dust collector filter bags

Polyester vs Polypropylene Industry Use


Today we are exploring the differences between Polyester vs Polypropylene filter bags. Polyester is one of the most widely used filter bag medias in the dust collection industry because of its reliable performance in a broad range of applications, relatively low cost, and availability. Many industries including food manufacturing, woodworking, metalworking, building products, and energy have used polyester filter bags to achieve peak dust collection performance. If you continuously operate between temperatures of ambient – 275 degrees Fahrenheit and you have less than 10% moisture in your application, then polyester may be the right fit for your application.

Polypropylene is also another relatively low-cost filter bag media. The main difference between polyester and polypropylene is how well polypropylene can withstand moisture. If your continuous operating temperatures are between ambient – 170 degrees Fahrenheit, and you have more than 10% moisture in your application, then Polypropylene could be the right fit for your baghouse.

To find out which media is the right fit for your specific application you can take our filter bag media quiz that will provide an instant recommendation based on your application.


Polyester vs Polypropylene Filter Bag Treatments and Finishes


Depending on your specific needs an additional filter bag treatment or finish could be lengthen the life of your filter bags.

Polyester Filter Bag Finishes & Treatments



  • PTFE Membrane - Can double the life of a standard filter bag, reduce wear and tear, reduce maintenance costs, reduce energy costs, and more.

  • Hydro-oleophobic coating - Aids in filtration and adds resistance to water and oils.

  • Acrylic - Can help improve cake release and filtration efficiency in certain applications.

  • Anti-static - Helps ground the filter bag.

  • Singed - Removes straggly fibers which provides a uniform surface area and improved dust cake release.

  • Glazed – Improved mechanical stability since fibers are fused to the body of the filter medium.

  • Calendered - Flattens and smooths the filter medium. This can increase surface life, dimensional stability, and provides a more uniform fabric surface.


Characteristic Rating
Relative Cost $
Max Continuous Operating Temperature 275 Degrees F.
Abrasion Excellent
Energy Absorption Excellent
Filtration Properties Excellent
Moist Heat Poor
Alkaline Fair
Mineral Acids Fair
Oxygen (15%+) Excellent

Polypropylene Filter Bag Finishes & Treatments



  • PTFE Membrane

  • Singed

  • Glazed


Characteristic Rating
Relative Cost $
Max Continuous Operating Temperature 170 Degrees F.
Abrasion Excellent
Energy Absorption Good
Filtration Properties Good
Moist Heat Excellent
Alkaline Excellent
Mineral Acids Excellent
Oxygen (15%+) Excellent

Dust Collector Filter Bag Resources


If you’re looking for additional filter bag resources such as construction, air-to-cloth ratio or dust properties you can download our filter bag eBook below. You can also access our filter bag characteristics chart below.





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 We understand that every dust collection project is unique and requires a specific approach. For help with your air pollution control needs, reach out to one of our knowledgeable team members below.