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Driven by global plastic bans and the growing eco-friendly trend, non woven fabric is gradually replacing single-use plastics as the preferred material for shopping bags and packaging. It not only meets sustainability requirements but can also be reused multiple times, reducing long-term costs. At the same time, non woven bags offer excellent printing and customization effects, enabling brands to meet environmental demands while also strengthening promotion and brand visibility.
Non woven fabric is a material that does not require weaving or knitting. Instead, it bonds fibers directly through processes such as meltblown, spunbond, heat-pressing, or spunlace, forming sheet-like structures similar to fabric. Unlike traditional textiles, it does not have an interwoven warp and weft structure, yet it still maintains strength, flexibility, and functionality.
Compared with paper bags, non woven bags are more durable, less prone to tearing, and can withstand repeated use. Compared with plastic bags, they align with environmental policies and are more easily accepted by consumers. And compared with cotton bags, non woven bags are lighter in weight and lower in cost, making them more advantageous for bulk purchasing and promotional campaigns.
Polypropylene is the most widely used raw material for non woven fabric and holds the dominant market share. It is light in weight, waterproof, wear-resistant, and low in production cost, making it the preferred option for both disposable and reusable packaging. In bag applications, PP non woven fabric is commonly used for supermarket shopping bags, promotional bags, and food delivery packaging. These bags are reusable, meet environmental requirements, and support various printing methods such as screen printing and laminated color printing, which allows brands to achieve large-scale promotion and customization.
Polyester (PET) non woven fabric is known for its high strength and heat resistance. Compared with polypropylene, PET has a higher melting point and better dimensional stability, so it is often used in applications that require long-term use or exposure to high temperatures. It is mainly applied in industrial fields such as air filtration, water filtration, automotive interiors, and geotextiles. In bag applications, pure PET non woven fabric is not a mainstream option, but it is sometimes used in projects that focus on durability or load-bearing capacity, such as high-end reusable shopping bags or returnable packaging. These bags are stronger but also more expensive.
Non woven fabrics made from different raw materials differ greatly in performance and market positioning. The table below summarizes the features of PP, PET, RPET, and PLA in terms of cost, strength, eco-friendliness, and bag applications.
| Material | Cost | Strength | Eco-friendliness | Bag Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PP (Polypropylene) | ★ Lowest | Medium | Recyclable but not biodegradable | Supermarket shopping bags, promotional bags, food delivery bags (mainstream) |
| PET (Polyester) | ★★ Higher | High | Recyclable | Industrial packaging, filter fabrics, limited use in durable shopping bags |
| RPET (Recycled Polyester) | ★★~★★★ Higher | High | Strong sustainability appeal (recycled) | Eco-friendly shopping bags, exhibition bags, promotional bags (high MOQ) |
| PLA (Polylactic Acid) | ★★★ Highest | Medium | Biodegradable | Food packaging bags, eco-friendly event bags (mainly high-end market) |
Spunbond is the most common non woven process and the main material for shopping and packaging bags. It melts polymers such as polypropylene into filaments, lays them into a web, and bonds them by heat pressing. The process is efficient and low-cost. Spunbond fabric is lightweight, moderately strong, breathable, and waterproof, which makes it suitable for supermarket shopping bags, promotional bags, and food delivery bags.
Meltblown fabric is known for its ultra-fine fiber structure and strong filtration performance. Its fibers are usually 1–5 microns in diameter, which allows it to effectively block bacteria, dust, and particles. It is widely used in masks, protective clothing, and air and liquid filtration materials.
SMS fabric is made by combining one layer of meltblown fabric between two layers of spunbond fabric. It has both the strength of spunbond and the filtration efficiency of meltblown. It is waterproof, breathable, and provides good barrier protection, making it suitable for applications such as surgical gowns, protective clothing, diapers, and sanitary pads. Because it combines light weight and functionality, SMS fabric is widely used in the medical and hygiene industries.
Spunlace fabric is produced by using high-pressure water jets to entangle fibers into a fabric. It has a soft touch, smooth surface, and does not require adhesives. It is widely used in wet wipes, cotton pads, medical dressings, and facial mask sheets. Spunlace fabric is valued for its comfort and absorbency, making it an important material in personal care and medical products.
Needle-punched fabric is made by mechanically entangling fibers with barbed needles to form a dense material. It is strong, wear-resistant, and suitable for applications that require a thick and stable structure. Common uses include carpet backing, geotextiles, automotive interiors, and industrial fabrics, making it important in industrial and construction applications.
Heat-bonded fabric is produced by adding thermoplastic fibers or powdered adhesives into a fiber web and bonding the fibers together through heat and pressure. This process is efficient and produces fabric with a smooth surface, making it suitable for mass production. It is commonly used in disposable hygiene products, filtration materials, insulation, and soundproofing.
Non woven fabric has multiple performance advantages that make it highly competitive in packaging and bag applications. It is lightweight yet strong, with good tear resistance and durability, maintaining stability even with frequent use. The material surface is also suitable for screen printing, heat transfer, and laminated color printing, making it an ideal choice for brand customization and advertising.
In terms of functionality, non woven fabric can be waterproof, dustproof, and antibacterial, while still maintaining some breathability, which makes it suitable for applications requiring both protection and comfort. It can also be treated to improve softness or absorbency, meeting the needs of medical and personal care products. Compared with traditional textiles, it does not fray or unravel, which makes it easier to use.
In terms of cost, non woven fabric has simple production processes with high efficiency, and the price is significantly lower than alternatives such as cotton fabric and paper bags. At the same time, many non woven fabrics can be produced using recycled materials or biodegradable polymers, giving them environmental potential. With its lightweight, durability, customizability, and eco-friendly potential, non woven fabric has become one of the preferred materials for shopping bags and packaging.
Non woven fabric, with its lightweight, durability, printability, and environmental potential, has shown unique advantages in various packaging fields. Among different raw materials, polypropylene (PP) holds the dominant position. It is low in cost, stable in performance, and best suited for large-scale production of shopping bags and promotional bags. From an application perspective, the following highlights the role of non woven fabric in bags and packaging.
Non woven bags are a common choice in supermarkets, convenience stores, and retail shops. They replace single-use plastic bags, provide strong load-bearing capacity, can be reused many times, and can be customized with printed store branding.
Non woven bags are widely used as giveaways for advertising and trade shows. Their low cost and large printing area allow businesses to distribute them in bulk while maintaining long-term brand exposure during use.
The food and delivery industry frequently uses non woven bags. They are waterproof and oil-resistant, suitable for carrying food and beverages, and they present a more premium look compared with plastic bags, while also conveying an eco-friendly image.
In the medical and hygiene sectors, non woven fabric is used for disposable packaging, such as surgical gown bags and outer bags for sterilized products. They provide basic dust and bacterial protection and can support sterilization processes.
In industrial fields, non woven fabric is also used for protective packaging of large items or equipment. Its waterproof and dustproof properties help protect products during transportation and storage, commonly seen in electronics, building materials, and machinery industries.
Non woven bags are often considered eco-friendly alternatives to plastic bags, but their actual environmental impact depends more on material properties and usage. PP non woven bags, which dominate the market, are not biodegradable but are recyclable. If reused dozens or even hundreds of times in shopping and daily life, they can effectively offset production energy consumption and reduce single-use plastic waste.
By comparison, RPET bags emphasize “recycled materials” and present a stronger eco-friendly image, but their production cost is higher, making them more suitable for brands focusing on sustainability. PLA bags are gaining attention for being biodegradable, but due to high cost and limited performance, they are not yet widely applied.
Overall, the environmental value of non woven bags mainly lies in the number of times they are reused. As long as consumers continue to use them, they can play a positive role in reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable packaging.
Paper bags are biodegradable and widely accepted as an eco-friendly option. They are lightweight and suitable for packaging lighter items but can tear easily, especially when exposed to moisture. Non woven bags, in contrast, are more durable and reusable, making them a practical choice for repeated use. The decision between paper and non woven often depends on whether the priority is short-term eco appeal or long-term durability.
Cotton bags are durable, washable, and considered a premium sustainable packaging option. Their higher cost makes them less suitable for large-scale giveaways but appealing for brands aiming for a high-end image. Non woven bags are more affordable while still reusable, which makes them attractive for bulk orders and promotional campaigns. Choosing between cotton and non woven depends on budget, brand positioning, and intended use.
| Comparison | Paper Bags | Plastic Bags | Cotton Bags | Non Woven Bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | Light, easily torn, not suitable for heavy items | Waterproof, good for single-use, but thin bags tear easily | Strong and washable, long-lasting | Reusable, durable, can carry heavier loads |
| Eco-friendliness | Biodegradable, recyclable | Hard to degrade, environmental restrictions | Sustainable, reusable, but resource-intensive to produce | Recyclable, reusable, considered eco-friendly |
| Cost | Low cost, but limited reusability | Very low cost per piece, economical for one-time use | Higher cost, premium positioning | Moderate cost, more affordable than cotton, reusable |
Customizing non-woven bags is a straightforward process that mainly involves five key steps:
Define the Purpose and Budget
Decide how the bags will be used—shopping, promotions, events, or giveaways. At the same time, set a budget and quantity range, as this will influence the choice of materials and styles.
Choose Bag Size and Material
Select the right size according to the products or customer needs. Non-woven bags can be laminated for extra water resistance or non-laminated for eco-friendly appeal. GSM (fabric weight) determines thickness and durability, usually ranging from 60–100 GSM.
Select Style and Handle Type
Popular styles include flat bags, gusseted bags, drawstring bags, backpacks, wine bags, cooler bags and zipper bags. Handle options vary from non-woven handles to webbing handles, depending on strength and design preferences.
Pick Colors and Printing Method
Non-woven bags can be produced in many colors. Printing options include screen printing, heat transfer, or full-color lamination. Choose the method that best fits your brand image and budget.
Add Branding and Accessories
Incorporate your logo, slogan, or design to enhance brand visibility. Optional add-ons include zippers, buttons, or reinforced handles for extra functionality.
By following these steps, businesses can create custom non-woven bags that are practical, durable, and aligned with their brand image.
Non woven fabric has become one of the most important alternatives to single-use plastics in today’s packaging industry. With advantages such as durability, reusability, cost-effectiveness, and strong customization potential, it meets both environmental demands and business needs. Whether applied to retail, food service, promotions, or industrial packaging, non woven bags offer brands the opportunity to combine practicality with sustainability.
If you are considering custom non woven bags for your business, Yanxin Bag is a professional non woven bag manufacturer with over 14 years of experience. We specialize in providing custom non woven bag solutions tailored to your brand requirements, supporting different materials, structures, and printing methods.
Contact Yanxin Bag today to get a free consultation and quotation. Let us help you create high-quality, eco-friendly packaging bags that enhance your brand visibility and align with sustainable development.
Want to move from materials to actual bag applications?
This overview covers the basics of non-woven bags — including definitions, benefits, limitations, and customization options — making it a solid starting point for material-to-product decisions. 
《 Everything You Need to Know About Non-woven Bags》
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This illustrated guide walks through a variety of non-woven bag designs, explaining how each structure and feature works in real-world usage, making it easy to compare and choose. 《Types of Non-Woven Bags for Eco-Friendly Shopping: Styles, Craftsmanship & Applications 》
Curious how non-woven bags are used across different industries?
This article outlines practical use cases in grocery, apparel, events, retail, and healthcare — offering clear scenarios for both personal and business packaging needs. 《The Ultimate Guide: 16 Practical Uses for Non Woven Bags Across Life and Business 》
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This article breaks down the key advantages and drawbacks of using non-woven bags, with visual examples to help you evaluate whether they align with your marketing and packaging goals. 《Pros & Cons of Nonwoven Bags》
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1 Explore the advantages of RPET non woven fabric, especially its environmental benefits and performance compared to traditional materials.
2 Understanding biodegradability can help you make informed choices about sustainable materials and their environmental impact.
3 Discover strategies for businesses to enhance their eco-friendly image, which can attract more customers and improve brand loyalty.
Answer: Non woven fabric is made by bonding fibers such as polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET), recycled PET (RPET), or polylactic acid (PLA) through processes like spunbond, meltblown, or spunlace instead of weaving or knitting.
Answer: Non woven bags are reusable, recyclable, and reduce the need for single-use plastic bags, making them more environmentally friendly when used multiple times.
Answer: Non woven fabric is widely used in shopping bags, promotional bags, food delivery packaging, and eco-friendly event bags due to its durability, printability, and cost-effectiveness.
Answer: Polypropylene non woven fabric is lightweight, waterproof, affordable, and strong enough for repeated use, making it the most common material for non woven bags.
Answer: Non woven bags are more durable, reusable, and resistant to tearing, while paper bags are biodegradable but less sturdy and easily damaged by moisture.
Answer: Common types include spunbond for bags, meltblown for filtration, SMS for medical protection, spunlace for wipes, and needle-punched for industrial applications.
Answer: Yes, non woven bags support screen printing, heat transfer, and laminated full-color printing, allowing businesses to enhance branding and visibility.
Answer: Yes, PLA non woven fabrics are biodegradable because they are plant-based, but they are more expensive and less heat-resistant than PP or PET options.
Answer: A non woven shopping bag can typically be reused dozens or even hundreds of times, depending on material thickness and handling.
Answer: Non woven fabric is also widely used in medical products, hygiene items, automotive interiors, geotextiles, and filtration materials due to its versatile properties.
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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”.
