Bags are practical gifts that suit every occasion. With bags coming in all shapes, sizes and materials, the world is filled with so many variations that it may be hard for us to decide which to gift.

In the context of corporate gifting and eco-friendly printed bags, luckily, you can choose from 2 broad types; canvas or non-woven bags.

The decision on the materials is where you get stumped a second time. Are canvas bags different from non-woven bags? We shall help you debunk your myths and spot the differences between these two bags to find the perfect choice for your gifting needs.

Understanding canvas and non-woven bags

Non-woven bags are what we are more familiar with due to their lower cost. They are commonly made from polypropylene fibres, a resin type that is heated and pressed to form the fabric.

Furthermore, bags with this type of fabric can also come with many customisations, making it an excellent option to look for custom printed bags.

Meanwhile, canvas bags are bags made from fabric that has been woven together, giving the material its extra strength.

While non-woven bags are primarily manufactured, canvas bags can be either manufactured or handwoven. Canvas bags are mainly used as tote bags, satchels and clutches.

Differences in material

Non-woven bags are made with oriented or random fibres, which allow them to be flexible and lightweight.

The polypropylene pellets are melted, spun and laid before being hot pressed. After which, printing techniques such as silkscreen or lamination is used to decorate the outer appearance of the fabric bag.

You could even choose to add on embellishments such as pockets, ribbons or eyelets.

In contrast, canvas bags are made from thick cotton or linen woven material. Canvas could be either coarse or fine, but only the fine canvas is used to make clothing and bags.

Similarly, this type of fabric can also be woven in different ways, twill, plain or the satin weave. The material that makes up most canvas totes that we see also allows us to make custom tote bags with some dyes and printing.

Durability

When it comes to comparing them based on durability, canvas bags will take the lead. Canvas bags are flexible and can withstand machine washing repeatedly without its shape giving way.

These properties are likely shared with those of other cotton made items, bringing along the comfort of cotton or linen fabrics.

However, this being said, they are not as water-resistant compared to non-woven bags as they tend to absorb water instead.

On the other hand, non-woven bags probably cannot withstand as many washes as linen bags as the polypropene fibres are not as strong. The material is also non-toxic and easy to decompose, which adds to its relatively shorter lifespan.

Budget-friendliness

While canvas totes are known to be durable, non-woven bags are known to be easier on the bank book.

Canvas bags can be up to three times more expensive than non-woven bags as they last longer. Hence, much of the decision lies on what you might see your clients or employees using the bag for.

For example, if you are gifting the bag purely for marketing and advertising reasons, non-woven bags might be the choice for you.

Their low cost allows you to distribute more units and reach more people compared to canvas bags.

Conclusion

Designing and purchasing custom tote bags for corporate gifting is not as easy as it seems. When deciding on which type of bag to gift, you would need to take some time to weigh the pros and cons of each material. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the purpose of the bag and the intentions of your business.

Looking for a place to help you with tote bags printing? Here at Print&Pack, we offer a myriad of services – from branding, designing, printing, and production of packaging products. From calendar printing to red packet designing – customisation will no longer be an issue for you!