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Non Woven Bags vs Plastic Bags: Helping Your Business Make the Best Choice

Jacky Zhou
Post Date 2025-05-18
Post Modified Date 2025-09-23

Is upgrading your business packaging difficult? Plastic bags are convenient. But they are a worry for the environment. Non woven bags are becoming popular. Choosing the wrong bag can affect your brand. It can also affect your costs. How can you choose well? You need to think about good results and being responsible.

When businesses pick packaging bags, non-woven bags are usually better. They are better for the environment. They last longer. They also help build a good brand image. This makes them good for long-term branding. Plastic bags still have some uses. They can be used for low-cost, one-time needs. They are also good if you need something waterproof or moisture-proof. The key is to balance your needs with the impact.

Do you want to know how these two bags differ? We can look at their materials and how eco-friendly they are. We can also check how long they last and how they look when printed. We will even see how much they cost. I have been in the bag business for 13 years. Today, I will explain these two bags from my factory’s point of view. I will compare them in 14 important ways. This will help you understand clearly. It will help you choose the right direction.

Getting to Know Two Common Types of Bags

First, let’s learn about these two bags. We see them often in our daily lives.

What is a Non Woven Bag?

A non-woven bag is an eco-friendly bag¹. It is made from non-woven fabric. To make non-woven fabric, polypropylene (PP) pellets are melted. Then, they are spun at high temperatures and stretched into a web of fibers. These fibers are then fixed together by heat pressing or bonding. Non-woven fabric is different from traditional weaving or knitting. It does not need fibers to be interlaced. Non-woven bags are light. They cost a medium amount. They can be used many times. People often use them for shopping, packaging, and promotions.

Common Uses for Non Woven Bags

Non-woven bags are used more and more now.

They are used as shopping bags in supermarkets, malls, and clothing stores.
They are used as advertising bags or gift bags at trade shows and events. Our factory often gets orders like this. Customers like to print their logos on them.
They are used as packaging bags for some shoes, clothes, and gifts.
They are used as storage bags or dust bags at home.

What is a Plastic Bag?

Everyone is more familiar with plastic bags. They are bags made of plastic. The most common plastics are polyethylene (PE)², polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Plastic bags are light. They are waterproof. They are cheap. But the problem is that most are thrown away after one use. They are also very hard to break down naturally.

Non Woven Bags vs Plastic Bags: A Deep Dive into 14 Key Differences

Now that we know the basics, let’s compare these two types of bags carefully. We will look at 14 different aspects.

Material Composition Comparison

Non-Woven Bag: The main material is usually polypropylene (PP). Some also use polymers like polyester (PET) or polylactic acid (PLA).
Plastic Bag: The main materials come from oil-based chemical products. The most common are polyethylene (PE) (like HDPE and LDPE) and polypropylene (PP). Some special plastic bags might use polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polystyrene (PS).

Environmental Friendliness Comparison

Non Woven Bag: These are much more eco-friendly than single-use plastic bags. Some ways of making them use less energy. Most importantly, they can be used many times. This greatly reduces waste. Some non-woven bags can break down or be recycled. But this depends on what they are made of. It also depends on whether there are recycling facilities nearby.
Plastic Bag: This is a bigger problem. Plastic bags are very hard to break down naturally. It can take hundreds of years. If thrown on land, they pollute the soil. If they get into water, they form microplastics. Not many are recycled. Burning them creates harmful gases.

Reusability and Durability Comparison

Non-Woven Bag: These bags are designed for many uses. The material itself is quite thick. The bag’s structure is also stronger. They resist wear and tear well.
Plastic Bag: Most plastic bags you find, especially free or cheap ones, are meant for one-time use. Or they are for very few uses. Their material is usually thin. They can easily break or stretch if they carry heavy things or sharp items. They also damage from repeated folding and rubbing. So, they do not last nearly as long as non-woven bags.

Printability Comparison

Non Woven Bag: The surface of these bags is quite large. It is very suitable for printing. Our factory often uses screen printing, laminated color printing, and heat transfer. The printed colors are bright. The advertising effect is very good. I have a client who runs an education company. They used our custom non-woven bags. They said their brand image improved a lot.
Plastic Bag: Plastic bags can also be printed on. But the printing effect and quality are usually not as rich or high-end as on non-woven bags. Plastic bag surfaces are smooth. Ink sometimes does not stick as well as on non-woven fabric. The material also limits how fine the details and how vibrant the colors can be.

Load-Bearing Comparison

Non Woven Bag: These bags can carry quite a bit of weight. A regular non-woven bag can usually hold 5 to 8 kilograms of items. Some thicker ones or those made with special methods can hold even more. How much they can hold mainly depends on the non-woven fabric’s weight (its thickness) and how it’s made. For example, how the handles are attached and strengthened, or if it has a bottom or side gusset. Lamination also helps make them stronger and last longer.
Plastic Bag: How much a plastic bag can hold depends mostly on its thickness. Thicker plastic bags can hold a good amount of weight. But the common very thin or thin single-use plastic bags are generally weak. They easily stretch, change shape, or break when carrying heavy or sharp items.

Waterproofness Comparison

Non Woven Bag: Polypropylene (PP) material itself does not absorb water. So, regular non-woven bags have some natural ability to repel water. They can resist small amounts of liquid splashes for a short time. If the non-woven bag is laminated (covered with a BOPP film), its waterproofing ability greatly improves.
Plastic Bag: Plastic polymers like polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are naturally very good at keeping water out. This is due to their molecular structure. Plastic film can effectively block moisture. This is why plastic bags are often used to pack liquids or items that need to stay dry.

Breathability Comparison

Non Woven Bag: Non-woven bags usually have some breathability. This is because their non-woven structure has tiny gaps between fibers. Different making processes (like spun-bond or needle-punched) and fabric weight affect how breathable they are. This breathability makes them good for storing items that need air flow. Examples include some types of clothes (to prevent mold) or fresh produce (like potatoes and onions, to help them last longer). They are also good for items that need to “breathe.”
Plastic Bag: Plastic film has a dense structure. So, plastic bags are hardly breathable, or their breathability is very low. This feature makes them very good for packing items that need to be kept away from air. This helps keep them fresh (like sealed food packages). It also protects items from moisture or oxygen (like electronic parts or metal components).

Style Comparison

Non Woven Bag: These bags offer great flexibility and variety in style. Besides common flat tote bags, they can be made into 3D box bags with sides and a bottom (for more space and stability). They can be foldable bags for easy storage. They can be sealed bags with zippers or snaps. They can also be drawstring bags, backpacks, wine bottle bags, and more. Designers can create various shapes and functions based on brand needs and uses. There is a lot of room for design.
Plastic Bag: Compared to non-woven bags, plastic bag styles are more simple and standard. The most common are T-shirt bags (vest-style bags) and flat bags used in supermarkets. Some have die-cut handles. While you can change their size and print, there is less room for new shapes and structures.

Weight Comparison

Non Woven Bag: Their material is thicker than ordinary plastic bags. So, a single non-woven bag might weigh slightly more than a very thin plastic bag. But overall, non-woven bags are still light. A regular-sized non-woven bag usually weighs around tens of grams. It doesn’t take up much space when folded. It is easy to carry for later use.
Plastic Bag: Being extremely light is a key feature of plastic bags. Very thin single-use plastic bags are especially light. They weigh almost nothing. They can be folded or crumpled into a very small size. This makes them very easy to carry.

Thickness Comparison

Non Woven Bag: These are usually quite thick. They range from tens of grams to over a hundred grams per square meter. They feel good to touch. Thickness is directly related to how long they last. Generally, thicker means more durable.
Plastic Bag: These are very thin. Thickness is usually measured in “microns” or “mils” (in some regions). They feel light and flimsy.

Foldability Comparison

Non Woven Bag: These bags fold well. Most non-woven bags can be easily folded into smaller sizes. This makes them easy to store in a purse, car, or drawer. Some non-woven bags are specially designed to be foldable. For example, some can be folded into a small square and secured with a snap or elastic band. This makes them even neater and more portable when stored.
Plastic Bag: Plastic bags are extremely good at folding. Because their material is light, thin, and soft, they can be easily folded, rolled, or crumpled into a small ball. They take up almost no useful storage space. This is one reason they are convenient shopping tools.

Usage Scenario Comparison

Non Woven Bag: These bags are used in many places. They are often used when a brand wants to show its image, its eco-friendly ideas, or wants something that lasts long. Common uses include brand shopping bags, document bags for trade shows, promotional gift bags, custom gift bags for companies, bags for students at training centers, and bags for eco-friendly campaigns. They are not just for carrying things. They are also moving advertisements that share brand value.
Plastic Bag: These are mainly used when people need something very convenient and low-cost for one-time or short-term use. Examples include buying groceries at a farmer’s market, quick shopping at a supermarket, packaging small items, and using them as trash bags. In some industrial or product packaging, plastic bags are also used as inner packaging or protective layers. This is because they are good at keeping out moisture and air.

Cost Comparison

Non Woven Bag: If you look at the cost of buying one bag, non-woven bags are usually more expensive than ordinary single-use plastic bags. However, if you think about the “cost per use” or “long-term value,” they can be cheaper. This is because they can be reused dozens of times. So, the cost for each use might be lower. Also, they provide ongoing brand exposure and advertising. This hidden value should also be considered.
Plastic Bag: The cost of buying one plastic bag is very low. This is a major reason why they are so common. For businesses, especially for single-use situations, plastic bags offer a very cost-effective solution. But if you consider their environmental handling costs and potential impact on brand image, their overall “economic sense” needs careful thought.

Customizability Comparison

Non Woven Bag: These bags offer great flexibility and depth for unique needs. We can customize the bag size, fabric color, and fabric weight. We can also customize the printing design and method. We can even customize handle styles and materials, and details like inner pockets, phone pockets, pen holders, reinforced bottom boards, and closures like zippers, Velcro, snaps, or drawstrings. We can tailor everything to the client’s specific brand position, target use, and budget. This fully helps brands create a unique look and improve user experience.
Plastic Bag: Plastic bags also offer some customization options. These mainly focus on basic features. Customers can specify the bag’s size, the film’s thickness, the material’s color, and the printed content.

Conclusion

Overall, non-woven bags have advantages over plastic bags. They are better for the environment, last longer, and are good for brand promotion. Plastic bags are convenient and cheap in some specific situations. But their harm to the environment is too great to ignore. The government is also promoting “plastic bans.” Being eco-friendly is a major trend. Choosing non-woven bags is a responsible and forward-thinking decision for businesses.

Choose a greener future for your brand! Are you still wondering which packaging bag to use? Yanxin Bag has 14 years of experience as a non-woven bag manufacturer. We offer various custom non-woven bag services. Contact our packaging experts now. Get a free custom non-woven bag plan and quote. Let your business stand out in the eco-friendly wave and increase its brand value! We are a professional non-woven bag factory. We are dedicated to providing you with the best products and services.

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Additional Resources

¹ Discover the features that define eco-friendly bags and how they contribute to environmental sustainability.

² Exploring the uses of polyethylene can provide insights into its role in packaging and its environmental implications.

FAQs for Non Woven Shopping Bags

Q1: What is the main difference between a non-woven bag and a plastic bag?

Answer: A non-woven bag is made from polypropylene fibers bonded without weaving, while a plastic bag is made from oil-based polymers like polyethylene. Non-woven bags are reusable and eco-friendly, whereas plastic bags are typically single-use and harmful to the environment.

Q2: How eco-friendly are custom non-woven bags compared to plastic bags?

Answer: Custom non-woven bags are significantly more eco-friendly than plastic bags. They are reusable, consume less energy during production, and can sometimes be recycled or decomposed. Plastic bags take hundreds of years to degrade and contribute to microplastic pollution.

Q3: Can non-woven shopping bags be printed with brand logos for promotional use?

Answer: Yes, non-woven shopping bags are ideal for promotional branding. They offer a large, printable surface and support high-quality printing techniques such as screen printing, heat transfer, and lamination. This makes them excellent for marketing and corporate identity.

Q4: Are non-woven reusable bags waterproof like polyethylene plastic bags?

Answer: Regular non-woven reusable bags have some water resistance due to the properties of polypropylene, but they are not fully waterproof. However, if laminated with BOPP film, non-woven bags can achieve similar waterproof performance as plastic bags made from polyethylene.

Q5: What industries commonly use non-woven fabric bags for eco-friendly packaging?

Answer: Non-woven fabric bags are commonly used in retail, fashion, education, food packaging, and events. Supermarkets, malls, trade shows, and gift shops use them for eco-friendly packaging and brand promotion.

Q6: How many times can a non-woven promotional bag be reused compared to a plastic bag?

Answer: A well-made non-woven promotional bag can be reused 30 to 50 times or more, depending on fabric thickness and handle design. In contrast, plastic bags, especially single-use types, are often discarded after one or two uses.

Q7: What customization options are available for eco-friendly non-woven tote bags?

Answer: Eco-friendly non-woven tote bags can be fully customized in size, color, fabric thickness, handle type, and printing. Extra features like zippers, inner pockets, or foldable designs can also be added based on brand needs.

Q8: Are there any biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastic bags for food packaging?

Q8: Are there any biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastic bags for food packaging?
Answer: Yes, there are biodegradable alternatives such as PLA-based non-woven bags and compostable starch-based plastic bags. These materials break down faster than traditional plastic and are suitable for eco-conscious food packaging.

Q9: What is the cost comparison between custom printed non-woven bags and single-use plastic bags?

Answer: Although the unit cost of a custom printed non-woven bag is higher than that of a single-use plastic bag, the overall cost per use is lower due to its durability and reusability. Non-woven bags also offer better brand visibility and environmental value.

Jacky Zhou

Hello, I'm Jacky Zhou, the founder of yanxinbag.com. With 14 years of experience running a shopping bag factory, I'm excited to share my insights and expertise on shopping bags from a unique perspective as a Chinese supplier. The goal of this article is to provide valuable knowledge to readers seeking to learn more about shopping bags and the industry.

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