Woven and non-woven polypropylene (PP) bags look similar at first glance, and both are popular reusable bags for retail and promotions. The difference is in how the fabric is made, and that affects strength, look, printing and price. Here is a simple comparison to help you choose.
How each fabric is made
- Woven polypropylene is made by extruding polypropylene into flat tapes or threads and weaving them together on a loom, like a traditional fabric. You can usually see a criss-cross weave pattern.
- Non-woven polypropylene skips the weaving. Polypropylene fibers are laid into a web and bonded together with heat and pressure. The surface is smooth, with no weave pattern. Learn more in What Is Non-Woven Fabric?
Side-by-side comparison
| Non-woven PP | Woven PP | |
|---|---|---|
| Look and feel | Soft, fabric-like, smooth surface | Stiffer, visible weave, often glossy laminated |
| Strength | Good for everyday use and giveaways | Stronger, holds heavier loads |
| Printing | Screen printing and heat transfer on a smooth surface | Often printed on a laminated film for full-color photos |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Weight and shipping | Light, folds flat, more bags per carton | Heavier, bulkier |
| Best for | Trade shows, events, retail giveaways, high-volume promotions | Grocery chains, heavy items, bags meant to last for years |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose non-woven when you need a large quantity at a low cost per bag, a soft fabric look, or a simple one- or two-color logo – for example trade show bags, event giveaways and store promotions.
- Choose woven when the bag must carry heavy items, or when you want a glossy, full-color photo print.
- Consider canvas if you want a natural cotton look and a premium feel for retail merchandise.
Questions to ask your bag supplier
- Fabric weight (GSM) and bag size
- Handle type and stitching or heat-sealing method
- Available colors and print method
- MOQ, pieces per carton and pieces per container
- A pre-production sample
Non-woven, canvas and drawstring bags from our factory
May Long Phu manufactures non-woven tote bags in grocery, shopper, exhibition and gift sizes, canvas tote bags and drawstring bags in our factory in Vietnam, alongside our main line of koozies and can coolers. We supply US importers, wholesalers and decorators, blank or custom printed, in bulk and full-container loads. Email sales@maylongphu.com or request a sample.