Custom Flat Non-Woven Tote Bags
A simple flat carrier for briefs that value an economical format, clear print area and easy storage between uses.
- Flat Format
Overview
The flat tote is the simplest non-woven carrier format: a straightforward bag without the added depth of side or base gussets. It suits lighter, flatter contents and programmes where a broad printed panel matters more than a bag that stands by itself.
The main decisions are the finished dimensions, handle length and print route. Laminated non-woven supports full-colour artwork across the panel, while unlaminated material suits simpler screen-printed spot-colour graphics; the artwork and intended lifespan should decide between them.
What to decide for this format
Contents and proportions
Confirm the largest item and how it should sit in the bag before setting the panel width and height.
Print route
Choose laminated full-colour or direct spot-colour printing from the artwork rather than treating them as equivalent surfaces.
Board & material options
Non-Woven Polypropylene
The base fabric — light, tear-resistant and water-tolerant.
Available in a wide range of stock colours, which is usually cheaper than printing a solid background.
Laminated Non-Woven
A printed film bonded to the fabric face.
The only route to photographic, edge-to-edge artwork on a non-woven bag. It also gives a wipe-clean surface.
Webbing & Self-Fabric Handles
Handles cut from the bag material, or stitched webbing.
Self-fabric keeps the bag mono-material; webbing carries more weight. The choice follows the load, not the look.
Finishing options
Matte Lamination
A non-reflective film that protects and softens the surface.
Reduces surface glare and protects printed colour. Compatibility with any additional print effect depends on the selected film and ink system.
Gloss Lamination
A high-shine film that lifts colour saturation.
Makes colour photography and bright brand colours read stronger on shelf, and resists moisture better than an uncoated surface.
Materials
Non-Woven Polypropylene
The base material — light, tear-resistant, water-tolerant and available in a wide range of stock colours.
Laminated Non-Woven
A printed film laminated to the non-woven face, allowing photographic full-colour artwork and a wipe-clean surface.
Handle Options
Self-fabric handles cut from the same material, or webbing handles where the bag has to carry more weight.
Printing & Finishes
Full-Colour Laminated Print
Photographic artwork across the entire panel, edge to edge, with the laminate protecting the surface.
Screen Printing
Solid spot-colour logos and simple graphics — the economical route on unlaminated material.
Matte & Gloss Lamination
Surface choice that changes the perceived quality of the bag as much as the artwork does.
What you can customise
- Finished panel width and height set around the intended contents
- Material colour and whether the surface is laminated
- Full-colour laminated or screen-printed spot-colour artwork
- Handle type, length and attachment
- Matching specification with a paper bag or gift-box programme
Specifications
| Minimum order quantity | Typically 500–1,000 units for carrier bags with complex finishes; confirmed per specification |
|---|---|
| Production lead time | 15–20 working days after artwork approval |
| Production line | Handbag production line — premium carriers in paper and composite materials, with automated forming and post-processing |
Terms for this specification
- Sampling
- Presentation-quality sample in 5–7 working days. The sample cost is credited against your first approved production order.
- Colour matching
- Pantone references and physical samples are used where the selected print process supports them. The approval method follows the substrate, artwork and process.
- Certifications
- ISO 9001, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001 and China Environmental Labelling (Ten-Ring). ISO 22000 applies to eligible food-contact work.
What drives the cost
We do not publish a price list, because no two specifications are alike. The levers that decide a quote are consistent, though.
Quantity
Most of the cost of a print job is set-up — plates, dies, make-ready, the first good sheet. Doubling a run rarely doubles the price, which is why it is worth asking for two or three volumes on the same quote.
Structure
A rigid box is formed, wrapped and often assembled by hand; a folding carton is die-cut and glued in one pass. Structure is usually the single biggest difference between two otherwise identical packs.
Material
Board grade and wrap stock. Specialty and textured papers cost more per sheet, but can replace a finishing pass — sometimes the cheaper route to the same effect.
Finishing passes
Each of foil, emboss, spot UV and lamination is a separate pass through a machine. Two effects cost roughly twice one, so the question is always which effect earns its place.
Tooling
Dies, emboss plates and foil blocks are one-off costs carried by the first order and reused on every repeat. Repeat runs of an approved specification are materially cheaper than the first.
Design & artwork
From an artwork check, through a dimensioned dieline and print-ready files, to a full concept package across a range — done by the factory that will make it.
Applications
Retail Programmes
Reusable bags sold or given at the till, where the bag is expected to come back to the store many times.
Promotional & Events
Conference, exhibition and campaign bags in higher quantities with simpler construction.
Corporate & Membership
Long-life branded bags for staff, members and loyalty programmes.
How it is made
Use & load review
The intended contents, frequency of use and carry method set the material weight, panel size and handles.
Flat proportions & print route
Panel width and height are set without gussets, then laminated full-colour or screen-printed spot colour is selected from the artwork.
Sampling
A made-up sample in 5–7 working days is used to judge hand-feel, colour, proportions and handle length.
Printing & lamination
Full-colour print is laminated to the face material, or spot colours are screen printed directly on unlaminated stock.
Cutting, panel joining & handles
Flat panels are cut and joined before the specified handles are attached and reinforced.
Inspection & export packing
Visual and handle checks are made against the approved sample before flat packing.
Why Yuan Packaging
- Produced on the same handbag line as our paper carriers — one supplier, one colour standard for a whole retail programme
- Laminated full-colour printing for photographic artwork across the entire panel
- Construction specified against the load rather than sold as a fixed catalogue item
- ISO 14001:2015 certified environmental management across all production
Frequently asked questions
When is a flat tote preferable to a gusseted bag?
Choose a flat tote for lighter, flatter contents and a simple profile. Choose a gusseted carrier when boxed goods need added depth or the bag benefits from standing more squarely when filled.
Can a flat tote carry full-colour artwork?
Yes, using laminated non-woven with a printed film applied to the face. Simpler solid-colour artwork can instead be screen printed on unlaminated material.