FIBC bags (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container) are widely used across multiple industries to handle, store and move products. They’re cost effective, lightweight and easily recyclable. They’re ideal for any free-flowing granule, powder, pellet or flake and come in a range of sizes to accommodate different weight capacities.
Using fibc bags can reduce overall operating expenses, as they’re often cheaper to buy than drums and bins. They’re also less costly to ship, as shipping costs are based on weight rather than volume. In addition, the reusable nature of FIBC bags helps to reduce disposal costs and minimize landfill waste.
One of the most significant benefits of FIBC bags is their ability to improve worker safety. Repetitive strain injuries are a major concern in warehouse and supply chain work, and moving heavy materials manually can increase the risk of such injuries. Unlike bins and drums, which are often left unattended to be moved manually, bulk bags require the use of mechanical means like forklifts and pallet jacks to move and lift them. This helps to reduce the amount of manual movement of goods, reducing the risk of injury to workers and improving productivity and workflow efficiency.
As an added benefit, FIBC bags are designed to be more durable and long-lasting than other containers. They are made from thick, high-quality polyethylene material that can withstand repeated use and impact. They have reinforced seams that make them resistant to puncture and tearing, and they’re fitted with lifting loops on their body that can withstand heavy loads. They’re usually able to hold up to 4000 pounds of product, depending on the size and design of the bag.
When it comes to choosing an FIBC bag, the type of product you’re planning to transport will determine whether you need a coated or uncoated model. Coated FIBCs are made with a laminated layer of polypropylene that protects the fabric from moisture and dust. This type of bag is typically used for non-hazardous materials, such as flour, sugar, powdered chemicals and soybeans. Uncoated FIBCs, on the other hand, are suitable for many other applications and feature a variety of weave patterns that offer highly-specialized breathable and ventilation functions.
Lastly, the construction style of your FIBC bag will help to determine how well it’s suited for your specific application. A circular bag is made on the loom as a tube and is the least standard model. These bags will not maintain their shape when loaded and will often bulge out in the middle. They can, however, be equipped with cross corner lifting loops.
U-panel FIBCs are the next step up from circular bags and are able to keep their shape much better than other types of FIBCs. They’re sewn together into a “U” shape and feature additional baffles in the corners of the bag that act as pockets for product to flow into. This allows the bag to have a square shape when it’s fully loaded, making it easier to stack and making for a more stable and secure container.