bags.
Q6: Is non woven bag banned?
Answer: Non-woven bags are not generally banned but some regions have restrictions on single-use plastic bags. Many areas encourage the use of reusable non-woven bags as a better alternative.
Q7: Is PP non-woven fabric eco friendly?
Answer: Yes, PP non-woven fabric is considered eco-friendly compared to single-use plastic bags. It can be reused multiple times, helping to reduce plastic waste.
Q8: How to print on non woven bags?
Answer: Non-woven bags can be printed using various methods like screen printing or heat transfer to create custom designs.
Q9: Can non-woven bags be customized for promotional purposes? Answer: 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.
Q10: What are the advantages of non-woven bags? Answer: Non-woven polypropylene bags are durable, lightweight, and reusable, making them eco-friendly and practical for many uses.
