Our Academy
Jacky Zhou
June 8, 2025
See how lamination transforms non-woven, PP woven, and RPET bags – with real before & after comparisons.
When customizing non-woven, PP woven, or RPET bags, lamination is one of the most important finishing options you’ll want to consider. A layer of film not only enhances print clarity but also improves the durability, water resistance, and surface texture of your bag.
In this article, we’ll show you the real visual and functional differences between glossy and matte lamination, and help you decide which one best fits your brand style.
Lamination is the process of applying a thin plastic film (usually BOPP) to the surface of a bag material. It serves several purposes:
Improves water and stain resistance
Enhances the fabric’s rigidity and durability
Makes the surface smoother, perfect for printing logos or detailed designs
Creates a visual finish—either shiny (glossy) or smooth and muted (matte)
This finish is widely used in shopping bags, packaging bags, trade show giveaways, and promotional bags where appearance and function both matter.
Glossy lamination1 adds a shiny, reflective coating to the bag surface, making printed colors appear more saturated, bold, and vibrant—especially under lighting. This finish is ideal for promotional bags with eye-catching graphics, as well as shopping bags designed for fashion or retail settings where visual appeal matters. Glossy lamination is compatible with materials like PP woven, non-woven, and RPET, and is particularly effective for designs that benefit from high contrast and strong color depth. It enhances the print clarity and gives the entire bag a sleek, polished look that draws attention.
Matte lamination provides a non-glossy, velvety surface that reduces glare and adds a sense of refinement to the bag. This subtle finish is especially favored in brand-conscious packaging and corporate gift bags, where a clean, high-end look is desired. It works well for minimalist designs and premium logos that don’t rely on intense color contrast. Matte lamination is suitable for non-woven, PP woven, and RPET materials, and it offers a smoother base for printing light-colored artwork or fine details, resulting in a soft yet professional appearance.
We photographed a set of real bag materials before and after applying matte and glossy lamination. Below is a visual comparison:
For a detailed comparison of structure, durability, and printability, read our article on the pros and cons of laminated PP non-woven bags.
Before Lamination: The raw woven material has a coarse texture with visible weave patterns. Lamination is typically required when producing shopping bags to improve appearance, print quality, and practical performance.
After Glossy Lamination: The glossy film completely covers the rough woven texture, resulting in a smooth and shiny surface. Printed designs appear vibrant and saturated, and the bag structure becomes more rigid.
After Matte Lamination: The surface becomes flat and non-reflective, offering a soft, natural visual effect. It’s ideal for packaging styles that emphasize understated elegance and subtle branding.
Before Lamination: The surface has a subtle texture with a fabric-like touch. Colors appear neutral and the overall look suits minimalist designs.
After Glossy Lamination: The entire surface becomes shinier, with high color saturation and contrast. This style suits bold and vibrant prints.
After Matte Lamination: The look is softer with minimal reflection. The surface is smooth and natural, delivering an understated, eco-friendly feel. Matte lamination is more commonly used for RPET bags.
There’s no universal answer—the best finish depends on your brand’s style, the intended use of the bag, and the visual impact you want to achieve. If your goal is to grab attention with bold colors and a high-shine surface, glossy lamination delivers vibrant saturation and a polished retail look. On the other hand, if your brand leans toward elegance and subtlety, matte lamination offers a refined texture with reduced glare, perfect for conveying a premium feel. Regardless of the finish, lamination not only enhances visual appeal but also extends the durability of your bag.
At Yanxin Bag, we offer both glossy and matte lamination options for non-woven, PP woven, and RPET materials2. We’re happy to provide real material samples so you can experience the difference firsthand—and choose the finish that best reflects your brand identity. Reach out today to request a sample or start customizing your laminated bags with confidence.
1 Linking to a detailed explanation of glossy lamination helps readers understand how this coating enhances visual impact and durability, particularly in printed packaging and retail applications.
2 Wikipedia’s RPET page provides readers with a reliable overview of recycled PET fabric, including its environmental benefits and widespread applications.
Q1: What is the main difference between glossy and matte lamination?
Answer: Glossy lamination provides a shiny, reflective finish that enhances color vibrancy, while matte lamination offers a non-reflective, elegant look that reduces glare.
Q2: Which lamination is more durable, glossy or matte?
Answer: Glossy lamination is generally more moisture-resistant and easier to wipe clean, while matte lamination is more prone to scuffs but hides fingerprints better.
Q3: Does matte lamination affect color vibrancy?
Answer: Yes, matte lamination softens the appearance of printed colors, while glossy lamination boosts brightness and contrast, making images more vivid.
Q4: Which lamination works better under strong lighting?
Answer: Matte lamination is ideal under strong lights as it minimizes reflections and glare, improving readability of text and graphics.
Q5: Are glossy or matte laminations eco-friendly?
Answer: Both use plastic films, but matte films are harder to recycle. Choosing recyclable or biodegradable laminates can reduce environmental impact.
Q6: What’s better for luxury packaging, glossy or matte lamination?
Answer: Matte lamination is preferred for high-end packaging due to its soft, premium feel and understated visual appeal.
Q7: Do glossy laminated surfaces show fingerprints?
Answer: Yes, glossy lamination tends to reveal fingerprints more easily, whereas matte lamination conceals them well.
Q8: What are the advantages of using laminated bags for packaging?
Answer: Laminated bags provide excellent durability, moisture resistance, and vivid printability. They are ideal for shopping, promotional use, and food or industrial packaging.
Q9: Why choose laminated PP woven bags for packaging?
Answer: Laminated PP woven bags are known for their high strength, tear resistance, and moisture barrier properties. They are lightweight yet robust, making them perfect for heavy-duty packaging in industries like agriculture and construction.
Q10: How eco-friendly are laminated RPET bags?
Answer: Laminated RPET bags are made from recycled PET bottles, reducing plastic waste. They combine sustainability with durability, offering a reusable and recyclable alternative to traditional plastic bags.
Q11: Can laminated bags be customized for branding?
Answer: Yes, laminated bags provide an excellent surface for high-quality printing, allowing businesses to showcase logos and designs effectively. This makes them a popular choice for marketing and promotional events.
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Order or no-order we are Always here to help you!
We will contact you within 1 working day, please pay attention to the email with the suffix “@yanxinbag.com”.
Order or no-order we are Always here to help you!
We will contact you within 1 working day, please pay attention to the email with the suffix “@yanxinbag.com”.