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What Are FIBC Bags? An Essential Guide to Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers

The importance of efficient bulk material handling in today’s global supply chain cannot be overstated, which explains the long-standing international acceptance and use of Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs) as a proven and reliable form of bulk packaging to safely and effectively handle many dry flowable products. The reasons for this include economic (cost-effective), environmental (reusable and recyclable), and operational (safety, compliance) factors that help to define the right FIBC.  Here, we’ll define FIBCs and provide a clear, comprehensive overview of these versatile, cost-effective industrial packaging essentials.

FIBC Bulk Bags: What and Why

What Are FIBC BagsFIBCs are large, flexible woven polypropylene containers designed specifically for commercial storage and transportation of a wide variety of industrial-based dry flowable materials.  Key features of FIBCs include their flexibility, versatility, strength, durability, reusability, and recyclability.  A majority of FIBCs made for standard industrial use typically have a filled capacity ranging from 1,100 lbs. to 4,400 lbs. (500 kg to 2,000 kg) and are fully customizable to meet specific customer requirements and published industry standards & regulations.

FIBC Designs include One Loop, Two Loop, U-panel, 4-panel, Baffled, and circular designs. The structural differences among these basic FIBC designs significantly influence how the bag performs, maintains its filled shape, and handles various contents. 

  • U-Panel FIBCs: The main body of the FIBC is constructed using one continuous piece of woven PP fabric that forms the “U” shape of the FIBC. Two separate side panels are attached to the central U-shaped panel with two continuous sewn seams that form the body of the FIBC.
  • 4-Panel FIBCs: The main body of the FIBC is constructed from four individual side panels and one bottom panel assembled into a cube or rectangular shape with four main vertical sewn seams and four horizontal bottom sewn seams
  • Circular/Tubular FIBCs: The main body of the FIBC is constructed using a single section of tubular fabric, woven on a circular loom, and cut to the specific desired length. The tubular body fabric eliminates any vertical sewn seams on the body of the bag. The top and bottom panels are sewn into the tubular body to form a container with only two seams at the top and bottom. The seamless body provides excellent strength and improves anti-sifting properties due to fewer seams.

Standard FIBC Capabilities:

  • Filled weights up to 4,400 # capacity (Safe Working Load)
  • Non-Dangerous Goods
    • 5 to 1 Safety Factor – Single Trip – in accordance with ISO 21898
    • 6 to 1 Safety Factor – Standard Duty – in accordance with ISO 21898
  • UN Regulated Goods – in accordance with 49 CFR
  • Coated or uncoated fabrics
  • Lined or unlined
  • Baffled – made with inner baffles to maintain the desired shape of the filled FIBC

INDUSTRIAL GRADE APPLICATIONS

FOOD GRADE APPLICATIONS: GFSI recognized quality schemes: BRCGS, FSSC 22000

PHARMA GRADE APPLICATIONS: Clean Room Manufacturing

FIBC Types include extra features or designs that meet specific electrostatic properties based on the manufacturing environment where the FIBCs are being used.  Identifying the correct electrostatic classification is extremely important to understand when choosing the right FIBC for a specific use and manufacturing environment.

The four types of FIBCs are:

  1. Type A: FIBCs made from non-conductive materials without any built-in mechanism for controlling and dissipating static charge. They should only be used in non-flammable environments.
  2. Type B: Similar to Type A FIBCs, they are made from non-conductive materials without any built-in mechanism for controlling and dissipating static charge. Type B FIBCs have a low breakdown voltage (<6kV) to prevent propagating brush discharges.
  3. Type C (Conductive/Groundable): Type C bags are typically made from non-conductive fabrics with interwoven conductive threads that form a grid. Type C FIBCs must be grounded.
  4. Type D (Static Dissipative): Type D (CROHMIQTM) FIBCs are manufactured from non-conductive fabrics that are interwoven with quasi-conductive fibers in the warp direction that dissipate static charges through a low-energy corona discharge. Type D FIBCs do not need to be grounded.

Type B, Type C, & Type D FIBCs must be properly labeled in accordance with IEC 61340-4-4.

Industries Served:

The sheer diversity and scope of industries worldwide that seek to capture the benefits of FIBC bags and their reasons for doing so are staggering.  FIBCs are most widely embraced across these key market sectors:

  1. Agriculture
  2. Animal Nutrition
  3. Chemical – Specialty Chemical
  4. Construction
  5. Food & Food Ingredients
  6. Mining & Minerals
  7. Paints & Pigments
  8. Plastics & Resins
  9. Pharmaceuticals

This overview only begins to highlight the important role FIBCs play in today’s industrial sectors and the global supply chain, providing many uses and solutions for shipping and storage needs.

Ready to explore highly adaptable FIBC solutions for your application and industry? Contact a Material Motion representative at inquiry@materialmotion.com.