- What is polypropylene and NWPP fabric
- But isn’t polypropylene fabric just another plastic
- What makes NWPP so good to use as a fabric?
- Are NWPP really envionmentally friendly?
- Can I have some samples?
- Do you custom make bags?
- What colours can I get my bag in?
- What if I have a particular handle length in mind?
- How thick is the NWPP fabric?
- What is a gusset?
- Do you charge for artwork or set up?
- How does printing on the bag affect cost?
- What format do you need artwork supplied in?
- What happens after you receive our artwork?
What is polypropylene and NWPP fabric
Polypropylene is the material that
the ‘supermarket green bags’ are made
from. It’s most common use is in the
production of medical gowns, caps, masks
and gloves.It is actually called
non-woven polypropylene (NWPP) as the
cross thatched ‘pattern’ on the material
is stamped on to make it look woven.PP
is a thermoplastic polymer - a type of
plastic that can be melted down and
recycled into such things as garden
stakes, garden furniture and flower
pots.
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But isn’t polypropylene fabric just another plastic?
There is substantial proof that it’s not just another plastic. Polypropylene is strong, well priced, can be made to any colour, and print options are vibrant and unlimited.It is also recyclable and leaves a smaller ecological footprint than many other plastics.The Greenpeace ‘pyramid of plastics’, reproduced below, is a ranking of plastics into four groups according to their hazardous characteristics.
PVC, the most problematic and polluting plastic, is at the top of the pyramid at number one, while biobased plastics, the least polluting are number four at the pyramid's base. Polypropylene (PP) is just above biobased plastics at number three along with PET (the material used to make recyclable plastic bottles).
Greenpeace
pyramid of plastics
1. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other
halogenated plastics
2. Polyurethane (PU), Polystyrene (PS),
Acrylonitrile- butadiene-styrene (ABS),
Polycarbonate (PC)
3. Polyethylene-terephthalate (PET),
Polyolefins (PE, PP, NWPP etc.)
4. Biobased plastics
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What makes NWPP so good to use as a fabric?
NWPP makes a tough water repelling bag that can be dyed and printed to any Pantone Matching System (PMS) colour. Even the most complex designs can be screen printed or heat transferred onto it. All buckles, zips, loops and studs are made from polypropylene (PP) and are recyclable.
You may find that some of your bags and backpacks at home contain a large component of PVC. PVC is cheap and tough but also highly toxic. From it’s manufacture to it’s disposal, PVC emits toxic, cancer causing compounds.
NWPP’s strength to weight ratio and low cost makes it a suitable alternative to polyester or nylon.
It is the perfect material to make a
smart and fashionable bag designed for
every day use.
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The term ‘environmentally friendly’ implies that polypropylene leaves no ecological footprint. NWPP is manufactured in factories using fossil fuels, and so contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
However, the evidence above combined with the fact that polypropylene contributes to waste reduction and the movement away from one-use products, means that its ecological footprint is smaller than that of similar alternatives.
Please make the effort to recycle
polypropylene bags where facilities are
available.
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Our website
contains dimensions, photos and
information to help with your decision.
Please contact us if you require further
assistance. When you place an order, we
produce a PDF proof and manufacture a
pre-production sample within two weeks.
We will not proceed with full production
until you have approved your sample.
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Custom bags
are our specialty. We want you to have a
bag that best reflects your business and
helps to build your brand. Smartbags
will help bring your vision to life.
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We
have 30 colours to choose from,
including black. For orders of 10 000+,
you may choose from any colour in the
Pantone Matching System (PMS) range. The
colour you choose has no influence on
price.
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Handles come in standard carry, over the
shoulder or extra long lengths. Please
specify which length you prefer when
ordering or provide us with your
individual requirements.
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NWPP is
rated in grams (gm) - the higher the
number the thicker the material.
Generally speaking we use 80 or 100gm
material for our standard products.
Lighter or heavier grades are available
on request. Weight of fabric is
primarily a budgetary consideration, and
we will work with you to keep within
your budget.
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This is the fabric running along the
side of the bag that gives it depth. All
bags with a gusset (except fold-away
bags) have piping around all seams so
they look better and last longer. All
bags (except the heavy duty all purpose
bags) are available without gussets
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Do you charge for artwork or set up?
All initial artwork set-up costs are included in the price quoted. Please think carefully and detail exactly how you wish your artwork to appear on the bag. This includes sizing of artwork in relation to the bag, and positioning of artwork on the bag – left, right, centred etc. Changes to the presented PDF proof may incur an artwork fee. We are happy to discuss your artwork with you so that we get it right first time.
Please note that an artwork fee will
be incurred if the order does not
proceed within 2 months of completion of
PDF proof. This fee will be based on the
time taken to produce the PDF proof.
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Printing prices vary according to the
number of colours in your print design,
and the number of sides the bag is to be
printed on. Quotes are based on a one
colour print with an extra cost for each
additional colour and each additional
side. Metallic colours, thicker inks,
and print that covers the entire bag can
be done at an additional cost.Full
colour heat transfer print is also
available for photo like quality.
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Ideally artwork is supplied via email and saved as a Vector art original (eps) format in Illustrator, Corel Draw or Freehand format. Files must be originals created in these formats. The quality of the artwork you provide us with is reflected in the quality of print on your bags.
We can re-create simpler artwork from
high-resolution PDF or JPG files, no
less than 180dpi – 300dpi is ideal.We
can re-create fonts if you provide the
font name. Your print design can be in
any PMS colour of your choice, or from
our selection of 18 colours if you have
no PMS code available. Please specify
your choice with your artwork.
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According to your instructions, we place your artwork onto a PDF template of your bag style and send it to you via email within three working days. We need your approval via return email be fore we proceed with the manufacture of a pre-production sample. Please ensure that the PDF proof is exactly how you want the finished bag to look.
Any changes to artwork after the
receipt of a pre-production sample will
incur a ?5 new plate fee, and another
sample may need to be proofed.
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