California is on its way to being the first state to ban single-use plastic bags at many retail outfits. In August, the state assembly passed legislation that would prohibit single-use plastic bags at grocery stores and large pharmacies in 2015 and at convenience stores in 2016, according to the government affairs staff at INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry. The bill has been described as one of the most contentious during the last legislative session—supported by environmental groups in an effort to reduce litter on the streets and beaches and opposed by plastic bag makers and some Republican lawmakers.

Already many localities, including over 100 in California, has adopted similar bans in recent years, and many cities across the nation, including New York City, have similar legislation under consideration. These laws have shifted from taxing the use of plastic bags to banning them entirely. The California measure allows grocers to charge 10 cents each for paper and reusable bags and includes $2 million in loans to help manufacturers shift to the new model.

The California ruling still requires the signature of Governor Jerry Brown, but if his enivoronmental track record is any indication, chances are good that the bill will become law.

As additional localities and states focus on banning the use of plastic bags, which create unnecessary waste and litter, the market for reusable bags, many of which are made from nonwovens, will continue to grow. According to statistics provided by INDA, there are about 300 manufacturers of nonwoven carrier bags in China. These bags are made from spunbond polypropylene, which offers high strength, low cost and can be converted using a low-cost heat sealing method and printed easily. INDA estimates the market size to be about 3.87 billion square meters, growing about 7% per year.

But low-cost, Chinese-made spunbond is not the only nonwoven penetrating this market. In recent years, DuPont has applied its flashspun Tyvek nonwovens to the carrier bag market, as well. Created through a partnership with Earthwise brand, Tyvek shopping bags are being billed as the first 100% biodegradable and compostable bag on the market. According to Earthwise, Tyvek bags have been tested to hold up to 65 pounds, are machine washable and dryable and can easily be printed.