How Do PP Woven Shopping Bags Compare to Non-Woven Bags?

Many buyers struggle to choose between PP woven and non-woven shopping bags due to confusion about material durability and cost-effectiveness.

PP woven bags are made by weaving polypropylene strips, while non-woven bags are bonded fibers without weaving, offering different strengths and textures.

Choosing the right material matters—it affects brand image, user experience, and long-term costs.

What is the difference between woven and non-woven PP?

Confused between PP woven and non-woven bags? This is a common issue for clients sourcing bulk bags for supermarkets or retail chains.

Woven PP is made by weaving plastic threads, while non-woven PP is fused fabric-like material. Each has distinct strengths and textures.

Dive Deeper

The difference lies in how each material is formed. Woven polypropylene (PP) uses plastic threads woven together, creating a mesh-like, strong fabric. This makes it ideal for carrying heavy items or for reuse over long periods. On the other hand, non-woven PP is made by bonding fibers using heat or chemicals, resulting in a softer, cloth-like material that’s lighter and more affordable.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the two:

I once had a client from North America order a batch of PP woven bags¹ for a supermarket chain. They needed strength and durability for heavier groceries. Meanwhile, a client from Thailand preferred non-woven bags to hand out during a product promotion event—low cost and vibrant prints were their top priority. These stories show how purpose drives material choice.

Is woven polypropylene the same as non-woven?

This is a question I hear often from new clients. The answer is simple: they are not the same.

Woven polypropylene is made by interlacing plastic strips. Non-woven polypropylene is made by bonding fibers. The two feel and perform differently.

Dive Deeper

Both bag types use polypropylene, but they are made differently. Woven PP is created by weaving long plastic threads into a fabric-like material. This method creates a strong, durable surface. Non-woven PP, however, skips the weaving. It bonds melted fibers directly into a flat sheet using heat or pressure.

Here’s a clear breakdown:

Some buyers from Europe ordered woven bags expecting the soft texture of non-woven. They ended up with a heavy-duty product that didn't match their campaign theme. That’s why I always clarify material types before confirming mass production.

What are PP woven bags used for?²

Woven bags often seem like a bulk packaging solution, but they also serve retail and branding needs.

PP woven bags are used for agriculture, logistics, and retail when high strength and durability are needed.

Dive Deeper

PP woven bags can handle high weight loads. That makes them a popular choice in agriculture—for rice, flour, seeds, and fertilizer. Their toughness and resistance to tearing or water make them suitable for shipping and storage. With lamination, they become waterproof and printable, which also makes them ideal for reusable shopping bags.

A client in Thailand once needed bags to transport 50 kg of animal feed. We used woven PP with laminated coating and custom print. The bags lasted for months without tearing. Another client in Japan used the same material for high-end grocery bags. The logo printing was crisp and the surface stayed clean after multiple uses.

What are the benefits of non-woven polypropylene?

Some buyers underestimate the capabilities of non-woven PP bags. But they offer more than just cost savings.

Non-woven polypropylene bags are cost-effective, lightweight, printable, and moderately durable, making them ideal for promotions, retail packaging, and short-term reuse.
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Dive Deeper

Non-woven polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer spun into a fabric-like material without weaving. It is popular for promotional and supermarket shopping bags due to its balance of cost, print quality, and environmental appeal.

Here’s why they work so well:

Clients from Ukraine often choose this type for retail bags. One buyer I worked with used them as supermarket shopping bags and reported reduced packaging costs by 23% over three quarters.

What is a PP non-woven bag³?

New buyers often confuse PP non-woven with other non-woven bags made from different materials. Let’s clear that up.

A PP non-woven bag is a reusable shopping bag made from heat-bonded polypropylene fibers, known for being lightweight, printable, and eco-friendly.
![Cartoon and brand-printed reusable woven shopping bags](

Dive Deeper

PP stands for polypropylene. In a non-woven form, it’s turned into a soft yet structured material that feels like cloth but is made entirely from plastic. These bags are not biodegradable, but they are reusable and recyclable, which reduces plastic waste.

Here are the main components:

PP non-woven bags come in various types—ultrasonic sewn, laminated, or stitched. Some clients prefer ultrasonic versions because they avoid threads, making the bag look cleaner and stronger at joints.

When customers ask me what bag best balances cost, customization, and eco-friendliness, I always point them toward PP non-woven. Especially when used for promotions or light shopping, they’re the most versatile option in my factory lineup.

Conclusion

PP woven bags offer durability, while non-woven bags deliver value and printability—each fits a specific business need.