What kind of fabric do you use for shopping bags?

Shopping bags are commonly made from cotton, canvas, jute, non-woven polypropylene (PP), polyester, nylon, and recycled fabrics. Each fabric varies in durability, cost, eco-friendliness, and branding potential. Cotton and jute dominate the eco-market, polyester and nylon lead in durability and foldability, while non-woven PP is the go-to choice for budget promotions. Specialty recycled and laminated fabrics serve niche needs like cold-chain delivery and sustainability branding.

Fabrics for Shopping Bags

1. Cotton Fabric

Cotton is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable fiber widely used for eco-friendly shopping bags. Its softness and breathability make it pleasant for daily use, while it supports multiple printing methods like screen printing, digital printing, or heat transfer, making it ideal for brand merchandising. Common weights range from 5–6 oz (lightweight grocery totes) to 12–16 oz (heavy-duty retail totes). Cotton bags are washable and reusable over hundreds of cycles, reducing single-use waste. The only drawbacks are its higher cost compared to synthetics and tendency to absorb water. Many brands choose organic or Fair Trade cotton for sustainability certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), enabling premium pricing and eco-marketing campaigns.

2. Canvas (Heavy Cotton)

Canvas is a tightly woven heavy cotton fabric, often weighing 12–20 oz, offering superior strength and structure compared to standard cotton. It is popular for premium reusable shopping bags, capable of carrying heavy loads like groceries, books, or wine bottles. Canvas can be dyed, printed, or laminated with PEVA or PU for water resistance and branding needs. Retailers often use canvas bags in fashion-forward designs, giving consumers a stylish, reusable alternative to single-use plastics. From an OEM perspective, cotton-canvas blends reduce cost while preserving durability, making them ideal for mid-market private label brands.

3. Jute / Burlap

Jute, also known as burlap, is a plant-based bast fiber celebrated for its rustic aesthetic, biodegradability, and high tensile strength. Jute shopping bags are often used in farmers’ markets, organic grocery chains, and eco-promotions due to their natural look and environmental appeal. They can carry heavy weights but are coarse in texture and not naturally waterproof, so many OEM factories add internal PEVA or cotton linings or apply lamination films for durability. Cost-wise, jute is cheaper than cotton but offers stronger eco-branding value, making it popular in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) campaigns and zero-waste initiatives.

4. Non-Woven Polypropylene (PP)

Non-woven PP is produced by spinning polypropylene fibers and bonding them with heat rather than weaving, resulting in low-cost, lightweight, and water-resistant fabric. It dominates supermarket shopping bags, trade show giveaways, and promotional campaigns due to its ultra-low unit cost (often <$0.50 FOB China) and ability to support full-color heat transfer or lamination printing. However, non-woven PP bags have shorter lifespans (20–30 uses) compared to cotton or polyester and lack a premium feel. Many regions now promote recycled PP versions to address environmental concerns, giving brands an eco-friendly upgrade path without losing cost efficiency.

5. Polyester (Virgin & Recycled)

Polyester fabrics like 210D, 300D, or 600D Oxford polyester are widely used for durable, water-resistant shopping bags. Polyester is strong, lightweight, washable, and available in vivid colors, making it suitable for retail reusable bags and corporate giveaways. Recycled polyester (rPET), made from post-consumer PET bottles, offers the same performance while reducing carbon footprint, meeting certifications like GRS (Global Recycle Standard). Foldable polyester shopping bags pack into palm-sized pouches, ideal for urban commuters or travel-friendly branding campaigns.

6. Nylon

Nylon is a high-tenacity synthetic fiber offering superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to polyester. It is tear-resistant, smooth, and compressible, making it popular for foldable or packable shopping bags sold in retail stores. Nylon supports digital sublimation printing, enabling vibrant, full-coverage designs for fashion brands. Higher grades like Ripstop Nylon improve abrasion resistance, attracting outdoor gear brands or high-end reusable bag lines. Cost is higher than polyester, but lightweight + premium feel makes nylon popular for OEM collaborations targeting premium markets.

7. Recycled & Specialty Fabrics

Recycled fabrics like rPET polyester, recycled cotton, or RPET non-woven PP meet growing ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) requirements for brands. Specialty fabrics include insulated laminates for cold-chain grocery delivery bags, fire-retardant fabrics for industrial safety totes, and smell-proof laminates for niche markets like food storage. These materials often require multi-layer construction combining strength, barrier properties, and branding surfaces. OEM factories like Szoneier frequently integrate reflective trims, antimicrobial coatings, or waterproof membranes to expand functionality beyond basic shopping needs.

Comparison Table: Shopping Bag Fabrics