UV Photochromic Printing: a new printing option for bags UV photochromic printing is a special printing method which applies Sunlight or UV (ultraviolet) light properties to realize color change effect of printed matters.   Principle of Photochromic Color Change Ultraviolet light is invisible light in the violet range of the spectrum in the electromagnetic spectrum. The key point of UV photochromic printing is the application of special photochromic inks. Such inks include photochromic materials which have chemical reaction capabilities. Under the effect of the ultraviolet ray, the molecular structure of the photochromic matter in the ink varies so that a color change is achieved.   After printing photochromic ink, it needs to be coated with UV after printing, but the printing process is the same as that of ordinary ink. During the curing process, the ultraviolet light emitted by the UV lamp activates the photochromic substances in the ink, priming them for a color change. Once the printed material is later exposed to natural sunlight or a specific ultraviolet light source, the color-changing effect appears.    Because of photochromic color principle (the rate of discoloration will also change depending on the environment that the product is used.) Factors including light, application environment etc. may have a direct effect on life span depending on the product being used.   Application environment: Photochromic substances are easily oxidized by oxygen in the air. The photochromic material which has resistivity to the oxidation is effective to maintain the performance for a long time. Special processed or antioxidative type of photochromic ink has longer life than a regular ink. The life of the photochromic content is also influenced by temperature and humidity. Chemical reactions are accelerated by high temperatures and high humidity that cause the colouring of the photochromic materials to age. For example, the duration of stability of the photochromic materials may be shorter in humid tropical zones as compred to dry moderate zones.   Light Intensity: High intensity of ultraviolet light, the photochromic chemicals reaction speed is faster, the chemical process will more quickly, and aging of photochromic lens. For instance, when exposed to the natural sunlight, sometimes the service life of photochromic materials is very short. Their life span is relatively long since they are in the indoor environment with lower light intensity.   Usage Frequency: Usage frequency is the frequency with which the photochromic materials are actuated (ie, exposed to the ultraviolet or particular light source) in a given period of time. The photochromic materials are gradually damaged by the exposure of UV. Any single exposure results in some tiny alteration in molecular structure, and these miniscule changes add up over time and can be observed as deterioration in performance. The service life of photochromatic materials is extremely short at high frequency of use. One example of this is that a product which is used ten times per day with UV exposure, may have a photochromic life of a few months, while a product used once a day may last 1-2 years.   When this special principle of photosensitive color change is applied to photochromic printing technology, the application prospect is very broad. More directly, it introduces a new visual experience and surprises to bags, fashion and creativity and brings new visual effects to the product. For instance, patterns printed with UV photochromic inks on T-shirts, tote bags, backpacks, phone cases and other items can change their color under sunlight, which makes the product more fun and attractive. It is to be noted that the color switch effect is adjustable and difficult to be replicated by others, so it is very reliable to product anti-counterfeiting. As long as it continues to develop technologically, and becomes cheaper to use, it is just going to spread into more areas.   Special note at the end, it should be noted that this printing process has to be done in particular conditions e.g. not to be disturbed by natural light etc. Proper drying temperature and drying time can avoid damages of the photochromic substances during printing, which contributes to the effect of color change to be precise and stable. Similar premature aging of the photochromic substances can occur when the drying condition is such that the drying temperature is unduly high or the drying time is unduly long.     Author        

Introduction   Recent years have witnessed remarkable growth in the global tote bag market due to the increasing adoption of eco-friendly initiatives, a shift in consumer lifestyle, and a greater demand for stylish and functional bags. The tote bag has undergone a significant transformation - from a simple accessory for groceries and shopping to a versatile product used in fashion, corporate branding, retail promotions, and eco-friendly campaigns. Businesses looking to source tote bags face a persistent challenge of lacking knowledge about the industry’s top manufacturers, their production capacities and available materials, as well as regional advantages.     This whitepaper analyzes ten of the most well-known tote bag manufacturers around the globe. The selection criteria are based on production capacity, industry leave of quality certifications, sustainability practices, global reach, and overall reputation. The goal of the report is to present the information in an unbiased, analytical manner, without any promotional bias.       Methodology   To ensure selection reliability and objectivity, the following criteria were set:   Global presence and export capabilities: Serving multiple international markets.   Certifications and compliance: Verification of ISO, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, Sedex, or BSCI.   Production capabilities: Volume, variety, and complexity of tote bag styles, materials, and designs.   Sustainability practices: Adoption of recycled, organic, or eco-friendly materials.   Industry reputation: Verified client references, participation in trade directories, and presence in global trade fairs. This methodology guarantees that the manufacturers listed have genuine credibility and are representative of the global tote bag industry.   Top 10 Tote Bag Manufacturers   1.Bagmasters (USA) Bagmasters has been in business since 1980 one of the original promotional tote bag companies. They distribute cotton, canvas and polyester bags to universities, non-profits and corporate clients throughout North America. They're a trusty Go To bird for run of the mill types of promotion because of their large variety of products and the option to order them in quantities. Also they have decades of experience and preexisting distribution networks to the company’s advantage. However, since the company is headquartered in North America, international shipping and customizations kept to one of a kind are typically inflexible. website: https://bagmasters.com/   2.ToteBagFactory (USA) ToteBagFactory specializes in selling and distributing reusable bags. With inventory on hand to fulfill most orders, product customization through screen-printing or embroidery is available on most of their products. Their relationships with established vendors has enabled them to be trusted for big-turnout orders, as well. Nonetheless, for brands with an ample range of classic styles, those trying to get a little bit trendy, or that have a more upscale point of view, the options may be disappointing. website: https://totebagfactory.com/   3.Enviro-Tote (USA) Enviro-Tote specializes in environmentally friendly, animal-conscious tote bags that are made from organic cotton and from recycled materials. Their certifications through OEKO-TEX and other similar standards is a testament to the company’s priototy of enviromental friendly processes. They also function as clients for universities and NGOs and sustainability-focused brands. Their green competitors have a more limited range of colours and patterns than some of the larger commercial competitors. website: https://totebagfactory.com/   4.Acme Made (USA) based Acme Made.Our roots are in the heart of the city that is if the heart had roots. They produce a line of totes for running errands, commuting with technology and travel, and also does work for hire for third parties. Acme Made products are sold in retail stores, online, and by and large, through wholesale, and have won acclaim for their style and quality. Because they deliver in the high design space, bulk-budgeted buyers might have difficulty reconciling expense against return-on-investment and procurement-to-sales alignment. website: https://www.airtexgroup.com/   5.Supreme Creations (UK/India) Supreme Creations is headquartered in London and has factories in India. They also supply fashion and retail brands and promotional campaigns with lots of tote bags. The brand is attracting international companies that comply with labor ethics and are sustainable. The production uniformity and lead time for complicated custom designs made in one country but manufactured in another country with different criteria and quality consideration compared with other marketplaces. website: https://www.supreme-creations.co.uk/   6.Earthwise Bags (USA) Earthwise Bags is based out of California and focusses on crafting reusable shopping bags from eco-friendly recycled PET and organic cotton. Their customers include corporations like retailers and green-minded marketplaces. Earthwise Bags specializes in reusable shopping bags, and has a direct relationship with retail chains, and eco-friendly marketplaces. website: https://earthwisebags.com/   7. Synberry (Cambodia/China) Synberry has been in operation since 1992 and has manufacturing plants in both Cambodia and China where they offer OEM and ODM tote bag services. Their primary concern is to meet the client’s expectations in terms of quality, sturdiness, and customization in fabric, color, printing, and branding. Synberry serves global B2B clients and is unique in the fact that they are able to manage fully customized, smaller orders alongside bulk production. Synberry has maintained quality standards through constant client collaboration, though distinctly specialized or niche materials may require longer cross-factory coordination lead times. website: https://synberry.com/   8.Steele Canvas Basket Corp. (USA) Steele Canvas Basket Corp., a Massachusetts-based company started in 1921, is known for its tough, well-made totes. Their specialty are reinforced canvas and metal frame bags which are multi functional, and designed for home storage, garden storage, all purpose organized storage, picnic, and everyday storage in a plain trendy design. STEELE ASPIDERS STEELE is devoted to durability, utility and timeless design. Steele Canvas focuses more on durability, multi-functional usability, at a higher price point, and traditional canvas style which may not be attractive to the market interested in trendy or fashion-forward totes. website: https://www.steelecanvas.com/   9. BagBase by Beechfield Brands (UK) BagBase boasts a wide variety of casual and fashion tote bags, which they sell through wholesale partners in Europe. Their products are known for their durability and practical designs and they serve corporate, retail, and promotional clients.   Due to their focus on function, BagBase products are often missing high-end and innovative materials, as well as fashion-forward designs. website: https://bagbase.com/   10.Baggu (USA) Known for chic, eco-friendly tote bags, since being founded in 2007 and based in San Francisco. They are known for utilizing recycled materials, organic cottons and durable nylons to produce a range of use-friendly bags for travel, everyday carry, and your seeking complex everyday adventurer, commuter, or shopper. The brand developed a cult following in the US, as environmentally conscious consumers appreciated its approach to practical design. Baggu has a strong design focus and is greener than opportunity wholesale, but since they are primarily optimized for direct-to-consumer sales, it may complicate bulk orders for corporations or other agencies, and it can be more expensive than typical manufacturers as well. website: https://www.baggu.com/   Industry Trends Sustainability: Adoption of recycled, organic, and biodegradable materials is on the rise. Customer Badge: Increased use of personalized branded tote bags. Regional Focus: Ethically-minded small-batch production in the U.S. and eco-friendly cotton/jute in India and Bangladesh, China’s focus on large-scale production and diverse materials. E-commerce Expansion: Flexible order sizes and global distribution through print-on-demand services and fulfillment centers. Design Innovation: Collapsible and tech-friendly compartments, and other functional features are trending in the consumer and corporate markets.   Takeaway Sustainability, consumer preferences, and trade patterns are shaping the tote bag manufacturing industry. Specialized US producers and Asian manufacturers are represented by the top 10 companies in global production, innovation, and ethics. Grasping these manufacturers and the industry trends is crucial for businesses and organizations sourcing tote bags for retail, promotional, or sustainable initiatives.

One buzz, and the entire world presses against your face. On the subway, at the dinner table, even at 3 a.m. in bed, that pale screen-light acts like an invisible umbilical cord, tethering us to the cloud. Every absent-minded swipe quietly uploads your coordinates; every “Allow Location” can turn today’s footsteps into tomorrow’s data map, sold to strangers. The awkward truth? Most countries still haven’t written the rules. So we’re left with a private, almost absurd choice: step into a signal-proof cage or stay naked in the open—security or convenience, rarely both.     For 32 years we’ve done one thing: make bags that simply work better. From the very first stitch, “easy to use” has been our non-negotiable. Today we’re adding a fresh layer to that ease—security. Signals flit around inside a bag; we make sure they never make it out. Below, we break it down step by step: how a wafer-thin shielding fabric slips unnoticed into wallets, backpacks, briefcases, even an ordinary grocery tote, turning every pocket into a dead zone where phones go silent and privacy stays put.   Back then, cutting off radio waves meant wheeling in the hulking metal cages locked away in military bunkers. Now it only takes a strip of cloth. We took the RF shielding once sealed inside spacecraft and operating theaters and wove it straight into the fibers: a whisper-thin copper-ion mist wraps every yarn, while silver filaments thread through at micron-level precision. What rolls off the loom is a supple “soft armor” you can fold, cut, even toss in the wash. Stitch it into a pocket and you’ve got a pocket-sized Faraday cage: the moment a phone slips inside, it goes mute; prying signals bounce off like they’ve hit a wall. One zip, and the digital world falls silent.   Think of signal-blocking fabric as an “invisible lock.” It can be stitched into almost any bag, sealing out RFID skimmers, GPS trackers, and Bluetooth sniffers in one move. More than a data firewall, it’s a Do-Not-Disturb sign you can carry. Drop your phone, earbuds, or smartwatch into the shielded pocket and Wi-Fi and cellular vanish instantly—meetings, reading sessions, or playtime with the kids go uninterrupted. On the road, tuck your camera and spare phone into the shielded compartment of your carry-on: no leaks, just a few blissfully offline hours to watch the scenery instead of the screen. The same goes for wallets and passport sleeves—snap the shield shut before security, and both your data and your mind stay quiet.   Here’s the complete run-down of signal-blocking fabric in everyday bags： 1. Wallet & Passport SleeveSlip a 0.2 mm shielding layer between the billfold and card slots. Card readers can’t see your chips; slide your passport in the same pocket and no one can skim it while you queue at immigration.   2. Handbag / ToteAdd a removable “signal cocoon” in the main compartment. Drop the phone in—airplane mode without toggling a switch. Pull it out and bars pop back up instantly.   3. BackpackLine the laptop sleeve on all four sides. A 15.6" notebook disappears from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth the moment the zipper closes.   4. Travel Bag / Carry-on Sew a shielded stash pocket under the top lid for passport, backup phone, and camera cards. Even the airport “sniffer dogs” of RF leave empty-handed.   5. Briefcase / Document CaseKeep the outer face premium leather or Oxford cloth; back it with a full sheet of shielding fabric. Contracts, USB drives, and encrypted dongles sit in a silent vault no matter who’s running a spectrum recorder in the conference room.   6. Gym DuffelTuck an 18 × 10 cm “watch hut” above the shoe tunnel. Drop your smartwatch and earbuds in before you hit the treadmill—notifications stay outside the squat rack.   7. Student Backpack / Pencil PouchTurn the classic roll-top pencil case into a signal roll-cage. Phone goes in, fabric rolls shut, and the ringer never rings during first period.   8. Medical & Scientific Transit BagsUse heavy-duty metal-fiber cloth rated ≥90 dB to create soft Faraday crates of any size. Portable ultrasound probes or RFID-tagged blood samples travel in total radio silence, immune to data bleed or malicious pings.   A piece of fabric that looks utterly ordinary is quietly stitching military-grade EMI shielding into everyday life. Wallets, passport sleeves, 32-inch spinner cases—even the tiny schoolbag on a child’s back or a robot pack loaded with AI modules—are no longer just containers, they’re pocket-sized quiet zones. We’re not out to kill signals; we just want them to appear only where they’re supposed to. Safety and convenience, finally in the same stitch. To ODM/OEM partners and independent designers: let’s cut this fabric into new stories together, and bring the smart-security bag to everyone.   Author        

In today’s highly advanced information technology era, are you concerned about your digital privacy?   Many things have two sides. For example, with just a simple tap of a small card, you can complete a payment without worrying about how the money flows into the recipient’s account. But have you ever worried that malicious people might exploit this technology? Yes, I’m talking about electronic card fraud—while these convenient contactless payments make life easier, they also create opportunities for ill-intentioned individuals. Another example is Apple’s AirTag, a small tracking device that works with your phone’s location system to let you know the whereabouts of yourself or your belongings at any time. This helps you easily find lost items by opening a map. But the question is—are you worried that someone might use this technology to track you without your consent?   With the development of wireless signal technology, the need for effective electromagnetic shielding has become more urgent than ever. Protecting data and personal privacy is a pressing demand, driving rapid growth in this market.   Advanced Copper-Nickel Coating Technology The cutting-edge signal jamming fabric represents a breakthrough in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding technology. It is thin and bendable, but it can block more than 99% of radio frequency signals (mobile phones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID, NFC, UWB, AirTag, etc.). At the same time, it does not absorb moisture, does not fade, and can withstand wear for up to 100,000 times. Signal jamming fabric is a copper-nickel coated fiber combination material. It is a composite conductive material formed by depositing copper and nickel layers on the fiber surface in sequence through vacuum deposition, which is currently the most advanced process on the market. In simple terms, it is a flexible metal cloth with a copper-nickel alloy cortex "growing" on the fiber surface. It is light and tough, and can block electromagnetic waves like a metal shell. Vacuum coating gives this material enhanced high-temperature resistance and more stable shielding performance. The electroless plating process used in manufacturing allows for coating every single fiber with materials like nickel, which offers excellent corrosion resistance and high shielding capacity. This manufacturing approach ensures uniform coverage and consistent performance across the entire fabric surface. Superior Performance Characteristics Its performance advantages are mainly reflected in the following aspects:   Conductive and Shielding Performance High conductivity: The copper layer provides an excellent electron conduction channel, and the nickel layer enhances stability. The synergistic effect of the two can significantly improve the overall conductivity of the material. Cu provides high conductivity, Ni provides magnetic permeability and anti-oxidation layer, forming Cu₃.₈Ni alloy lattice, which has both conductivity and magnetic shielding. Electromagnetic shielding effectiveness: In the frequency band of 0.15 MHz–20 GHz, the shielding effectiveness can reach 50–100 dB, which is suitable for electromagnetic sensitive environments such as radar, communication equipment, and data centers. Copper-nickel alloys like C77000 are specifically chosen for EMI shielding applications due to their inherent corrosion resistance properties, making them ideal for long-term reliability in various environmental conditions.   Material Bonding and Performance The copper-nickel alloy layer forms a metal bond with the fiber, and is covered with an amorphous Ni-P (83.98% Ni, 16.02% P) protective layer to further improve corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance. Coating bonding strength: The tape peeling rate is < 0.4%, there is no crack after 20,000 bends, and the wear resistance is 4–5.   Environmental Protection and Compliance Compliant with RoHS, REACH, MIL-STD-461, GJB 6190 Military-grade fabrics are certified to standards like MIL STD 188-125 and IEEE 299-2006, ensuring they meet the stringent requirements for defense and critical infrastructure applications.   Heat Resistance and Corrosion Resistance Nickel layer anti-oxidation: The nickel layer covers the surface of the copper layer, effectively preventing copper oxidation and improving the stability and service life of the material in high temperature or humid environments   Process Compatibility and Controllability Controllable vacuum deposition process parameters: A uniform and dense coating can be obtained under conditions such as temperature 60°C, pH=12, and time 2–5 minutes Strong scalability: Laser cutting, ultrasonic welding, sewing, hot pressing, weaving, lamination and other composite processing methods are available   Market Applications and Industry Adoption EMF metalized fabrics infused with elements such as copper, silver, nickel, and stainless steel are engineered for industrial-grade electromagnetic shielding while ensuring durability and versatility. The versatility of these materials has led to widespread adoption across multiple industries.   Typical Application Scenarios Application areas Example uses Electromagnetic shielding Shielded curtains, military tents, data center shielding cloth Wearable and flexible electronics Smart heating clothing, EMC gloves Conductive fabrics Antistatic clothing, conductive sewing thread, flexible circuits Aerospace Satellite electromagnetic shielding layer, engine thermal insulation components In an increasingly connected world, Faraday bags have gained popularity among law enforcement forensic investigators, tech enthusiasts, professionals, and privacy advocates, reflecting the growing awareness of digital privacy concerns. Based on different product requirements, materials can be further customized, such as controlling the copper-nickel thickness ratio, substrate selection, shielding frequency band optimization, and adjusting the plating process parameters based on specific application requirements.   Consumer Applications: Transforming Everyday Bags Back to our bag field, signal jamming fabric can be used in a wide range of scenarios:   1. Digital Security Bags - "One Bag" Invisibility Solution A layer of signal jamming fabric is lined inside the bag to make a flip-open hidden pocket. For meetings, exams, cinemas, theaters, etc., put your mobile phone/earphones/car keys in it to instantly shield all wireless signals to prevent interference, positioning, eavesdropping, and recording. No need to turn off or turn on the devices, just use and put it away.Companies like SLNT create Faraday bags trusted by Google and the US Army that effortlessly fit into daily routines for continuous data protection, demonstrating the mainstream adoption of this technology.   2. Anti-Theft Card Protection The inner compartment or inner pocket of the wallet or backpack that holds credit cards/passports is replaced with signal jamming fabric as an interlayer to prevent RFID theft and remote scanning. Thinner than traditional aluminum foil interlayer, resistant to bending and folding 20,000 times without cracking. Similar to how booster bags lined with aluminum foil act as Faraday cages, specialized containers are used to resist RFID skimming, but modern fabrics offer superior durability and flexibility.   3. Anti-Tracking Protection - Neutralizing AirTag Surveillance Add a layer of signal jamming fabric in the computer compartment or camera compartment, put in AirTag or smart luggage tag to shield its broadcast signal and avoid malicious tracking. Only shield when needed, take it out to restore positioning.   4. Corporate Data Security Briefcases Designed for business people, the computer backpack or accompanying briefcase is lined with signal jamming material, which can shield electromagnetic leakage of 0-18 GHz and prevent laser eavesdropping or side channel attacks in conference rooms. The material is compliance with IEEE 299/ ASTM D4935 anti-information leakage requirements which can fully ensure information security.   5. Smart Switch Functionality - Manual Control Over Connectivity Combination of signal jamming fabric and ultra-thin conductive zipper, once zipper closed it is full shielding, zipper opened 2 cm signal recover right away. Users can manually decide when to be "online".   To validate the effectiveness of Faraday bags, former FBI Supervisory Special Agent Emmanuel Ladsous conducted a series of thorough experiments. During the tests, he placed active devices—connected via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AM/FM radio, and cellular networks—inside the Faraday bag. Once the bag was sealed, the devices quickly lost all signal connections. This clear and direct demonstration of the bag’s shielding capabilities provides compelling proof of its reliability and has significantly boosted consumer confidence. Future Prospects and Innovation   As communication technologies continue to evolve, new and faster wireless standards like 5G and Huawei’s NearLink are rapidly emerging, making the electromagnetic environment increasingly complex. The development of electromagnetic shielding materials is therefore far from finished. Future innovations may focus on:  Enhancing frequency coverage to support new and emerging communication standards  Improving material flexibility for integration into wearable gear, such as shielded pockets in clothing  Miniaturizing shielding components for seamless integration into consumer products  Reducing production costs through optimized manufacturing processes   Conclusion People should have the fundamental right to disconnect from wireless communication. The rise of signal-blocking fabric is turning digital privacy from a luxury into a basic necessity. Whether you’re protecting trade secrets in a boardroom, securing personal data while traveling, or simply seeking a moment of digital silence in an always-connected world, this material provides a tangible solution to invisible threats. A small piece of fabric may appear ordinary, yet it can instantly sever all wireless connections to safeguard your privacy. If you're planning your next bag design, consider incorporating this “invisible shield” right into it!     Author