FIBC Bags Questions and Answers

Answer-1: FIBC is an acronym of flexible intermediate bulk containers also commonly known as bulk bags, bulk containers; super sacks etc are big jumbo bags to carry goods and liquids. The bulk bags are generally used to store food grains or to transport dry products.

Answer-2: The bag is made up of 100% virgin polypropylene, a petroleum-based product which is a tough relatively inert thermoplastic and used mainly in industries when need to transport in bulk.

Answer-3: The capacity of the FIBC bag ranges from 500 lbs to 4,000 lbs. Custom design bags are manufactured to hold more than 5,000 lbs

Answer-4: As the FIBC bags are made up from 100% virgin polypropylene or woven polypropylene, these bags are totally recyclable. Recycling is preferred by big industries where there is a demand for bags in larger quantity and has large storage capacity as well as supply.

Answer-5: During the extrusion process, an additive is added to the resin which safeguards the FIBC bag from UV rays. It assists in protecting the bulk bag from the harmful effects of UV rays, protecting it from degrading and becoming unstable and unsafe.

Answer-6: Yes, FIBC bulk bags do come with liners and the most common ones are form-fit liners and tube liners. These liners can be attached to the bag or are also inserted loosely.

Answer-7: There is some set of industrial material test such as drop test, tear test etc to be conducted by various accredited authorities to certify for UN certification. This certification is valid for one year.

Answer-8: 5:1 SF Safety Factor Ratio as per ISO 21898 norms, which means that the bag is specified to hold 5 times the amount of the bags SWL. SWL stands for Safe Working Load and showcases the weight the FIBC is tested to safely carry.

Answer-9: Yes, the Bulk bags can be printed although the cost varies depending upon how many sides you need to be printed and the number of colours.

Answer-10: You can use the FIBC more than once if the bag comes with 5:1 SF or above. Generally, it is not advisable to reuse FIBC bags more than once as the loops can break down or fabric may wear out.

Answer-11: A U-Panel bag requires 2 seams along 2 opposite sides to create 2 panels and a U Panel shape. This style of bulk bag has become the industry standard in the United States.

Answer-12: Circular bags are made from fabric that has been woven on a circular loom. The fabric is woven into a continuous tube of fabric and then cut to the correct size height.  The tubular body design is ideal as a linerless option for fine materials. It is also an excellent alternative to the original four-panel bag construction.  Capacity is up to 4000 lbs.

Answer-13: A four-panel bag is the original polypropylene design.  This design requires seams along with four separate pieces of fabric sewn to create a four-panel bag.  Capacity is up to 4400 lbs.

Answer-14: Baffles are pieces of fabric that are sewn to the inside corners of a bag to maintain its cube shape after filling. The baffles have holes that allow the product to flow freely through them. The baffles also prevent the bag from bulging, which makes the bag stand up straight and in turn allows the bags to be more efficient in their use of space.  Net and tie baffles are another type of baffle option, but not as common.

Answer-15: A Type-A bag is constructed from non-treated insulating fabric.  No requirements are specified for type A bulk bag as they are not intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. 

Answer-16: A Type-B Bag is constructed from insulating fabric but has a breakdown voltage less than 6kV.  This provision prevents the risk of energetic propagating brush discharges which can ignite the dust-air mixture.  Type B bags may be used in the presence of the combustible dust with MIE of greater than 3mj but in the absence of flammable vapours of gases.

Answer-17: A Type-C Bag is constructed from fabrics having inter-connected conductive threads.  The bag must be electrically grounded during filling and emptying. They are used safely to transport flammable powders.

Answer-18: A Type-D Bag is constructed from antistatic fabric that includes static dissipative, like Crohmiq type bulk bag. This type of bulk bag does not require grounding.

Answer-19: Crohmiq is a brand name of a static dissipative fabric patented by Texene Packaging Fabrics.  Only a few bulk bag manufacturers in the world have the ability to produce this type of Crohmiq fabric.  Ask your Global-Pak representative for a quote today.

Answer-20: A standard fill spout is a spout with a 14" diameter opening in the top (centre) of the bag and is usually 18" long.  It's designed to allow the user to fill the bag, minimizing dust occurrences as the bag is being filled. The length of a standard fill spout is 18" long. Spouts can be customized to fit any individual application.

Answer-21: A duffel top is typically a 30" high "skirt" sewn to the top of a bulk bag.  The duffel usually comes with a tie allowing the user to secure the duffel closed and at the same time allowing the user full access to the product.

Answer-22: The main difference between the duffel top and open top is the duffel itself.  An open-top bag is simply a bulk bag without a top closure, keeping the product exposed.