If you’re in the market for heavy-duty packaging solutions, you’ll no doubt have come across woven and non-woven polypropylene bags. While these two packaging products may look indistinguishable, there are several key differences, meaning they’re better suited for different applications. Below, we’ll explore both varieties in more detail and settle the Woven vs nonwoven debate for good.
At first glance, woven and non-woven polypropylene looks largely identical. However, while the raw materials used to produce this fabric are often the same, the manufacturing processes involved in making them vary considerably.
In the case of woven PP, long strips of polypropylene are pressed together, eventually forming a thread. These PP threads are then woven together, as you’d weave conventional fabrics, to produce a durable material with exceptional strength. Because of this, woven PP is the go-to choice for packaging in sectors where bulk good storage and handling is called for. Most woven PP is later laminated to improve durability, broadening its applications further.
Non-woven PP is manufactured differently. Rather than being pressed, polypropylene polymers are exposed to heat and spun, eventually forming long threads. As this spun material is fluffy in nature, these threads are then pressed together to create a durable, yet flexible fabric. Despite being called non-woven, this process produces a weave-like material. This improves the breathability of non-woven PP fabric and makes it fairly easy to customize with corporate graphics and signature colors.
Woven polypropylene bags are flexible containers designed to store and transport bulk materials. They’re manufactured by weaving together thin strands of plastic polymer, with interlocking vertical and horizontal tapes. This interlacing creates a robust structure that makes woven PP bags an exceptionally durable choice.
Woven bags also perform well when it comes to breathability. The interlocking structure of woven PP allows for optimal air circulation, helping stave off moisture and ensuring stored contents are protected. This breathability makes woven BB bags particularly well-suited to certain applications and industries, such as the agricultural sector.
Woven PP also offers a degree of water resistance. While it’s not completely waterproof, the woven structure of woven PP does provide a good amount of protection against moisture, helping preserve stored materials.
Non-woven polypropylene bags are typically cheaper and more flexible than their woven PP counterparts. Their flexibility is down to the way they’re manufactured, with non-woven PP bags lacking the stitching and sewing of woven bags. Unlike woven PP, non-woven PP is made from multiple layers of material that boasts an impressive amount of stretchability. However, they’re not as durable as woven PP bags, with a lower overall tensile strength meaning they can accommodate comparatively lightweight loads.
That being said, non-woven bags are a versatile choice. They can be customized to meet the needs of different industries and specific applications, with a variety of bag types available. They’re also a cost-effective choice. The manufacturing process of non-woven PP requires less labor and energy, lowering overall costs.
Still not clear on what sets woven PP bags apart from non-woven ones? Below, we’ll take a closer look at the difference between woven and non-woven.
Woven polypropylene is particularly robust and durable. The woven construction of this plastic polymer allows the material to handle considerable loads while resisting tears and fraying. Because non-woven polypropylene lacks the interlocking structure of woven fabric, it’s typically weaker and not able to withstand particularly heavy loads.
Non-woven polypropylene is generally cheaper than woven material. Because it uses less raw material, non-woven polypropylene can be manufactured quickly with considerably less labor. If you’re looking to lower packaging costs, bags made from non-woven polypropylene are the obvious choice.
Provided that they have been produced with environmentally-conscious practices, both woven and non-woven polypropylene bags can be considered eco-friendly. Additionally, both types of material can be recycled. However, non-woven polypropylene is more difficult to recycle, making it more expensive and energy-intensive.
This doesn’t necessarily make non-woven bags less environmentally friendly. Non-woven polypropylene can be manufactured from recyclable material, whereas woven bags are usually produced using virgin material. The production process for woven polypropylene uses more energy, limiting its sustainability credentials.
As with woven PP, non-woven BB is breathable, helping stave off moisture and bacterial buildup. It’s also relatively water resistant, making it an obvious choice for storing delicate materials and goods like perishables, chemicals, and medical supplies.
Woven PP bags are used across many industries and have near-endless applications. Their robust nature and reusability make them a good choice for waste disposal, while their rugged design and impressive load-bearing credentials make them popular in the construction sector.
They’re also widely used in the food manufacturing industry. Their high-tensile strength makes them an obvious pick for storing large volumes of perishables, while their water-resistant properties help avoid spoilage. Their flexible construction makes them particularly useful for storing and transporting powders and loose grains, such as flour and rice.
Another industry where you’ll regularly counter woven polypropylene bags is the agricultural sector. They’re ideal for storing and transporting animal feed, but can also be used to handle harvested crops and fertilizer.
The durable construction and rugged design of woven PP bags also make them ideal for the construction and mining industries. Ideal for hauling heavy construction materials, they also offer a convenient storage solution.
Because of their cost-effectiveness and relative durability, non-woven polypropylene is a sought-after choice of packaging across many industries. The material is commonly used to create reusable bags, including totes, shoppers, and messengers.
Laminated non-woven PP bags are more water resistant than their standard counterparts, broadening their uses. However, their relatively low tensile strength makes them a less suitable choice than woven bags for heavy-duty applications and certain industries, such as the construction sector.
Although both woven and non-woven PP offer high levels of strength and durability, it’s easy to settle the woven vs non woven fabric debate by taking a closer look at the properties of each material. The weaving process used to make woven PP dramatically improves its load-bearing capacity and overall durability, while still resulting in a relatively lightweight fabric. Furthermore, woven PP is exceptionally breathable, with a good degree of water resistance that protects moisture-sensitive materials and avoids spoilage.
Although non-woven PP is strong compared to other materials like cardboard and cotton, it falls short of the strength and durability offered by woven PP. Nonetheless, it’s a lightweight material that ensures easier handling and reduced shipping costs. It’s also a water-resistant fabric, offering similar levels of moisture protection and breathability as woven PP.
Bags made from both types of material are widely used across many industries. However, deciding on the right choice for you ultimately depends on your specific requirements.
In need of a more robust packaging solution? Woven and non-woven PP bags are both suitable choices. At Codefine, you’ll find a wide selection of PP packaging products, with a range of customization options available to suit the exacting needs of every sector. Since 1959, we’ve been championing innovation and sustainability in the packaging industry, and have worked with thousands of clients in more than 50 countries. Ready to see what Codefine can do for you? Explore our full product range online today or get in touch to discuss your requirements with the team.
See how our products can improve your operations and drive your success.
Get in touch to find out how Codefine can support your business with tailored solutions and expert guidance.
