Reusable shopping bags are all the rage today and are quickly replacing plastic shopping bags in many homes and stores. Among the types popularly available, canvas tote bags are more common and widely preferred over other types. More advertisers are turning to custom canvas bags to tout their brands than any other kind. Almost everyone owns at least one. But just what is the material known as canvas actually made of?
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Many people mistakenly think that "canvas" refers to the material it's comprised of. Actually, "canvas" refers to the fabric's weave, not its material content. It is plain-woven, a very basic weave that produces a strong and sturdy fabric. Furthermore, canvas can be made into different varieties depending on how tightly the threads are woven together. Tighter weaves are referred to as "duck canvas."
In fact, canvas can be made of several different types of fibers. However, it is most commonly made from cotton (from cotton plant) or linen (from the flax plant) and sometimes hemp (from the cannabis plant).
Why Does Canvas Make a Good Material for a Custom Tote Bag?
You're probably familiar with some of the common uses of canvas. It's one of the preferred fabrics for manufacturing tents because it is so strong. Canvas tents are able to withstand heavy winds and are resistant to snags and tears. When treated with a waterproof coating they also keep the rain out.
Canvas is also used as a surface for painting. The reason for this has a little bit to do with its durability, but even more to do with the fact that canvas accepts paint well. Colors won't bleed and paint won't flake off as with other surfaces. Canvas is also very flexible. It can be stretched to fit over a frame for painting and display. Finally, canvas is relatively inexpensive so it is an affordable surface for painting on.
All of the things that make canvas ideal for painting on are the same things that make it perfect for use in constructing canvas tote bags. The material makes a strong, durable bag that is also lightweight, so it's practical for packing full of groceries or books. Plus, it readily accepts ink during the imprinting process with little or no bleeding. The imprint won't peel or flake off afterward. Custom canvas bags can even washed without damaging the bag or the imprint.
Since canvas is made from natural materials, canvas is considered to be environmentally friendly. Cotton, flax and hemp plants are all renewable resources that can be grown easily without harming the environment. Plus, one reusable bag is estimated to be equal to 700 plastic bags when used regularly. So advertisers can feel good about choosing promotional canvas tote bags, and shoppers may prevent hundreds of bags from entering landfills over the lifespan of a single custom canvas bag.
Bags are practical gifts that suit every occasion. With bags coming in all shapes, sizes and materials, the world is filled with so many variations that it may be hard for us to decide which to gift.
In the context of corporate gifting and eco-friendly printed bags, luckily, you can choose from 2 broad types; canvas or non-woven bags.
The decision on the materials is where you get stumped a second time. Are canvas bags different from non-woven bags? We shall help you debunk your myths and spot the differences between these two bags to find the perfect choice for your gifting needs.
Non-woven bags are what we are more familiar with due to their lower cost. They are commonly made from polypropylene fibres, a resin type that is heated and pressed to form the fabric.
Furthermore, bags with this type of fabric can also come with many customisations, making it an excellent option to look for custom printed bags.
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Meanwhile, canvas bags are bags made from fabric that has been woven together, giving the material its extra strength.
While non-woven bags are primarily manufactured, canvas bags can be either manufactured or handwoven. Canvas bags are mainly used as tote bags, satchels and clutches.
Non-woven bags are made with oriented or random fibres, which allow them to be flexible and lightweight.
The polypropylene pellets are melted, spun and laid before being hot pressed. After which, printing techniques such as silkscreen or lamination is used to decorate the outer appearance of the fabric bag.
You could even choose to add on embellishments such as pockets, ribbons or eyelets.
In contrast, canvas bags are made from thick cotton or linen woven material. Canvas could be either coarse or fine, but only the fine canvas is used to make clothing and bags.
Similarly, this type of fabric can also be woven in different ways, twill, plain or the satin weave. The material that makes up most canvas totes that we see also allows us to make custom tote bags with some dyes and printing.
When it comes to comparing them based on durability, canvas bags will take the lead. Canvas bags are flexible and can withstand machine washing repeatedly without its shape giving way.
These properties are likely shared with those of other cotton made items, bringing along the comfort of cotton or linen fabrics.
However, this being said, they are not as water-resistant compared to non-woven bags as they tend to absorb water instead.
On the other hand, non-woven bags probably cannot withstand as many washes as linen bags as the polypropene fibres are not as strong. The material is also non-toxic and easy to decompose, which adds to its relatively shorter lifespan.
While canvas totes are known to be durable, non-woven bags are known to be easier on the bank book.
Canvas bags can be up to three times more expensive than non-woven bags as they last longer. Hence, much of the decision lies on what you might see your clients or employees using the bag for.
For example, if you are gifting the bag purely for marketing and advertising reasons, non-woven bags might be the choice for you.
Their low cost allows you to distribute more units and reach more people compared to canvas bags.
Designing and purchasing custom tote bags for corporate gifting is not as easy as it seems. When deciding on which type of bag to gift, you would need to take some time to weigh the pros and cons of each material. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the purpose of the bag and the intentions of your business.
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