Shop Towel Manufacturer and Supplier

Material

Shop towels can be made from a variety of materials depending on their intended use and manufacturer. However, some of the most commonly used materials for making shop towels include:

1. Cotton: This is the most popular material used for making shop towels. Cotton is absorbent, durable, and can be washed and reused multiple times.
2. Microfiber: Microfiber shop towels are made from synthetic materials like polyester and nylon. They are highly absorbent, quick-drying, and effective at removing dirt and grime.
3. Paper: Disposable shop towels are often made from paper fibers. These towels are usually single-use and are designed for quick cleanup and disposal.
4. Blended materials: Some shop towels are made from a blend of materials like cotton and polyester. These blends are designed to offer the benefits of both materials, such as durability and absorbency.

The technical ratios of yarn used in shop rags can vary depending on the manufacturer, intended use, and desired characteristics of the towel. However, here are some common technical ratios of yarn used in shop rags:

• 100% cotton: Shop rags made from 100% cotton yarns can range from 10s to 24s single or double yarn. In general, a lower yarn count (such as 10s or 12s) will result in a thicker, more absorbent towel, while a higher yarn count (such as 24s) will produce a thinner, lighter towel.
• Cotton and polyester blend: Shop rags made from a blend of cotton and polyester yarns can have a variety of technical ratios. For example, a common ratio is 85% cotton and 15% polyester, with yarn counts ranging from 10s to 16s.
• Microfiber: Microfiber shop rags are made from synthetic yarns such as polyester and nylon. The technical ratios of these yarns can vary depending on the manufacturer, but typical ratios might be 80% polyester and 20% nylon.
• Rayon: Rayon yarns used in shop rags are typically mixed with other fibers such as polyester or viscose to improve strength and durability. Common technical ratios for rayon shop towels might be 80% rayon and 20% polyester.

It’s important to note that the technical ratios of yarn used in shop rags can vary widely depending on the manufacturer and intended use of the towel. These ratios are just general guidelines and may not apply to all shop towels.

Common Sizes:

• 12 inches by 12 inches: This is a common size for shop towels used for general cleaning and wiping tasks. These towels are often made from cotton or cotton/polyester blends and are designed to be durable and absorbent.
• 14 inches by 14 inches: Another common size for shop towels, these towels are often used in automotive shops and for industrial cleaning tasks. They may be made from cotton, microfiber, or other materials and are designed to be strong and absorbent.
• 16 inches by 16 inches: This is a larger size of shop towel that may be used for more heavy-duty cleaning tasks or for larger spills. These towels may be made from cotton, microfiber, or other materials and are designed to be strong and durable.
• 18 inches by 18 inches: This is a larger size of shop towel that may be used for cleaning and drying large surfaces or for more heavy-duty cleaning tasks. These towels may be made from cotton, microfiber, or other materials and are designed to be strong and absorbent.

Dyeing Strategy

Here are some common dyeing strategies for different types of shop towels:

• Cotton: Cotton shop towels can be dyed using a variety of methods, including direct dyeing, reactive dyeing, and vat dyeing. Direct dyeing involves applying the dye directly to the fabric, while reactive dyeing uses chemicals to bond the dye to the fabric fibers. Vat dyeing involves immersing the fabric in a vat of dye.
• Polyester: Polyester shop towels are often dyed using a method called disperse dyeing. This involves heating the fabric to a high temperature while adding the dye, which causes the dye to bond with the polyester fibers.
• Microfiber: Microfiber shop towels can be dyed using a variety of methods, including direct dyeing and sublimation dyeing. Sublimation dyeing involves printing the design onto a transfer paper and then using heat and pressure to transfer the design onto the fabric.

Weaving

• Plain weave: Plain weave is the most common type of weave used in shop towels. It is a simple over-and-under weave that creates a strong and durable fabric.
• Twill weave: Twill weave is another common weave used in shop towels. It is characterized by a diagonal pattern that is created by the over-and-under pattern of the weave. Twill weave is often used for heavier weight shop towels because it provides added strength and durability.
• Waffle weave: Waffle weave is a textured weave that is often used in shop towels for its absorbency. The weave creates pockets in the fabric that trap moisture and allow the towel to absorb more liquid.
• Ribbed weave: Ribbed weave is a variation of plain weave that creates a ribbed texture in the fabric. This type of weave is often used in shop towels because it provides added texture and scrubbing power.
• Herringbone weave: Herringbone weave is a variation of twill weave that creates a distinctive chevron pattern in the fabric. This type of weave is often used in shop towels for its added strength and durability.

Weights

Here are some common ranges of GSM or weights for shop towels:

• Lightweight shop towels: These towels typically have a GSM of 150-250, or a weight of 1-1.5 pounds per dozen. They are often used for lighter cleaning tasks, such as wiping down surfaces or cleaning up small spills.
• Medium weight shop towels: These towels typically have a GSM of 250-350, or a weight of 1.5-2.5 pounds per dozen. They are often used for general cleaning and wiping tasks in industrial and commercial settings.
• Heavyweight shop towels: These towels typically have a GSM of 350-500, or a weight of 2.5-4 pounds per dozen. They are often used for more heavy-duty cleaning tasks, such as cleaning up grease, oil, or other heavy soiling.

Quality Certifications

Some common quality certifications that may be required for bulk import of shop towels:

• ISO 9001: This is a quality management system certification that sets standards for effective quality management practices. It is often required for products imported into many countries, including the United States, the European Union, and Canada.
• Oeko-Tex Standard 100: This is a certification that verifies that the textile products meet specific safety and environmental standards. It is often required for products imported into Europe and other countries.
• REACH: This is a regulation of the European Union that requires companies to register, evaluate, and authorize chemicals used in textile products. It is often required for products imported into Europe.
• CPSIA: This is a United States regulation that sets safety standards for children’s products. If the shop towels are intended for use by children or may come into contact with children’s products, compliance with CPSIA may be required.
• GOTS: This is a certification that verifies that textile products are made from organic materials and meet specific environmental and social standards. It may be required for products imported into some countries.

Testing Protocols for Shop Towels

Common testing protocols that may be used to check the quality of shop towels:

• Absorbency testing: This involves measuring the amount of liquid that a shop towel can absorb. A standard test involves placing a measured amount of liquid on a flat surface and then placing the shop towel on top of it. The amount of liquid absorbed by the shop towel is then measured.
• Strength testing: This involves measuring the tensile strength of the shop towel, or the amount of force it can withstand before breaking. A standard test involves applying force to the towel using a machine and measuring the force required to break the towel.
• Durability testing: This involves testing the shop towel’s ability to withstand repeated use and washing. A standard test involves washing the towel a certain number of times and then measuring its absorbency and strength to determine whether it has retained its quality.
• Colorfastness testing: This involves testing the shop towel’s ability to retain its color after washing or exposure to light. A standard test involves washing the towel and then measuring the amount of color that has faded.
• Chemical testing: This involves testing the shop towel for the presence of harmful chemicals, such as heavy metals or pesticides. A standard test involves analyzing the towel using laboratory equipment to detect the presence of these substances.

Import Data for Top Shop towels imports

The top 5 countries that imported shop towels in 2020 according to the data published by the United Nations COMTRADE database:

• United States: $207,356,000 USD (import value)
• Germany: $72,437,000 USD (import value)
• Canada: $63,783,000 USD (import value)
• United Kingdom: $47,865,000 USD (import value)
• France: $44,832,000 USD (import value)

The data I provided was based on the 2020 annual trade data for the HS code 6307.10, which includes shop towels and other similar products made of textile materials.