Key takeaways

• Our range covers 12 bag types across shopping, promotional and box, and packaging and food bags.
• Load capacities range from up to 5 kg for D-cut and W-cut bags to up to 20 kg for stitched bags.
• Laminated, PP woven, metallic and shimmer finishes add strength, water resistance and a premium look.
• Thermal insulated bags keep food hot or cold; packaging bags turn rice and grain packs into reusable bags.
• Match the bag type to what your customers buy and how they carry it.

Introduction

“Non-woven bag” covers a surprisingly wide family of products. A light D-cut bag for a pair of earrings, a heavy stitched bag for a week’s groceries, a glittering shimmer bag for a wedding gift, a printed rice bag that holds 5 kg of grain and an insulated bag that keeps a takeaway meal hot are all non-woven bags. Each is built differently, for a different job.

Choosing the right type is the most important decision when ordering bags. The wrong type can mean handles that tear, bags too small for your products, or money spent on strength or finishes you do not need.

This guide, drawn from 18 years of bag manufacturing, describes every bag type in our range: how each is made, its materials, printing options, sizes, GSM and load capacity, and the businesses it suits best. It ends with a comparison table, advice on choosing, an illustrative example and answers to common questions. Each product also has its own page in our shop, linked from this page.

How bag types differ

Bag types differ in four main ways:

• Shape and handles: flat bags with punched handles, vest-style bags with cut handles, bags with sewn or welded loop handles, and box bags with gussets and flat bases.
• Fabric: plain non-woven, PP woven, laminated non-woven, laminated metallic and shimmer fabrics, and insulated linings.
• Construction: ultrasonic welding or stitching.
• Printing: rotogravure, flexographic, screen and offset printing.

These choices determine how much a bag carries, how it looks and how long it lasts.

Shopping bags

D-cut bags

D-cut bags have no separate handle. Instead, a reinforced, D-shaped or oval hole is punched through the top of the bag. They are flat, neat and economical, with large print areas on both faces.

• Materials: non-woven fabric, PP woven fabric, laminated non-woven or laminated metallic fabric
• Printing: rotogravure, flexographic or screen
• Construction: ultrasonic welded
• Size: height 25–45 cm; width 23–50 cm
• GSM: 45–90
• Load: up to 5 kg
• Best for: clothing, jewellery, pharmacy and boutique purchases; promotions and events

Loop handle bags

Loop handle bags have two soft fabric handles fixed to the top edge. They are comfortable to carry and can be held in the hand or on the forearm, or on the shoulder with longer handles.

• Materials: non-woven fabric, PP woven fabric, laminated non-woven or laminated metallic fabric
• Printing: rotogravure, flexographic or screen
• Construction: ultrasonic welded
• Size: height 25–45 cm; width 23–50 cm; handle 34–56 cm
• Load: up to 7 kg
• Best for: fashion, footwear and gift shops; supermarkets; promotions

W-cut and U-cut bags

W-cut and U-cut bags are shaped like the familiar vest-style carrier bag. Handles are cut from the top of the bag, and side gussets let the bag expand around groceries.

• Materials: non-woven fabric, PP woven fabric, laminated non-woven or laminated metallic fabric
• Printing: rotogravure, flexographic or screen
• Construction: ultrasonic welded
• Size: height 25–60 cm; width 23–60 cm; gusset 8–25 cm
• GSM: 45–80
• Load: up to 5 kg
• Best for: supermarkets, grocery shops, markets and pharmacies

Stitched bags

Stitched bags are sewn with reinforced handles and seams, making them the strongest bags in our range. They can be made with zips, woven handles and different stitching styles.

• Materials: non-woven fabric, PP woven fabric, laminated non-woven or laminated metallic fabric
• Printing: rotogravure, flexographic or screen
• Construction: customised stitching; zip, woven handle and multiple stitching options
• Load: up to 20 kg
• Best for: heavy grocery shopping, textile and saree shops, gift hampers, long-life reusable bags

Ready-design laminated bags (common bags)

Ready-design laminated bags are box bags in attractive pre-printed patterns and four standard sizes. Because no custom artwork or tooling is needed, they can be ordered in smaller quantities.

• Materials: laminated non-woven or laminated metallic fabric
• Printing: rotogravure or screen (ready designs)
• Construction: ultrasonic welded
• Sizes (H × W × gusset): Small 245 × 230 × 100 mm; Medium 270 × 315 × 100 mm; Large 355 × 330 × 130 mm; Boutique 305 × 430 × 130 mm; custom sizes on request
• GSM: 105 (two layers) or 120 (three layers)
• Load: up to 12 kg
• Minimum order: 500 pieces per design and size
• Best for: gift shops, boutiques and textile shops wanting attractive bags without a large custom order

Screen printed bags

Screen printed bags carry bold, solid-colour logos printed with water-based inks on a roll-to-roll automatic screen printing machine.

• Material: non-woven fabric, 60, 80 or 120 GSM
• Printing: silk screen printing with water-based ink
• Construction: ultrasonic welded or stitched
• Size: height 25–45 cm; width 23–50 cm; gusset 8–20 cm
• Load: up to 10 kg
• Best for: textile, footwear and book shops; events; cost-effective logo bags

Promotional and box bags

Promotional box bags

Box bags have a square base and side gussets, so they stand upright and hold boxed items neatly. Their large faces suit full-colour artwork.

• Materials: non-woven fabric, PP woven fabric, laminated non-woven or laminated metallic fabric
• Printing: rotogravure, flexographic or screen
• Construction: ultrasonic welded
• Size: height 25–45 cm; width 23–50 cm; gusset 8–20 cm
• Load: up to 10 kg
• Best for: product launches, exhibitions, premium retail and corporate gifts

PP woven box bags

PP woven bags are made from woven polypropylene tape fabric, which is stronger and stiffer than non-woven fabric. A reverse-printed BOPP film laminated to the fabric gives a matte finish with photographic print quality.

• Materials: PP woven fabric or laminated metallic fabric; BOPP laminated matte finish
• Printing: rotogravure
• Construction: ultrasonic welded or stitched
• Size: height 25–45 cm; width 25–47 cm; gusset 10–20 cm
• Load: up to 10 kg
• Best for: long-life supermarket reusable bags, promotions, shopping and home storage

Metallic laminated bags and rolls

Metallic laminated non-woven fabric has a shiny metallic surface in colours such as gold, silver, red and blue.

• Material: laminated metallic non-woven fabric, 75 or 105 GSM
• Printing: flexographic or rotogravure
• Construction: ultrasonic welded or stitched; loop box, D-cut and box bag styles
• Size: custom sizes; sheets and rolls also available
• Load: up to 10 kg
• Best for: jewellery, cosmetics, festive gifts and gift wrapping

Shimmer finish bags

Shimmer finish bags use laminated non-woven fabric with a sparkling, glittering surface.

• Material: laminated non-woven fabric with shimmer finish, 75 or 105 GSM
• Printing: flexographic or rotogravure
• Construction: ultrasonic welded or stitched
• Size: height 25–45 cm; width 23–50 cm; gusset 8–20 cm; rolls also available
• Load: up to 10 kg
• Best for: weddings, festive gifts, jewellery, cosmetics and boutiques

Packaging and food bags

Packaging bags

Non-woven packaging bags turn a product’s pack into a reusable bag. They are widely used for rice, grains and flour.

• Material: non-woven fabric, 130 GSM
• Printing: offset
• Construction: industrial sewing; optional carry handles
• Best for: rice, grain and flour brands; bulk food and agricultural products

Thermal insulated food bags

Thermal bags combine a printed laminated non-woven outer with an inner aluminium insulation layer and a reusable Velcro or tape closure.

• Materials: laminated non-woven fabric with inner aluminium insulation
• Printing: customised printing
• Size: custom sizes and shapes
• Best for: restaurants, fast food, food delivery, hotels, cafés and caterers

Comparison table

Non-woven, PP woven or laminated?

• Plain non-woven has a soft, fabric-like feel, comes in many colours and is economical. It is breathable but not fully waterproof.
• Laminated non-woven adds a film layer, giving a smooth, water-resistant surface and vivid, photographic printing.
• PP woven is made from woven tapes, giving extra strength and stiffness. With BOPP lamination, it becomes very durable and easy to wipe clean.

Welded or stitched?

Ultrasonic welding is fast, clean and consistent, and it suits most light and medium bags. Stitching produces the strongest seams and handle joints, and it is used for heavy-duty bags and packaging bags. If your customers regularly carry heavy loads, choose stitched bags.

Choosing the right bag for your business

Matching bag size to what customers buy

The table below gives starting points for common items. We confirm exact sizes after checking your products.

Bags for seasons and occasions

Many businesses order different bags for different times of the year:

• Festive seasons, such as the New Year, Deepavali, Eid and Christmas: shimmer finish, metallic and full-colour laminated bags make purchases feel special.
• Wedding season: shimmer finish and metallic box bags for gifts, favours and return gifts.
• Back to school: strong D-cut and loop handle bags for books and stationery.
• Sales and promotions: printed box bags and D-cut bags carrying the offer or campaign message.
• Exhibitions and events: promotional box bags and screen printed bags with event and sponsor branding.

Ordering seasonal bags early avoids last-minute rushes, because bag production is busiest before festivals.

Which finish makes the strongest impression?

The finish changes how customers feel about a bag:

Choose the finish that matches your brand and the value of what customers are buying.

Caring for reusable bags

Customers who look after their bags reuse them for longer. Simple care tips you can share, or even print on the bag, include:

• wipe laminated bags clean with a damp cloth;
• hand-wash plain non-woven bags gently in cool water and dry them in the shade;
• avoid hot irons, tumble dryers and direct heat, which can melt polypropylene;
• empty and air thermal bags after each use, and wipe the inner lining; and
• keep bags folded in a dry place, ready for the next shopping trip.

Questions to ask before you choose

Before you decide on a bag type, it helps to answer these questions with your team:

• What is the heaviest load a customer will usually carry in this bag?
• Will customers carry it in the hand, on the forearm or over the shoulder?
• Does the bag need to stand upright, for example for boxes or food containers?
• Will it be used once, a few times, or for months of shopping?
• Is a premium look important, or is economy the priority?
• Do you need full-colour artwork, or a simple logo?
• How many bags will you use each month, and how much storage space do you have?

Share the answers with us, and we will recommend the bag types, sizes and finishes that suit your business, with samples where needed.

An example in practice

The following example is illustrative and does not describe a real customer.

A family business runs a jewellery shop and a textile shop side by side. For the jewellery shop, it chooses small metallic laminated D-cut bags in gold, which fit jewellery boxes and look festive. For the textile shop, where customers buy several sarees at a time, it chooses stitched bags with reinforced handles, printed by rotogravure with the shop’s traditional motif.

Before the wedding season, the business adds shimmer finish box bags for gift purchases. Each bag type matches what customers buy, and the shared logo and colours make both shops instantly recognisable.

Frequently asked questions

What is the strongest non-woven bag?

In our range, stitched bags are the strongest, carrying up to 20 kg.

Which bag is best for groceries?

W-cut and U-cut bags suit lighter grocery shopping. For heavier loads, choose stitched or PP woven box bags.

What is the difference between a D-cut and a W-cut bag?

A D-cut bag has a punched handle hole and is usually flat. A W-cut bag has handles cut from the top, like a vest-style carrier, and side gussets that expand.

Can I order small quantities?

Yes. Our minimum order is 500 pieces per design and size, for both custom and ready-design bags.

Are laminated bags waterproof?

Laminated bags are water-resistant: the film surface keeps light rain and spills out. Seams and handle holes are not fully waterproof.

Do you make bags in custom sizes?

Yes. Most styles are made to your size within each style’s range, and ready-design bags can be made in custom sizes on request.

Which bag is best for food delivery?

Thermal insulated food bags, with their inner aluminium layer and Velcro or tape closure, keep meals hot or cold for longer during delivery.

Can metallic and shimmer fabrics be supplied as rolls?

Yes. Metallic laminated and shimmer fabrics are also available as sheets and rolls, for gift wrapping and bag making.

What is the most economical bag type?

D-cut and W-cut bags are usually the most economical, because they have no separate handles and use lighter fabric. Box, stitched, laminated and thermal bags cost more because they use more material and work.

Conclusion

Every non-woven bag type is designed for a particular job. D-cut, loop handle and W-cut bags handle everyday shopping; stitched and PP woven bags take heavy loads; box, metallic and shimmer bags make a premium impression; packaging bags carry bulk products; and thermal bags keep food at the right temperature. Matching the bag to the job gives your customers a bag they will keep, and gives your brand more exposure every time they reuse it.

Not sure which bag suits you? Ask us for a recommendation.

Get a Bag Recommendation

Related reading

• How Non-Woven Bags Are Made: From Polypropylene to a Printed, Branded Bag
• Designing a Custom Printed Non-Woven Bag: Size, Strength, Artwork and Ordering
• How to Choose the Right GSM for Non-Woven Bags
• Printing Methods for Branded Non-Woven Bags: Screen, Flexo, Rotogravure and Offset Compared
• Non-Woven, Paper or Plastic: Which Bag Wins?
• See all non-woven bags

Sources

• Product specifications from the owner's bag catalogue (bag types, materials, printing methods, sizes, GSM, load capacities and minimum order for ready-design bags)
• CXGIAE, PP non-woven bags: a complete guide for wholesale buyers: https://cxgiae.com/blog/pp-non-woven-bags-a-complete-guide-for-wholesale-buyers/
• BK Bags, PP non-woven bags: https://bk-bags.com/shop/pp-non-woven/
• THE RPS LLC, non-woven bag printing supplier: https://therpsllc.com/product/non-woven-bag-printing-supplier-dubai/