When it comes to choosing a material for your printed bags, you really are spoilt for choice! So how do you pick the best for your clients? In this guide, we outline the properties of the various bags we stock, covering everything from how each material is made to their best uses.
Cotton bags are primarily made from natural cotton fibres, which are harvested from the cotton plant. These balls are separated from the seeds and put through the spinning process, where they are spun into threads before being woven into fabric.
Organic cotton is grown without synthetic chemicals, making it a more sustainable option.
Being relatively inexpensive to produce, cotton bags make the perfect cost-effective investment as a versatile marketing tool.
The most popular weights used in our range of cotton bags are 5oz or 140gsm.
Canvas bags are made from cotton fibres that are closely woven to create a sturdy, heavyweight finish. In comparison to cotton which is softer and more flexible, canvas is a thicker material that makes for a particularly robust bag.
Because of their durability, canvas bags are perfect for a variety of uses, which makes for a great promotional giveaway at trade shows and events, or even retail stores.
The most popular weights used for canvas bags range from 8oz to 16oz.
Recycled cotton and recycled canvas are eco-friendly materials crafted from repurposed cotton fibers and textile waste, offering a sustainable alternative to virgin materials.
These fabrics are made by processing leftover cotton from manufacturing or discarded textiles, minimising waste and conserving resources. The result is a durable, versatile material with a natural texture, perfect for creating bags, apparel, and accessories. By choosing recycled cotton and canvas, you reduce the environmental impact of production, as these materials require fewer raw inputs and significantly less water and energy.
Additionally, they retain the same quality and aesthetic appeal as traditional fabrics, making them an ideal choice for conscious consumers.
Jute is a natural material produced from jute plants, which are mainly grown in India. Once harvested, the plants’ stalks undergo a process called retting, where they are soaked in water to separate the fibrous parts from the core. By soaking and softening the stalks, the individual jute fibres can be extracted before being washed, dried and spun into coarse, strong threads. These threads are woven into fabric using traditional looms, giving jute its characteristic textured and breathable material.
To give rigidity and a wipe clean interior, many jute bags are supplied with a PP lining that is laminated to the inside. In fully biodegradable options, the PP lining is replaced with a heavy starch coating.
Because the material has an open weave, jute bags are not advised in cases where artwork requires intricate print definition.
Juco is a flexible, versatile material that combines the best attributes of jute and cotton. Typically made with a 75% jute and 25% cotton blend, juco bags benefit from being highly durable with a tighter and finer weave.
The smoother surface of juco bags make them ideal for printing more intricate designs.
Laminated paper bags are typically created using a white board with a thin matt or glossy film glued directly to the surface of the paper. The board is printed, then the lamination film is bonded over the print which seals in the design.
Kraft paper bags are an eco-friendly and versatile packaging solution, widely recognised for their durability and natural appearance. Made from wood pulp, these bags are biodegradable, recyclable, making them an excellent choice for businesses aiming to reduce their environmental impact.
Kraft paper bags come in various sizes and styles, including handles for easy carrying, and can be customised with branding or designs to suit different industries.
Ideal for retail, food service, and gifting, these bags provide a balance of practicality and style while promoting sustainability.
