What is an FIBC bulk bag?

Short for flexible intermediate bulk container, an FIBC is a large, industrial bag used for storing and transporting significant volumes of dry, pourable goods – and sometimes liquids. They are typically made from woven polypropylene fabric due to its strength, lightweight nature, and resistance to moisture and UV radiation – all great qualities for bulk material handling. FIBCs find use in a range of industries from construction and landscaping through to recycling and waste management, which we’ll cover later. 

FIBC bags are also known as: 

Bulk bags

Bulk sacks

Super sacks

Bulk totes

Jumbo bags

Super bags

One-ton bags

Bulk containers

Container bags

Tote bags

Big bags

Tonne bags

Which industries use FIBC bags?

Owing to their durability, versatility and ability to handle large volumes of goods, FIBC bags have applications spanning a range of industries.

Here are some primary industries that use them for storing and transporting materials in bulk:

Agriculture – seeds, grains, fertilisers and animal feed.

Chemical – powdered, granular and pelletised chemicals.

Construction – sand, gravel, cement, and other construction materials.

Food and Beverage – sugar, flour, starch, etc.

Mining – minerals, ores and other mining products.

Pharmaceutical – pharmaceutical ingredients. 

Plastics – granules and resins.

Recycling – plastics, paper and metals.

Petroleum – drilling mud, catalysts, and other petroleum-related products.

Textiles – raw materials and finished textile products.

What benefits do FIBC bags offer?

Many FIBCs have a SF (Safety Factor) of 6:1 which means they can be reused up to six times, spreading the cost across multiple uses and leading to less frequent repurchasing.

Their reusability and recyclability contributes to environmental sustainability and CSR efforts.

Weaving polypropylene strands into fabric creates strong bonds, allowing these bags to hold significant weight without tearing. As a result, they are the preferred choice for heavy-duty packaging and industrial applications.

The bag’s lightness means no unnecessary weight is added to shipments, making it more economical to transport goods.

Polypropylene’s resistance to moisture, chemicals and UV radiation protects against leaks and contamination.

Why are FIBC bulk bags an economical and efficient choice?

There are tons and tons of reasons, but here are the most important ones:

When compared to other bulk packaging options, FIBCs are relatively affordable, with a lower cost per unit of material stored or transported.

The ability to hold large quantities of material reduces the number of FIBCs needed, easing handling, transportation and storage costs.

Features for easy filling, handling and emptying using forklifts and cranes are designed in, reducing labour and associated costs, while boosting productivity.

Their flexibility makes for great space-efficiency. When empty, the bags can be folded flat to take up minimal storage space and they are equally efficient when filled.

FIBCs are versatile, allowing businesses to use a single type of packaging for many materials, which can simplify procurement and inventory management.

Conclusion

No matter what industry you’re in, FIBC bags are indispensable for safely and efficiently storing and transporting large volumes of goods due to their durability, versatility and affordability. Get in touch with us today to find out how FIBC bags can be beneficial for your business. 

Looking to buy? Head over to our FIBC bulk bag page where you can explore a range of options. Need advice? Call us on 02476 420065 and friendly member of our sales team will be happy to help with your queries. 

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