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Non Woven Bags vs Canvas Bags: Which Is Better For Your Business?

Jacky Zhou

May 13, 2025

Comparison between non woven bag (left) and canvas bag (right) – non woven bags vs canvas bags debate.

Finding the right promotional bag can be tricky, can’t it? Non woven bags or canvas bags – which one is right for our company? Don’t worry, this article is here to help you analyze them.

Simply put, non woven bags are lightweight and inexpensive, ideal for large-scale distribution. Canvas bags are durable and have a quality feel, perfect for occasions where brand image is important. If you choose based on your budget and purpose, you can’t go wrong.

Do you often find yourself hesitating between these two types of bags? Don’t rush. Drawing from our factory’s 13 years of experience, I’m going to break down these two bags in detail for you. After reading this, you’ll know exactly how to choose, guaranteed no missteps.

Table of Contents

1. First, Let's Meet Our Two "Main Characters"

Before we dive into a detailed comparison, let’s briefly understand these two types of bags.

1.1 What is a Non Woven Bag?

A non-woven bag, also called “bu zhi bu dai” (literally, non-knitted fabric bag). It’s not made by weaving threads one by one. Instead, it’s made from plastic pellets like polypropylene (PP)1, which are directly formed into fabric through processes like spun-bonding and thermal bonding. This fabric is then sewn into bags. The biggest characteristics of these bags are their light weight, and they also offer some moisture resistance and breathability. The price is also relatively cheap. That’s why many supermarket shopping bags, promotional bags given out at events, and bags for holding materials at trade shows are this type.

White-colored non woven bag positioned next to a canvas bag, illustrating the comparison between non woven bags vs canvas bags.

1.2 What is a Canvas Bag?

A canvas bag, as the name suggests, is made from canvas. Canvas is usually made of cotton or a polyester-cotton blend2, and it’s machine-woven, making it quite thick. The biggest advantage of canvas bags is that they are exceptionally strong and durable, capable of carrying quite heavy items, and they also have a good texture. They can be used repeatedly for a long time.

2. Non Woven Bags VS Canvas Bags: A 10-Point Showdown!

Alright, with our two “main characters” introduced, let’s now compare them in detail across 10 key points to see exactly how they differ.

2.1 Material Composition: Natural vs. Synthetic

  • Non Woven Bag: The main material is polypropylene (PP), which is a type of plastic.
  • Canvas Bag: Common canvas is made from natural fibers like cotton and linen, and some are made from polyester or cotton-polyester blends.
Pros and Cons of Non-Woven Bags: Polypropylene, the raw material used to make nonwoven fabric
Polypropylene

2.2 Strength & Durability: Who Can "Carry the Load" Better?

  • Non Woven Bag: Their load-bearing capacity is average, not quite suitable for very heavy items or things with sharp edges. Generally, using them a dozen or so times isn’t a problem.
  • Canvas Bag: This one is impressive; it’s very strong and durable. The thickness of the canvas yarn and the density of the weave affect its strength. The thick canvas bags our factory makes can easily carry 10 kilograms, and they can last for several years. I have a canvas shopping bag myself that I’ve used for nearly five years; it’s a bit old, but still very capable.

2.3 Style Diversity & Design Flexibility: Balancing Fashion and Practicality

  • Non Woven Bag: There are many bag styles, such as common tote bags, gusseted bags (with a bottom and sides), drawstring bags, cooler bags, wine bags, garment bags, etc. We can make them all. There’s also a wide range of color choices, and small accessories like zippers and snap buttons can be added.
  • Canvas Bag: Bag styles are also very flexible – handheld, shoulder, or crossbody are all possible. In terms of color, besides various dyes, unbleached canvas also has a unique charm. Accessories can be added just the same.

2.4 Printing Effect & Aesthetics: A Direct Display of Brand Image

  • Non Woven Bag: The printing methods our factory commonly uses are screen printing and laminated color printing. Screen printing is simple and affordable, with decent color vibrancy. Laminated color printing can handle complex patterns, offers brighter colors, and is waterproof, but it costs a bit more.
  • Canvas Bag: Screen printing, heat transfer, and digital direct printing (DTG) are all options. Screen printing looks good on canvas, giving it a textured feel. Heat transfer and digital direct printing can produce very fine patterns, suitable for small batches and personalized customization. The thickness of the canvas can affect the fineness of digital direct printing.

2.5 Price & Cost-Effectiveness: Does Budget Dictate the Choice?

  • Non-Woven Bag: The unit price is relatively cheap, especially suitable for situations with a limited budget requiring large quantities. For example, for several thousand or tens of thousands of bags, the cost-effectiveness is very high.
  • Canvas Bag: The unit price is higher than non-woven bags, as material costs and processing are more complex. However, considering their durability and long lifespan, if customers reuse them frequently, they can actually be quite cost-effective in the long run.

2.6 Waterproof Performance: Who Handles Accidental Spills Better?

  • Non-Woven Bag: The PP material itself has some moisture resistance, but it’s not completely waterproof. If a lamination process is applied, the waterproof effect becomes very good, and water droplets will roll off the surface.
  • Canvas Bag: Natural cotton canvas is absorbent; it will get wet if rained on or if water is splashed on it. Some canvas bags are treated with a waterproof coating, which then makes them waterproof.

2.7 Weight & Portability: Lightweight Convenience or Quality Feel?

  • Non-Woven Bag: Very light. The grammage we often talk about, like 70gsm, 80gsm, 90gsm non-woven fabric, results in very lightweight bags that don’t take up much space when folded.
  • Canvas Bag: Relatively heavier, with a more substantial feel. The thickness of canvas is often expressed in “ounces (oz),” such as 8oz, 10oz, 12oz; the higher the ounce number, the thicker and heavier it is.

2.8 Thickness & Texture: Differences in Feel and Appearance

  • Non-Woven Bag: Non-woven fabrics of different grammages have different thicknesses and feels. Higher grammage feels a bit thicker, but overall, they tend to be light and soft.
  • Canvas Bag: Noticeably thicker than non-woven bags, with a more solid feel. Natural fiber canvas has a simple, natural texture when touched.
Choosing the thickness of cotton canvas bags
Thickness of Canvas

2.9 Foldability & Storage Convenience: Who Takes Up Less Space?

  • Non-Woven Bag: Very easy to fold, and they take up little space when folded, easily fitting into a bag or pocket.
  • Canvas Bag: Can also be folded, but because it’s thicker, it will take up more space when folded compared to a non-woven bag.

2.10 Cleaning & Maintenance: How to Extend Lifespan?

  • Non-Woven Bag: Generally not recommended for washing, as washing can reduce its strength. If it gets dirty, just wipe it with a damp cloth.
  • Canvas Bag: Can be washed. However, note that pure cotton canvas might shrink the first time it’s washed, and dark colors might fade a bit. It’s best to hand wash in cold water, clean spots locally, and avoid prolonged sun exposure.

3. Which One to Choose? It Depends on Your "Stage"!

After comparing so many aspects, you probably have a better idea now. So, for your specific business, when is it more appropriate to choose which type?

3.1 When Are Non-Woven Bags a Better Choice?

  • Limited budget, need for mass distribution: For example, at trade shows, large promotional events, or street marketing, where thousands or even tens of thousands of bags are needed, non-woven bags offer high cost-effectiveness.
  • Need for lightweight and basic moisture resistance: As basic product packaging or for temporarily carrying items, non-woven bags are light and somewhat moisture-resistant, which is quite practical.
  • Fast-moving consumer goods packaging or one-time promotions: If the bag’s lifecycle isn’t long, or if it’s mainly for a one-time promotional use, non-woven bags are sufficient.

3.2 When Do Canvas Bags Shine Brighter?

  • Focus on brand image and gift quality: For instance, gifts for VIP clients, packaging for high-end products, or commemorative items for a company anniversary, the texture and durability of canvas bags better reflect sincerity and quality.
  • Pursuit of durability and high reuse rate: If you want customers to use the bag for a long time, thereby continuously providing brand exposure, then canvas bags are a good choice. A durable canvas bag might be used by a customer for several years.
  • Businesses emphasizing environmental concepts and advocating for a sustainable lifestyle: If your brand strongly emphasizes environmental protection and sustainability, choosing natural material canvas bags (like organic cotton canvas bags) can better convey this philosophy.
  • Packaging for cultural and creative products, art derivatives: The artistic flair and texture of canvas bags pair very well with cultural and creative products and art merchandise.

Conclusion

Overall, there’s no absolute “better” between non-woven bags and canvas bags. The key is to look at your specific needs and budget. Choosing the right one will better enhance your brand.

Today, we’ve compared non-woven bags and canvas bags in detail. If you are looking for high-quality custom non-woven bags or custom canvas bags, and hope to find an experienced eco-friendly bag manufacturer, feel free to contact us at Yanxin Bag. We will provide professional advice and high-quality products based on your needs, helping your brand reach new heights. Our Yanxin Bag factory offers customization services for various materials and styles, and we look forward to cooperating with you!

Additional Resources

1 Learn about polypropylene’s properties and its role in creating strong, lightweight non-woven fabrics, essential for various applications.

2 Understanding fabric differences can help you choose the right material for your needs, enhancing your shopping experience.

FAQs for Nonwoven Bags

Q1: What are non-woven bags primarily made from? Answer: Non-woven bags are primarily made from polypropylene (PP), a type of plastic. The PP pellets are processed into a fabric-like material without weaving or knitting.

Q2: What are canvas bags typically made from? Answer: Canvas bags are typically made from woven fabrics like cotton, linen, or polyester, or a blend such as cotton-polyester. Cotton canvas is very common.

Q3: Which type of bag is generally more durable for heavy items? Answer: Canvas bags are generally more durable and have a higher load-bearing capacity than non-woven bags, making them better suited for carrying heavy items.

Q4: If I need a large quantity of bags on a tight budget, which type is usually cheaper? Answer: Non-woven bags are generally cheaper per unit than canvas bags, making them more cost-effective for large quantity orders on a limited budget.

Q5: Can I wash a non-woven bag if it gets dirty? Answer: It’s generally not recommended to wash non-woven bags, as washing can weaken the material. Wiping with a damp cloth is usually suggested for cleaning.

Q6: How should I clean a canvas bag? Answer: Canvas bags can usually be washed. It’s often best to hand wash them in cold water, especially if they are pure cotton (to minimize shrinkage) or dark-colored (to prevent fading). Spot cleaning for minor dirt is also a good option. Always check any care labels if available.

Q7: What are common printing methods for non-woven bags? Answer: Common printing methods for non-woven bags include screen printing (for simpler designs and cost-effectiveness) and laminated color printing (for complex, vibrant, full-color designs, which also adds a waterproof layer).

Q8: Are non-woven bags inherently waterproof? Answer: Standard non-woven PP fabric is moisture-resistant (meaning it doesn’t absorb water easily) but not fully waterproof. However, if they are laminated, they become highly waterproof.

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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”.