In the world of corporate gifts, non-woven fabric is widely used thanks to its durability, attractive price point, and ease of customisation. But what exactly is non-woven fabric, and how is it used to create unique, high-impact promotional items?
In simple terms, non-woven fabric is made from interlaced fibres rather than woven threads, giving it distinctive properties. It is commonly used to manufacture items such as bags, pouches, cases, and many more. Thanks to its versatility and durability, it has become a popular choice for corporate giveaways.
In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics of non-woven fabric and the types of products that work particularly well for advertising campaigns.
What is Non-Woven Fabric?
Non-woven fabric (also known as intissé or non-woven) is a material with a textile-like appearance that is widely used in the promotional products industry. Unlike traditional textiles, it is produced without weaving. Instead, the fibers are compressed and bonded together using mechanical, chemical, or thermal processes.
This manufacturing method creates a strong yet flexible structure, offering properties such as tear resistance, breathability, and easy customisation.
The composition of non-woven fabric can vary and may include natural fibres, synthetic fibres or a blend of both. The most commonly used fibers are polyester, polypropylene, and cellulose.
Non-woven fabric is also a recyclable plastic-based material, mainly used to produce items such as shopping bags, tote bags, laptop sleeves, and more. It is highly practical thanks to its strength and extremely light weight, making it easy to carry and cost-effective to ship.
Thanks to its versatile production process, non-woven fabric offers a wide range of customisation options, both in colour and texture. This allows businesses to create bespoke promotional items that truly reflect their brand identity.
The Different Types of Non-Woven Fabric
The two main types of non-woven fabric are polypropylene non-woven and Spunbond–Meltblown–Spunbond (SMS). These differ primarily in their manufacturing processes.
Polypropylene Non-Woven Fabric
Polypropylene non-woven fabric is made from plastic resin. During production, heat and air are used to bond the plastic fibers together, resulting in a breathable material with a very smooth surface.
One of its key advantages is its affordability, making it an economical option for many applications. Lightweight yet durable, it is widely used across various sectors, particularly for reusable bags, textiles, and packaging.
Spunbond–Meltblown–Spunbond (SMS) Non-Woven Fabric
SMS non-woven fabric is made up of three layers of polypropylene: two outer spunbond layers and one inner meltblown layer. Although it consists of three layers, the final product behaves like a single-layer fabric and cannot be separated.
In most cases, both the spunbond and meltblown layers are made from the same fiber—polypropylene. The main difference between them lies in their structure and production method.
- Spunbond fabric is produced by stretching polypropylene to create continuous filaments, which are then randomly laid and bonded together using thermal, chemical, or mechanical methods.
- Meltblown fabric (from melt and blown) is created by melting polypropylene and blowing it into microfibres in a single-step process. These ultra-fine fibers are cooled, interlaced and collected to form a fabric with excellent filtration properties, thanks to fibre diameters smaller than one micron.
Because of these properties, meltblown fabric is commonly used as a key component in respiratory masks, offering both high filtration efficiency and breathability. SMS non-woven fabric is also known for its high strength.
The Advantages of Non-Woven Fabric
Choosing non-woven fabric offers many benefits. Here are some of the main reasons why it’s a great option for corporate gifts:
- Strength and durability: Non-woven fabric is known for its robustness and resistance to wear. Products made from it are designed to last, reinforcing your brand image over time.
- Environmentally friendly: Typically made from polypropylene or polyester, non-woven fabric requires no water during production and is recyclable and reusable. Some products are also made from recycled fibres or renewable raw materials.
- Easy customisation: It can be printed with logos, company names or promotional messages, increasing brand visibility. Popular branding techniques include screen printing, transfer printing and digital printing.
- Versatility: From tote bags and toiletry pouches to laptop sleeves and cooler bags, the range of possible products is extensive, allowing you to tailor your choice to your audience and industry.
- Water-resistant: Its structure helps repel water and splashes, making it ideal for outdoor use or damp environments.
- Cost-effective: As a low-cost material, it allows you to distribute high-quality promotional items while maximising your return on investment and staying within budget.
Disadvantages of Non-Woven Fabric
Compared to traditional textiles, non-woven fabric does have a few limitations to consider:
- Lower long-term durability: While resistant, it may not last as long as woven fabrics under heavy or repeated use.
- Limited cleaning options: Unlike washable fabric bags, non-woven items can be more delicate to clean and may require specific care. Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
- Fibre separation sensitivity: During production, fibres are aligned in a particular direction. Applying force at a perpendicular angle can cause fibre separation and damage.
Despite these drawbacks, non-woven fabric remains a popular choice for corporate gifts thanks to its affordability, versatility and sufficient durability for everyday use. Carefully assessing your needs will help ensure it meets your expectations for long-term use.
Conclusion
Non-woven fabric offers numerous advantages as a material for corporate gifts. Its strength, versatility and cost-effectiveness make it an attractive choice for enhancing brand image and boosting visibility. Non-woven promotional items can be easily customised to suit the needs and preferences of any business.
Discover our range of printed non-woven bags and personalise them to promote your company effectively.
And you—have you ever received or given non-woven promotional products? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Explore our collection of non-woven items and see how they can help enhance brand perception.