Our Academy
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.
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.
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.
Alright, with our two “main characters” introduced, let’s now compare them in detail across 10 key points to see exactly how they differ.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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!
Need a practical overview of non-woven bag features and customization?
This article offers a concise intro to non-woven bags, covering common styles and use cases, summarizing key pros and cons, and visually explaining how to customize them based on your needs. 
《Everything You Need to Know About Non-woven Bags》
Still torn between paper and non-woven packaging?
This side-by-side guide compares two popular options across real-world factors like reusability, moisture resistance, printing effects, and design flexibility — plus a final section on how to decide. 《Non-Woven Bags vs. Paper Bags: Which Is the Best Choice for Your Business?》
Trying to understand the deeper differences in fabric structure and function?
This comparison highlights how non-woven and PP woven bags differ in material, construction, strength, surface finish, and printing suitability — with practical guidance on choosing between them. 《Non-Woven Bag vs. PP Woven Bag: What Are the Difference?》
Choosing the right shape and construction for your non-woven bags?
This visual guide walks through various bag styles and production methods — explaining their structure, use cases, and aesthetic appeal to help you make the best match for your brand. 《Types of Non-Woven Bags for Eco-Friendly Shopping: Styles, Craftsmanship & Applications 》
Get a free quote and expert consultation today. Let's bring your brand vision to life.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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”.
