Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers, also known as FIBCs, are used in a variety of facilities including food manufacturing and food processing plants. Food grade bulk bags are a great option for transporting and storing food and food related products. Lets examine the five biggest reasons why successful commercial food companies use food grade bags over alternative handling methods.

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Reason #1: Made From FDA Approved Materials

Food grade bulk bags are made from 100% virgin polypropylene resin, which meets standards outlined by the FDA for contact with food grade materials. It is extremely important they are manufactured with 100% virgin resin as this insures there are no recycled materials included in the bags that could contaminate food once in the bag.

For more information on the importance of 100% virgin polypropylene resin, click here. 

Reason #2: Safe For Food Contact - BRC Certified

If you're sourcing food grade bags from a supplier, be sure your bags are manufactured in a BRC certified facility. BRC certification became a GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) recognized standard in 1998 which means it meets the GFSI standards to ensure bags are manufactured in a clean room and the facilities meet the minimum standards found here. 

GFSI is a non-profit foundation created with the mission to globalize the food safety process and is recognized and supported by many of the world’s largest food manufacturers.

GFSI also recognizes the following third-party safety schemes:

• Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI)
• Food Safety System Certification 22000
• International Featured Standards (IFS)

Reason #3: Cost Effective 

When it comes to bulk packaging options, it is hard to beat the cost effectiveness and versatility of FIBCs. Bulk bags have the ability to hold thousands of pounds (up to 4,000 lbs.) for a low dollar amount and can be safely handled by numerous vehicles including forklifts, cranes, and hoists. 

Unused flexible intermediate bulk containers can be folded into a compact size making them easy to store saving valuable warehouse space and saving your business money. 

Reason #4: Reusable/Recyclable

Food grade bags are made from 100% virgin polypropylene resin giving them the ability to be recycled (in most circumstances by the truck load). Also, some bags are also specifically manufactured to be used multiple times. Bags with a 6:1 safety factor ratio can be used more than once as long as they are used within a “Closed Loop” system where the bag is cleaned, reconditioned and qualified for reuse to handle the same product in the same application for which the bag was originally designed.

For more information on FIBC reuse guidelines, read our “Reuse and Recycle Guidelines” by clicking here.

Reason #5: Variety of Design Options

FIBCs are extremely versatile offering various filling and discharging options, bag bottom options, as well as a wide range of cubic food capacities and safe working loads. They also have the ability to carry almost any bulk material and can be custom built to fit your specific product/material and application.

For more information on bag customization options, click here.