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Product comparison

Non-Woven Bags vs Shopping Bags: Which Should You Order?

Economical printed non-woven carry bags for shops and promotions. Branded shopping bags in fabric and paper for every kind of store.

Both are used for grocery & daily shopping and retail packaging, but they suit different buyers and uses. Here is how they compare for bulk orders.

Quick answer

Non-Woven Bags suit promotional giveaways; shopping bags suit retailers and clothing brands. Both work for grocery & daily shopping and retail packaging.

Updated by the Vago team

Key takeaways

  • Non-Woven Bags: d-cut, w-cut, loop handle and box styles
  • Shopping Bags: many handle styles
  • Non-Woven Bags materials: non-woven (PP)
  • Shopping Bags materials: non-woven (PP), cotton and jute
  • Both can be customised with your branding

Non-Woven Bags vs shopping bags: side-by-side

Non-Woven BagsShopping Bags
What it isEconomical printed non-woven carry bags for shops and promotions.Branded shopping bags in fabric and paper for every kind of store.
Best forGrocery & Daily Shopping, Retail Packaging and Promotional GiveawaysRetail Packaging and Grocery & Daily Shopping
Typical buyersLocal Shops & Stores, Garment & Textile Businesses, Supermarkets & Grocery Chains and WholesalersRetailers, Local Shops & Stores, Garment & Textile Businesses and Supermarkets & Grocery Chains
MaterialsNon-Woven (PP)Non-Woven (PP), Cotton, Jute, Canvas, Kraft & Art Paper and Recycled PET (rPET)
SizesSmall (about 10 × 12 inch), Medium (about 13 × 16 inch) and Large (about 16 × 20 inch)Small, Medium, Large and Custom size sets
Key featuresD-cut, W-cut, loop handle and box styles, Stitched or heat-sealed and Many colours and GSMsMany handle styles, Flat or gusseted and Printed one side or both
BrandingScreen printing and Offset printingScreen printing, Offset printing and Digital printing

Choose non-woven bags if…

  • You need it for promotional giveaways
  • You are a restaurant or food outlet
  • You are a promotional product company
  • You want: d-cut, w-cut, loop handle and box styles
  • You want: stitched or heat-sealed

Choose shopping bags if…

  • You are a retailer
  • You are a clothing brand
  • You are an exporter or importer
  • You want: many handle styles
  • You want: flat or gusseted

Materials used for both, compared

MaterialDurabilityWater resistancePrint qualityEco-friendlinessCost levelWeight
Non-Woven (PP)2 out of 53 out of 53 out of 52 out of 5Most economicalVery light
Cotton3 out of 51 out of 55 out of 54 out of 5Most economicalLight
Jute4 out of 52 out of 53 out of 55 out of 5EconomicalMedium
Canvas4 out of 52 out of 55 out of 54 out of 5EconomicalMedium
Kraft & Art Paper1 out of 51 out of 55 out of 54 out of 5Most economicalVery light
Recycled PET (rPET)4 out of 53 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5Mid-rangeLight

Ratings compare material classes in general (5 = best). Actual performance depends on the grade, weight and construction you choose.

About non-woven bags

Non-woven bags are made from polypropylene fabric in many GSMs and colours. They are among the most economical reusable carry bags and are widely used by garment shops, supermarkets, pharmacies and promotional campaigns.

Check your state's current rules on carry bags and minimum GSM before ordering.

About shopping bags

Shopping bags are the carry bags a customer leaves the store with. Choosing the right material — non-woven, cotton, jute, canvas or paper — depends on the store's products, budget and brand positioning.

Most stores need two or three sizes; ordering a size set together keeps branding consistent.

Compare the products

Terms explained

Trade terms used on this page, in plain language.

GSM (grams per square metre)
A measure of fabric or paper weight — higher GSM is heavier and usually stronger.
Gusset
An extra panel that gives a bag depth and volume.
Pre-production sample (PPS)
The final sample approved before bulk production starts.
Proforma invoice
A preliminary invoice that confirms price and terms before production.
D-cut handle
A handle hole punched into the top of a carry bag.
Loop handle
A separate strip of fabric sewn on as a handle.

Questions buyers ask

Something else? Ask on WhatsApp and the production team will reply.

Which is better for bulk orders, non-woven bags or shopping bags?

It depends on use: non-woven bags for grocery & daily shopping, retail packaging and promotional giveaways; shopping bags for retail packaging and grocery & daily shopping.

Can I order both in one shipment?

Yes. Mixed orders are common, and both can carry the same branding so the range looks consistent.

Can I see samples of both?

Samples can be arranged before bulk production so you can check material, stitching, size and branding. Sample terms are confirmed with your quote.

Request a quote for non-woven bags or shopping bags

Share quantity, size, material and branding. We reply with specifications, MOQ and pricing, and arrange a sample first.

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