Key takeaways
- Leno weave twists warp tapes around each weft so the mesh does not slip — strong, breathable, light.
- Common fill sizes: 10, 20, 25, 30 and 50 kg; bag size depends on produce and bulb size.
- Bag weight (grams per bag) drives both strength and price — specify it.
- Colour sells: red for onions, brown/yellow for potatoes, orange for citrus, plus custom labels.
Fresh produce keeps longest when air can move freely around it. That is why onions, potatoes, garlic, cabbages and citrus travel in leno mesh bags — lightweight polypropylene nets that breathe, drain and still carry 50 kg without tearing.
What makes a leno bag different?
In a normal plain weave, each weft simply passes over and under the warp. In a leno weave, pairs of warp tapes twist around each weft, locking it in place. The result is an open mesh that will not slide or "ladder" when the bag is lifted by its corners. Leno bags are woven on circular or flat looms from polypropylene (sometimes PP/PE blends) and are UV-stabilised for outdoor field use.
Choosing the size
Bag size depends on the produce, its size grade and how full you fill. The table below gives typical starting points:
| Fill weight | Typical size (W × L) | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| 5–10 kg | 30 × 50 to 40 × 60 cm | Retail onions, garlic, citrus |
| 20 kg | 45 × 75 cm | Onions, carrots |
| 25 kg | 50 × 80 cm | Onions, potatoes |
| 30 kg | 55 × 85 cm | Potatoes, cabbages |
| 50 kg | 60 × 90 to 65 × 100 cm | Potatoes, onions in bulk trade |
Always confirm with a fill test using your own produce.
Bag weight: the hidden specification
Two bags of the same size can differ a lot in strength. The key figure is bag weight in grams, which reflects tape thickness and mesh density. Lighter bags are cheaper; heavier bags survive repeated handling, stacking and long transport. When comparing quotes, always compare the gram weight per bag as well as the price.
Colours and why they matter
Colour is a merchandising tool:
- Red makes red and yellow onions look richer and more uniform.
- Orange flatters citrus and sweet potatoes.
- Yellow, brown or white are common for potatoes.
- Purple, green or blue are used for garlic, cabbages or to code grade and origin.
Our Mesh & Leno Bags range includes 20kg 25kg 30kg 50kg Red Mesh Bag Woven Polypropylene PP and 20-50kg Yellow Woven PP Leno Mesh Bags for Agriculture, with custom colours to order.
Closures and branding
- Drawstring tops speed up closing in the field and allow re-opening at market.
- Hemmed tops are tied or clipped on packing lines.
- Printed label strips — a plain woven band sewn or woven into the mesh — carry your brand, origin, weight and grade. This is especially popular for export markets in West Africa, where our 25kg 50kg Senegal Vegetable Onion Potato Fruit Mesh Bag is used.
Mesh bags for firewood and kindling
Leno bags are also ideal for firewood, kindling and logs sold at retail: the open mesh lets wood keep drying and lets buyers see the product. For bulk firewood, choose a vented FIBC instead.
Storage tips
Store empty mesh bags out of direct sunlight. Filled bags should be stacked in ventilated, shaded areas — the mesh lets air in, but heat and sun still shorten produce life and degrade polypropylene over time.
Frequently asked questions
What size mesh bag holds 25 kg of potatoes?
A bag of about 50 × 80 cm is the usual starting point for 25 kg of potatoes; large tubers may need 55 × 85 cm.
Are leno bags reusable?
Heavier leno bags can be reused several times, but they are designed mainly as one-way produce packaging. UV exposure and abrasion gradually weaken them.
Can you print directly on mesh?
The open structure does not print well, so brands use a woven label strip or sewn tag printed with logo, weight and origin.
What is the minimum order for custom-colour mesh bags?
Custom colours require a dedicated production run; share your size and annual volume and we will confirm the MOQ.
