'Green' models lead selections

	This solar bag from Ningbo Bojie can charge mobile phones in two hours.

The recent designs are coated with earth-friendly PVC and boast recycled PET fabric bodies.

China suppliers of school bags are highlighting environmental protection in their latest releases.

In this regard, makers are adopting eco-friendly PVC as coating material in response to stricter export regulations on phthalates. Such versions, however, are 20 to 30 percent costlier than ordinary PVC and raise product prices 5 to 10 percent.

A few models utilize PU and food-grade PVC. Compared with environmentally safe PVC, the former is thinner and yields a finish that is not as smooth.

The use of food-grade PVC, meanwhile, makes products 20 percent more expensive.

For bodies, recycled PET fabric, which is double the cost of polyester, is gaining preference because of better degradability and visual appeal. Its application increases quotes between 30 and 40 percent.

Xiamen Idea Star Import & Export Co. Ltd is among the suppliers of school bags in China that offer items made of the material.

Still in line with the environment-friendly trend, a growing number of specialists in solar products are expanding their selections to include bags. These models generate electrical energy without carbon dioxide emissions, thereby helping reduce greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

Mainstream designs can supply power to portable electronic devices such as digital cameras, mobile phones, laptops and MP3 players after two or three hours of direct exposure to sunlight.

In addition, these meet CE and RoHS requirements.

To boost production and ensure quality of its releases, Ningbo Bojie Solar Energy Co. Ltd established a factory devoted to the manufacture of solar bags.

Designs from the supplier utilize monocrystalline panels in converting UV light. Models also boast battery packs fitted with Li-polymer cells, which serve as universal chargers.

These releases generate between 0.8 and 12W. Prices range from $12 to $200. Going for $12 to $20, school versions have energy ratings of 0.8W.

Products in this category, together with trolley versions, have a main, front and two side pockets. The last are often made of mesh.

Most models have additional compartments to store pencils, mobile phones and other small items. An extra pocket raises prices about $0.30.

Earphone holes and reflectors are also common, increasing quotes $0.15.

To enhance user comfort, some releases have wider straps with EVA padding. These versions are 10 to 60 percent more expensive, depending on the construction.

Backpacks and trolley bags measure between 25 and 46cm in height. Shoulder types, meanwhile, are 16 to 33cm high.

Most designs meet EN 71-3 and ASTM D4236 requirements. Some products, including those from Mayflower Enterprise Ltd, pass EN 71-9 and CPSIA standards.

In addition, the Fujian province-based supplier is currently taking steps to finalize its registration for REACH compliance by the middle of this year.

In terms of materials, nylon and polyester with densities of 420 and 600d, respectively, dominate options. The former is smoother and has better luster, raising prices 10 percent.

Versions in 70 and 1680d are adopted as well. The latter construction is mainly utilized for models catering to teenagers and adds 30 percent to quotes.

Companies are also using microfiber, which is softer and has greater durability than polyester and nylon. This increases prices 5 percent. Designs in canvas and denim, meanwhile, are 30 to 50 percent more expensive.

To enrich visual appeal, makers are employing nylon and polyester dobby ripstop. These are 15 to 30 percent costlier the regular variants, and add between 10 and 30 percent to prices.

As regards patterns, cartoon motifs are still popular. A few suppliers, including Mayflower and Quanzhou Shanliang Bags & Shoes Co. Ltd, hold licenses to use Disney images.

Silk-screening remains the most common method of design application. Heat transfer, meanwhile, is gaining attention because of better precision. Quanzhou Xinghai Bags Co. Ltd, for example, utilizes this technique on half of its school bag exports.

Logos and other details can also be embroidered. This option, together with heat transfer, is 40 percent costlier and increases quotes 10 to 20 percent.

To achieve better aesthetics, many suppliers combine two or more printing methods.

China is home to an estimated 3,000 makers of the line. The majority are bag specialists, offering a range of categories.

Most have in-house cutting, sewing and surface treatment facilities. Printing is subcontracted.

Manufacturing inputs such as fabrics, plastic and zippers are usually outsourced.

To ensure quality and shorten delivery time, some large companies perform vertically integrated production of materials and components.

In addition, most top-tier enterprises have established their brands in the domestic market and are under efforts to do the same abroad.

Many small and midsize suppliers, meanwhile, remain focused on OEM and ODM.

The provinces of Fujian, Zhejiang and Guangdong are the main sourcing centers of school bags in the country. The first is the largest hub where the bulk of factories and trading companies are located.

Makers in Zhejiang, meanwhile, offer mainly low-end and midrange models.