Non-Woven Fabric (TNT) is an innovative material that has revolutionised various industrial sectors, thanks to its unique characteristics.

Let’s discover everything about this product: its origins, its features and benefits, common uses, and finally, all you need to know about its disposal (and sustainability).

What is TNT, non-woven fabric

Although the acronym TNT literally stands for “non-woven fabric”, it is considered a fabric in its own right.

The difference from traditional textiles lies in how TNT is produced: it isn’t made through weaving or knitting but through a process of fibre aggregation using mechanical, thermal or chemical methods.

Hence, there is no knit or weave process for positioning the fibres in the two main orthogonal directions (weft and warp). Instead, fibres are layered, well overlapped, and joined mechanically with needles, adhesives or heat, resulting in a fully man-made product offering qualities and advantages that conventional fabric cannot provide.

Indeed, this method makes it possible to obtain a highly versatile, durable material that’s perfect for a wide range of applications, from fashion to construction, from hygiene to industrial protection.

TNT stands out for being lightweight yet strong, making it an ideal choice for manufacturing reusable bags, masks, packaging and sanitary items.

It’s extensively used in sectors such as:

  • healthcare and medical, for masks, gowns, surgical drapes;
  • packaging, for bags and reusable sacks;
  • industrial, for filtration, insulation and protection;
  • fashion and design, for coverings and decorative elements.

Thanks to its characteristics, TNT is an excellent alternative to more expensive, complex materials to produce and, because of its structure, it can be easily worked, printed on and customised, making it particularly appreciated in the communication and marketing fields.

Composition: what materials is it made of?

TNT can be produced with synthetic, natural or mixed fibres. Its composition depends on its final intended use, since the type of material significantly affects the final non-woven fabric’s properties, such as strength, durability, absorbency and biodegradability.

TNT made from synthetic materials

  • Polypropylene (PP): one of the most common materials for non-woven fabrics, widely used in medical and hygiene applications due to its chemical resistance and water-repellent characteristics
  • Polyester (PET): known for its strength and durability, polyester is frequently employed in filters, construction materials and automotive products
  • Polyethylene (PE): used in products requiring a moisture barrier
  • Polyamide (Nylon): renowned for its toughness, it’s used in industrial and consumer products

TNT made from natural materials

  • Cellulose: used to create biodegradable TNT and commonly found in items such as wipes, filters and packaging
  • Cotton: chosen for applications needing absorbency and softness, such as medical and personal care products
  • Wool: occasionally used for its thermal and acoustic insulating properties

TNT made from recycled or biodegradable materials

  • Recycled fibres: non-woven fabrics can also be manufactured from recycled materials, like recycled polyester fibres, helping reduce waste and the use of virgin resources
  • PLA (Polylactic Acid): a biodegradable polymer derived from renewable sources such as corn or sugarcane, used to produce eco-friendly non-woven fabrics

TNT made from composite materials

Sometimes, non-woven fabrics are made by combining two or more types of fibres (mixed fabrics) to exploit the advantages of each, such as strength, elasticity or barriers against liquids.

Production of TNT

The production of non-woven fabric can be carried out by different industrial techniques, each determining its final properties:

  • Spunbond: fibres are extruded and thermally bonded, creating a strong and homogeneous material, perfect for industrial and medical applications;
  • Meltblown: fibres are melted and extruded into microfilaments, giving the TNT enhanced filtration capacity, frequently used in masks and medical supplies;
  • Needle-punched: fibres are compacted and intertwined mechanically with special needles, producing a thicker, sturdier TNT suitable for geotextiles and construction materials;
  • Chemical bonded: fibres are bonded through chemical agents, making the material more flexible and softer, ideal for fashion and furnishing applications.

Advantages and features of TNT

Non-woven fabric offers a series of beneficial properties that make it suitable for many purposes in various sectors, compared to traditional fabrics. Some of its main features include:

  • Strength and durability: certain types of non-woven fabrics are highly resilient. They don’t fray and can be designed to withstand tears, punctures and other mechanical stress. This makes non-woven fabric perfect for packaging and for making shopping and grocery bags. TNT also retains its properties at extreme temperatures, both hot and cold.
  • Lightweight: many TNTs are lightweight, making them ideal for uses like packaging, disposable clothing and hygiene products.
  • Insulating properties: non-woven fabrics can provide excellent thermal and acoustic insulation.
  • Water-repellent: it repels water, which can act as a barrier against liquids.
  • Hygienic: it’s suitable for blocking bacteria and other contaminants, making it essential in sterile settings, such as hospitals, or in food and healthcare sectors.
  • Cost-effective: its production costs are lower than those of conventional textiles.
  • Reusability: certain TNT fabrics can be washed and reused, contributing to environmental sustainability.
  • Customisation and printability: the production processes of non-woven fabrics allow extensive customisation in terms of colour, texture, thickness, and composition, enabling manufacturers to cater to market demands.
    Moreover, its surface can be printed on, for example, through hot stamping or screen printing.

TNT: biodegradable, sustainable or eco-friendly?

One of the most common questions about TNT concerns its environmental impact. The answer depends on the type of fibre used:

  • TNT made from natural fibres: it’s biodegradable and can decompose without adversely affecting the environment;
  • TNT made from synthetic fibres: it’s not biodegradable, but can be recycled and reused.

However, bear in mind that its reusability makes it eco-friendly compared to other disposable materials, helping to reduce its environmental impact compared to, for example, traditional single-use plastic bags.

Where should TNT be disposed of?

So, disposing of TNT depends on its composition and the specific use it has had:

  • TNT made from synthetic fibres: it should be placed in general waste unless it can be given to specialised recycling facilities;
  • TNT made from natural fibres: if not treated with chemicals, it can be disposed of in organic waste or composted;
  • TNT contaminated by chemical or biological substances: must follow specific disposal procedures in line with current regulations.

In any event, it’s always advisable to check local guidelines for correct disposal and, where possible, choose to reuse or recycle in order to minimise environmental impact.

Our customised TNT shoppers

If you’re looking for customisable TNT products, visit our website’s selection to find the perfect solution for your requirements. You can order personalised TNT shoppers featuring your company logo or customised wording.

All our TNT products are made with non-woven fabric from biodegradable materials, so they’re eco-friendly shoppers of excellent quality.

We customise them based on clients’ preferences in terms of colour, style and shopper size – from maxi TNT shoppers to medium and small – taking great care over every detail.

This makes our non-woven fabric shoppers a reliable, long-lasting customised corporate product that can be repeatedly reused and is an effective company giveaway in the long term. Check out our complete range of TNT shoppers to find the right one for you!