smart bags re-usable bags

FAQs

 

 

What is polypropylene and NWPP

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 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
http://archive.greenpeace.org/toxics/pvcdatabase/bad.html
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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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Are NWPP bags really environmentally friendly?

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.
http://archive.greenpeace.org/toxics/pvcdatabase/bad.html
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Can I have some samples?

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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Do you custom make bags?

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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What colours can I get my bag in?

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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What if I have a particular handle length in mind?

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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How thick is the NWPP fabric?

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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What is a gusset?

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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How does printing on the bag affect cost?

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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What format do you need artwork supplied in?

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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What happens after you receive our artwork?

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 £85 new plate fee, and another sample may need to be proofed.
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What are your payment terms?

We require a 40% deposit or a purchase order before we proceed with the manufacture of a sample.

As we purchase all materials prior to the manufacture of the pre-production sample, this deposit acts as a commitment by the client to the order and covers the costs of the sample manufacture. Once this deposit is received, you will have your sample within 15 working days.

Final payment is required within seven days from delivery date. Delivery of goods is invoiced at cost.
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How can I pay my deposit?

Electronic Funds Transfer is the quickest and most efficient method of payment. We accept all credit cards except American Express. Please let us know if none of these are acceptable, and we will find a suitable alternative.
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Do I see a sample before we receive our bags?

Will I see a sample before our bags are received? Within 15 days of PDF approval and before the order proceeds in full, you will receive a manufactured sample of your bag. Please provide us with the address you would like this sample sent to. We will advise you via email when your sample is due to arrive.

Check the sample against the PDF artwork and approve via return email. We will then proceed with f  ull production. As stated earlier, changes to artwork after the receipt of a pre-production sample will incur a £85 new plate fee.
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When can I expect my bags?

Your bags should arrive within six to eight weeks from approval of the sample. Lead times can vary and are dependant on delivery location, logistics and the time of year. Allow more time for your delivery in the months leading into Christmas.

Smartbags accepts no responsibility for delays beyond our control. 
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I’m in a hurry. Can I get my bags early?

Your bags should arrive six to eight weeks from the approval of the sample. You may wish to save one or two weeks by replacing the sample with some JPEG photo files of the completed sample. These photos show your manufactured bag front and back and close ups of the artwork. Please OK these photos ASAP.

Delivery times may vary. Ask us for honest advice as to whether a time-frame is realistic. Having your artwork available, promptly approving all proofs and paying your deposit once the artwork is approved speeds up the order considerably.
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