A fibc is an industrial container made of flexible fabric designed for storing and transporting dry, flowable materials like chemicals, minerals, food, pharmaceuticals and pigments. They are collapsible and take up less storage space than traditional containers like drums. They are also easier to stack and load onto trucks and ships, reducing transportation costs and emissions.
FIBCs can be made in various lengths, widths, heights and weight capacities to accommodate different types of products and processes. They are available in a variety of fabrics, colors and coatings to suit specific needs. The most common are woven polypropylene. However, other types of materials include tarpaulin, woven cellulose, and paper. Some are even flame retardant.
When selecting a bag, consider the dimensions of your warehouse, shipping and receiving areas to ensure the product fits. The density of the material is also important. A bulk bag supplier should be able to provide details of the material and help you decide on an appropriate size for your application.
If you’re buying used bags, look for any signs of moisture damage or chemical contamination. It may be difficult to recondition secondhand bulk bags once they’ve been contaminated by mold or harmful substances. In addition, a damaged or worn bag that’s exposed to sunlight can be susceptible to holes and tears.
A woven polypropylene bag has a low breakdown voltage, which protects the contents from static electricity buildup and discharge (SED). This is a crucial feature for certain types of chemicals that can create a fire hazard when they react with air or water. A high breakdown voltage also prevents a bag from safely carrying powders or other materials that generate fine particles.
The flexible nature of a FIBC allows for a higher density of product to be transported than would be possible in rigid intermediate bulk containers (RIBs). In addition, the large capacity of a FIBC means it can be shipped as break bulk, allowing for greater efficiency when loading and unloading vessels.
Workers can move a FIBC around a warehouse with standard equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks, resulting in improved safety by eliminating the need for manual movement of heavy containers. It can also reduce labor costs by allowing one worker to handle multiple bags at once, thereby lowering the number of trips required.