What Are Calico Bags?
Let’s start at the beginning – Calico is a type of cotton fabric that is plain-woven and typically unbleached or semi-bleached. It is a sturdy, plain-weave fabric that has a slightly rough texture and is often used for making bags, crafts, and other items that require a sturdy fabric. The name “calico” is derived from the city of “Calicut” in India, where the fabric was first manufactured and the British have been using this material since 1505. Calico is a medium-weight fabric, and it is often used in quilting and patchwork, as well as for making curtains, tablecloths, and other household items. It is also commonly used in the printing industry for creating patterns and designs on the fabric using various techniques such as block printing, screen printing and digital printing.
Calico cotton is a type of fabric that is made using a plain weave and has not gone through any finishing processes. As a result, it has a slightly stiff handle and may contain some starch from the weaving process. It is an inexpensive fabric that can be made in a variety of weights and widths, making it suitable for experimental textiles work. Calico is often used for prototype garments or toile’s before the final garment is made using the actual fabric, or as an interlining in structured or tailored garments.
How is calico made – Cotton is a natural cellulose fiber that comes from the seed boll of the cotton plant. It is mainly grown in dry and warm regions such as America, China and India. The cotton boll is picked, the seeds are removed and the soft white fibers are extracted through a process called ginning. These fibers then go through a process called combing or carding, where they are untangled and aligned before being spun and twisted into cotton yarn. The yarn is then woven or knitted into a variety of cotton fabrics.
Calico cotton is a naturally breathable fabric, which means it allows air to circulate and helps to keep the product cool and dry. It is also non-static, as it contains some moisture. Cotton has a high absorbency rate, it can absorb up to 65% of its own weight without dripping. It has a soft handle, good drape and dries slowly. Cotton is also known for its good strength, abrasion resistance and durability. However, it has poor elasticity which means it can wrinkles easily. Cotton is also biodegradable and recyclable, easy to wash and dye. It can be boiled and bleached and also can be mercerized to create a higher luster and strength.
Calico bags are a plain-woven textile made from natural cotton fibers. It is considered Eco-friendly due to its natural origins and it is typically unbleached, which gives it a raw, creamy appearance. It is often used as a base for printing and dyeing and is commonly used to make bags, which are often sewn together by hand or machine.
What are calico bags used for?
- A fantastic alternative to plastic:
Calico bags, also known as cotton bags, are a sustainable alternative to plastic bags. They are made from natural fibers, are reusable, and biodegradable, making them an environmentally friendly choice. Governments can promote the use of calico bags by implementing policies that encourage their use and by working together to create a mature supply chain. This can help to lower the cost of calico bags and make them more accessible to the public.
In addition to their environmental benefits, calico bags also have several benefits for business owners. They are versatile and durable, making them a great marketing tool for brands. They can easily be circulated among people, increasing brand visibility and awareness. Additionally, using calico bags can align a business with environmentally-conscious consumers, which can boost the reputation and credibility of the brand.
- A reusable bag, offering many years of service:
Calico bags, also known as cotton or canvas bags, are a more sustainable alternative to plastic bags because they can be used multiple times and can be repurposed when they become damaged. Unlike plastic bags, calico bags are biodegradable and do not leave behind harmful chemicals in the environment. Additionally, calico bags can be used for a variety of purposes such as storage, and even be sewn together and repurposed as doormats or rugs. Overall, Calico bags are a more Eco-friendly option as compared to plastic bags.
- Advertising your brand/logo or message
Custom printed calico bags can be a cost-effective and long-lasting marketing strategy. Unlike television advertisements, which can be expensive and have a short-term impact, custom calico bags can be used for a longer period and leave a lasting impression on customers. Additionally, the bags can be designed in an attractive and unique way to capture attention and promote your brand. Overall, investing in custom printed calico bags can be a worthwhile investment for your business.
- Durable bags that really last
n addition to being an effective marketing tool, modern calico bags are also a sustainable choice. With the use of new construction techniques, calico bags are now made to be more durable and tear-resistant, making them suitable for heavy-duty use. This means they can be used for a longer period of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements and ultimately contributing to an Eco-friendly lifestyle. Calico bags can be used for a variety of purposes such as grocery bags, shopping bags, backpacks and more. Furthermore, the natural materials and reusable nature of calico bags also makes them an environmentally friendly option compared to single-use plastic bags.
- Printing your own designs
The natural color and texture of calico bags make them a great option for customizing and decorating. The “half-processed” material allows for a variety of techniques to be used including painting, tinting, and digital or mechanical printing. This means that business owners can not only print their company logo on the bags but also create unique designs and images that express the company’s vision. As these bags are durable, people are more likely to take them outside and use them repeatedly, making them an effective and long-lasting form of advertisement.
- Affordable Eco bags
In addition to the benefits of durability and customisation, Calico bags are also an affordable alternative to plastic bags. Being a natural fiber with uncomplicated growing conditions, Calico can be grown in various continents, resulting in a large supply of raw material. This allows for a variety of bags and carriage products to be produced at a lower cost for the manufacturers. Furthermore, the natural color and texture of Calico allows for a variety of designs and patterns to be printed or embossed on the bags. This makes them a versatile and cost-effective option for businesses to promote their brand and also for individuals to use as a daily purpose bags.
- Large print area
Calico bags offer a wide range of customisation options for businesses and individuals looking for unique designs and patterns. The canvas-like texture of Calico fabric allows for detailed and intricate images to be printed on the bags, making them an ideal choice for artists and designers. With ample space available on the bags, it is possible to create eye-catching and attention-grabbing designs that help to promote a brand or convey a message. The wide range of customisation options available (including screen print and digital prints)with Calico bags makes them a versatile and effective choice for various purposes.
The big question – Are Calico Bags Sustainable?
When calico/cotton is used for bags manufacturing it is also Biodegradable taking as little as 1-5 months to break down in landfill.
It’s worth noting that even though calico is made from a natural and biodegradable fiber, the entire production process of any textile, including organic cotton, has an impact on the environment and resources. The transportation, manufacturing, and processing of the cotton, as well as the energy used during the manufacturing process, all contribute to the overall environmental impact of calico production. Additionally, organic cotton, which we offer, still require water and land to grow. While it may use less water and harmful chemicals than non-organic cotton, it still has an impact on the environment.
It is also important to be aware of labor practices in the cotton industry, whether organic or not. While organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals, it can still be grown in countries with poor labor laws and worker exploitation.
In conclusion, Calico can be considered sustainable and vegan when it is made from organic cotton and produced in an environmentally friendly way, with minimal impact on resources and labor standards. However, it is important to also consider the entire production process and life-cycle of a textile when assessing its overall environmental and ethical impact.
- Calico bags are sustainable when the right practices are used in manufacturing.
