As it happens with most products, when facing the choice between paper bags and non-woven bags, the price becomes one of the major factors to consider for both businesses and consumers. But in deciding which of those two options provides better value for the money could be a real challenge. Therefore, there are various aspects that may be considered while comparing the costs of paper bags to non-woven bags.
What are Non-Woven Bags?
Non-woven bags, also referred to as non-woven polypropylene bags, are a type of re usable shopping bags produced from polypropylene plastic. The term non-woven implies to the point that the polypropylene fibers are bonded thermally without weaving or knitting them in their formation. This make non-woven bags have some advantages over woven fabrics.
Non-woven bags are long lasting, water proof and are also capable of bearing more load than non- woven bags. They are available in all sizes, shapes, colors, as well as thicknesses depending on the purpose they are meant for. It comes in different forms such as grocery tote bags, produce bags, freezer, and gift bags among others. In this case, non-woven fabric also has an added advantage over paper since it does not tend to tear or get punctured during transportation and loading.
Bag Material Costs
There are several processes in the evaluation of affordability; however, the first one is that of a comparison of base material costs. Costs of purchasing the paper are relatively lower that of the plastic in most cases. Another cost cutting factor for paper material used to produce paper bags is recycled paper. However, non-woven polypropylene is able to make reusable shopping bags with less material since its construction is much more effective than woven polypropylene. The thickness or thickness of non woven fabric used also differ in thickness, and this has a direct effect on costs.
Weight is also another factor which affects the cost since lighter bags require less material to be used in production and require low transportation costs. Non-woven bags are lighter than paper bags in general, which represents that paper bags have heavier weight. They partly contribute to the cost of shipping that has an impact on both the suppliers and the end-use retailers.
Winner: Non-woven bags
Manufacturing Cost Comparison
The process of making non-woven polypropylene bags is also slightly more elaborate compared to the production of woven ones. The non-woven fabric backing entails the use of the plastic resins that have to be melted to create the backing and use bonding techniques which involve heat and pressure. Top printing on bags and other trim details like handles also have to be applied in further steps of production.
The production of paper bags is usually less complicated than that of the polyethylene bags, and it involves few tools. Paper is manoeuvred into the required shape in far fewer stages than through cutting, folding and gluing and the flexographic printing is done directly on the paper with the handles. Hence, it can be argued that the cost of labour, energy and overheads in producing paper bags are considerably lower.
Winner: Paper bags
Non-Woven Bag Reusability Savings
Mobile and flexible non woven bags can be utilized for several uses by the customer if handled well thus providing a good return on investment on cost of the bags. Non-woven bags normally come with a durability of approximately between 100-125 uses. Thus, paper bags are often used and disposed of, making them an example of single-use items. However, even the recyclable paper bags in themselves require further recycling and therefore the process of recycling consumes more resources and energy.
Customers could also opt to use their own reusable non-woven bags whenever they go shopping, while retailers also cut costs on having to offer single-use paper bags with every purchase. The non-woven bags may be made easily accessible and offer them at a little charge as an option to paper bags so that grocery and retail chains can also address their more costs for purchasing these reusable bags.
Winner: Non-woven bags
Landfill Contributions
Reusable also implies that non-woven bags are highly likely to be returned to the user and are less likely to be dumped in the dustbin, recycled paper bags or plastic. The time it takes for paper bags to decompose, and for plastic bags may also differ depending on the environment. However, people who use reusable non-woven bags can avoid contributing 1000s of disposable bags ending up in a landfill for their entire lifecycle.
Consuming more non-woven bags therefore has the effect of reducing the overall waste management and landfilling costs incurred by consumers, Taxes and fees in many areas. Fewer landfills are also greatly advantageous environmentally if one could imagine the vast expanse of space that it would take to accommodate the reduced volume of waste.
Winner: Non-woven bags
Bag Design Options
Another advantage of non-woven polypropylene material is that it is almost inexhaustible in the sense that it can be printed in a nearly infinite number of ways to produce logos, branding and graphics on the custom reusable bags. Nowadays people consider reusable tote bags more of a marketing investment rather than a cost, which puts companies using non-woven bags at far greater marketing advantage.
Non-woven bags can closely look, feel and even perform like paper while still offering the advantages associated with plastic usage. As for its material, cotton canvas and polyester blend can not compare to non woven bags in terms of constant brand exposition.
Winner: Non-woven bags
Final Affordability Comparison
If one talks about the cost of the materials used in their production and the cost price of manufacturing, then there is no doubt that paper bags have a cheaper cost price if used for single-use only. Despite this, non-woven bags are worth the investment for long-term use because of Polypropylene’s ability to be tailored to fit the needs of the consumer. Non-woven reusable bags have been identified to offer capability value for money and sustainability once purchases and logistics expenses are spread over 100 or more potential continued uses per bag. Non-woven bags may be a little expensive than the normal woven bags, though they can serve the user for several years, depending on how often the user wants to use it.
