A traction-driven belt for moving a load includes a plurality of tension elements extending longitudinally along a length of the belt, and a plurality of yarns interlaced with the plurality of tension elements forming a composite belt structure. A laminate material layer is affixed to at least one surface of the composite belt structure to improve one or more performance properties of the composite belt structure. A belt for suspending and/or driving an elevator car includes a plurality of tension elements extending longitudinally along a length of the belt, and a plurality of yarns interlaced with the plurality of tension elements forming a composite belt structure. A sheath encloses at least one tension element of the plurality of tension elements. The sheath is formed from a flowable material to bind the tension element to the plurality of yarns, and/or adjacent tension elements.