Short answer: cotton is soft, sturdy and easy to print, and also comes in organic or recycled versions. Jute is extra strong with a natural look. Non-woven (polypropylene) is light and economical for events. The most sustainable product is the one that is used most often and for longest, so choose a sturdy quality and a design people like to show.
Sustainability plays a growing role when organisations choose promotional products and corporate gifts. But what is really a good choice? In this article we compare the most common materials for printed bags and show which sustainable alternatives exist for bottles and other items.
Cotton, jute or non-woven: the differences
| Material | Properties | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Soft, washable, easy to print; available in different fabric weights | Everyday use, shops, trade shows, corporate gifts |
| Organic or recycled cotton | Like cotton, with a lower environmental impact in cultivation or through reused fibres | Organisations that want to show their sustainability |
| Jute | Very strong and hard-wearing, natural look, often with a laminated inside | Groceries, heavy contents, long use |
| Non-woven (polypropylene) | Light, economical, many colours; less durable than cotton or jute | Events and large quantities |
Cotton bags
Cotton bags are the most popular promotional bag. Pay attention to the fabric weight, expressed in grams per square metre (g/m²): a lighter fabric is economical, a heavier fabric feels sturdier and lasts longer. Cotton prints well with screen printing and DTF. For an extra sustainable choice, pick a bag made of organic or recycled cotton. For organic cotton, look for a recognised label such as GOTS, and for recycled materials GRS or RCS.
Jute bags
Jute is a plant fibre with a coarse, natural texture. Jute bags are very strong and suitable for heavy contents. Because of the coarse weave, fine details in a print are less sharp; a logo with clear shapes and lines works best.
Non-woven bags
Non-woven bags are made from polypropylene fibres that are bonded rather than woven. They are light, economical and available in many colours, which makes them popular at trade shows and events with large quantities. They do not last as long as cotton or jute.
Sustainable materials you will find at Hidalgo
Our range includes more and more items made from renewable or recycled raw materials:
- Coffee grounds: a waste stream used as raw material for items such as cups, pens and notebooks.
- Sugar cane: bioplastic from a renewable source, 100% recyclable, strong and food-safe. Think of sports bottles such as versions of the Tacx Shiva.
- Recycled raw materials: recycled cotton, aluminium, stainless steel and plastic. Many of these items are GRS or RCS certified.
For these products we work with partners and initiatives such as Plastic Bank®, Circular&Co, Oxious and Join the Pipe. Read more on our sustainability page.
Drinking bottles: reusable is the starting point
A reusable drinking bottle replaces many disposable bottles. Stainless steel bottles last for years and engrave beautifully. Sugar-cane bioplastic sports bottles are light and recyclable. Choose a bottle that fits its use, from sports club to office, so it actually gets used.
How to make a sustainable choice
- Choose quality. A bag or bottle that lasts for years has the lowest impact per use.
- Choose a useful product. Give something that suits your audience, so it does not end up in a drawer.
- Create a design people like to show. Then the product is used more often, and more people see your logo.
- Look for labels such as GOTS, GRS and RCS if you want certainty about origin.
- Order what you need. Better to order a suitable quantity twice than to keep stock that never gets used.
Frequently asked questions
What is more sustainable: cotton, jute or non-woven?
That depends mostly on how often the bag is used. Cotton and jute bags last a long time and are most sustainable when reused often. Non-woven is light and economical but less durable.
Do you have bags made of organic or recycled cotton?
Yes, our range of cotton bags also includes organic and recycled versions. Feel free to ask which labels apply to a specific item.
Which sustainable drinking bottles can I have printed?
Among others, stainless steel bottles and sugar-cane bioplastic sports bottles. Both are reusable and can carry your logo.
What do GRS and RCS mean?
The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) are labels that verify how much recycled material a product contains and where it comes from.
Want advice on a sustainable alternative? Get in touch or request a free quote. See also which printing technique suits your product.
