Hey there, everyone. If you’ve ever stopped to think about what goes on the outside of a feed bag—whether it’s for livestock feed, pet food, poultry feed, or even agricultural seed mixes—you’ve probably seen those bold, clear labels that tell you exactly what’s inside, how much it weighs, and when it was produced. As someone who’s been supplying woven polypropylene (WPP) feed bags for over a decade, I get asked this question all the time: Can woven polypropylene feed bags actually be printed on? Woven Polypropylene Feed Bags
Let me start by addressing the obvious: WPP isn’t paper, and it’s not plastic film. It’s a woven material—strips of polypropylene resin extruded, stretched, and then woven together like a tiny, sturdy fabric, making it much more durable than standard plastic bags. That ruggedness is why farmers and feed producers rely on these bags; they can hold up to rough handling on farms, in transport trucks, and even during storage in damp silos or outside yards. But that same texture and structure is what makes printing feel like a tricky job to some. The short answer is yes, they absolutely can be printed on, and modern printing technology has come so far that the results are often more durable and clearer than what you get on paper bags.
Let me walk you through why this works, how we do it at our production facility, and why it matters for feed producers. First, let’s break down the science of WPP and printability. Polypropylene, in its raw form, is non-porous, which means ink doesn’t just soak in like it does on paper. That sounds like a setback, but it’s actually why WPP bags hold up so well to wear and tear. To make the ink adhere properly, we use a process called corona treatment on the flat WPP rolls before printing. Here’s how that works: we pass the rolls through a high-voltage electrical charge that modifies the surface of the polypropylene strips, making them slightly polar. This changes the chemical structure just enough so that the ink’s polymer molecules can form a strong bond, instead of sitting on top of the surface and smudging. Without corona treatment, any ink printed on WPP would rub off the second the bag is handled, which is totally useless for a feed bag that’s going to be stuffed, stacked, and dragged around.
Once the surface is prepared, we use a few different printing methods depending on the order’s needs. The most common one for bulk feed bags is flexographic printing, or “flexo” for short. Flexo uses flexible rubber plates that are molded to carry ink, then pressed onto the WPP surface. It’s cost-effective for large runs—like the 50,000 or 100,000 bag orders most feed producers place—and can handle up to 8 colors at once, which means you can print not just text, but full-color logos, product images, even barcodes and QR codes. For smaller, custom runs, or for very high-resolution designs, we also use rotogravure printing, though that’s a bit more expensive. The key here is that WPP’s woven structure doesn’t interfere with either method—modern presses can adjust the pressure to conform to the slightly textured woven strips, so the print is smooth and even, not patchy.
I should also address a common misconception: some people think that because WPP is used for things like tarps and shipping sacks, printing will just wear off in the rain or from dust. That’s not the case if we use the right ink. We use UV-cured inks for most of our printed feed bags, which are made to dry instantly once exposed to ultraviolet light. These inks adhere to the treated WPP surface so well that they don’t smudge when the bag is damp, don’t fade from sun exposure during outdoor storage, and don’t scratch off when the bag is being filled with 20kg or 50kg of feed. I’ve seen bags that were left outside for a whole rainy season with their print still crisp—farmers love that because they don’t have to guess what’s inside a bag that’s been sitting in the yard for weeks.
Now, let’s talk about what that print means for your business, as a feed producer. Beyond just labeling, printed WPP bags are a marketing tool. A bold, clear logo on your feed bag makes it easy for farmers to spot your product on a shelf or in a bulk stack at a co-op, instead of mixing it up with 10 other generic feed brands. The print can also carry critical information: feeding instructions, batch numbers, expiration dates, allergen warnings (super important for pet food or specialty livestock feed), and even storage tips. For traceability, many of our clients add QR codes that link to their website’s page on feed safety, or to product certifications like organic or non-GMO. That’s a huge benefit—being able to scan a bag and pull up full details about the feed inside makes both you and your customers more confident.
I’ve worked with dozens of feed producers over the years, and I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t when it comes to printing on WPP feed bags. One common mistake I see is trying to use too many small details for flexo printing. Because the WPP has a slight texture, extremely fine text or tiny logos can get lost or blurry, so we usually advise our clients to keep text at least 1/8 of an inch tall for regular use. Another thing to consider is color: bright, high-contrast colors work best on WPP, because the woven white or natural polypropylene base gives the ink a clean surface to show up on. If a client wants a darker background, we can also print a solid base layer first, then add other colors on top—though that adds a tiny bit to the cost, it’s worth it for the visibility.
Let me also mention the durability of the printed WPP bag itself, which is tied directly to why the print stays on. WPP feed bags are tear-resistant, puncture-resistant, and much stronger than paper bags, so they can hold up during shipping and handling. The print on them has to keep up with that. I remember a client a few years back who was switching from paper bags to WPP because they were tired of paper bags getting soaked in rain and falling apart mid-transport. They were worried the print would be a problem, so we ran a small test order of 1,000 bags. They used them for a bulk order of 20kg chicken feed, and after three weeks of being stacked in a barn, the print was still as clear as the day they left our facility. That client still works with us today and has doubled their order volume.
Another point: sustainability. Many feed producers are now asking about eco-friendly options, and printed WPP can actually be more sustainable than other bag types. The ink we use is low-VOC (volatile organic compound), which means it doesn’t release harmful chemicals into the air during the printing process or later when the bag is in use. Also, WPP bags are recyclable, just like plastic bottles, and the print doesn’t affect their recyclability—facilities can process them along with other polypropylene plastics. That’s a big selling point for farmers and feed companies that are trying to reduce their environmental footprint.
Now, if you’re a feed producer thinking about switching to printed WPP bags, what should you expect from the process? First, we’ll work with your design team to create a custom layout. We’ll send a digital proof for approval before we start production, so you can make sure the text is clear, the colors are right, and the layout works with the WPP’s structure. We can also handle variable data printing, which means each bag can have a unique batch number, lot code, or even a QR code that’s specific to that order. That’s perfect for traceability and compliance with agricultural regulations in many regions.
I know that when you’re sourcing feed bags, you have a lot to consider: cost, durability, shelf life, and how your product is presented to customers. Printed WPP bags check all those boxes. They’re more durable than paper, they hold up to harsh conditions, they let you brand your product effectively, and they can carry all the critical information your customers need. The printing process has come a long way over the last 15 years, from the old days where only basic text could be printed to today’s technology that can handle full-color, high-resolution designs with tiny details and barcodes.
At the end of the day, the whole point of a feed bag is to protect the feed inside and let people know what’s inside it. If the print rubs off, the bag might as well be unlabeled. Woven polypropylene solves that problem because the combination of surface treatment, the right ink, and modern printing methods creates a bond that lasts for months, not just weeks. I’ve seen too many producers lose sales because their unprinted or poorly printed bags get mixed up with competitors, or because the labels fall off and the feed has to be discarded because it can’t be identified. Printed WPP bags eliminate that risk entirely.
If you’re considering switching to printed woven polypropylene feed bags, or if you have questions about the process, the cost, or how to design your bags to look their best, I’d love to chat. We’ve helped hundreds of feed producers of all sizes—from small local livestock feed operations to large national agricultural companies—get custom printed WPP bags that work for their needs. We can adjust the printing method to fit your order size, help you choose the right colors for maximum visibility, and make sure every bag meets our high standards for durability and print quality.
Don’t just take my word for it, either. Test a small order if you’re unsure—most of our clients start with a trial run, and almost all of them come back for larger orders because they see the difference in how their product is received. The confidence of having a clear, durable label, plus the sturdiness of WPP, makes a huge difference for your operations and your customers’ satisfaction.
If you’re ready to talk through your custom printed feed bag needs, reach out. We’re here to help you every step of the way, from design to delivery, and make sure you get a product that works for your farm, your business, and your customers.
PP Woven Bags References:
- "Printing on Polypropylene: Surface Treatment and Ink Adhesion," Polymer Engineering and Science, Vol. 52, No. 12, 2012, pp. 2579-2587.
- "Flexographic Printing for Flexible Packaging: Process and Applications," Packaging Technology and Science, Vol. 27, No. 3, 2014, pp. 211-222.
- "Sustainability of Woven Polypropylene Packaging: Recycling and Environmental Impact," Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol. 112, Part 4, 2016, pp. 3668-3675.
- "Traceability and Labeling in Agricultural Feed Packaging: Best Practices," Journal of Agribusiness, Vol. 33, No. 2, 2015, pp. 149-165.
Liaoning Xunlian Packaging Products Co., Ltd.
Liaoning Xunlian Packaging Products Co., Ltd. is one of the most professional woven polypropylene feed bags manufacturers and suppliers in China, featured by quality products and good service. Welcome to wholesale CE approved woven polypropylene feed bags made in China here and get quotation from our factory. Customized orders are welcome.
Address: Chaoyang Industrial Park, Kangping, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
E-mail: info@xunlianpack.com
WebSite: https://www.xunlianpack.com/
