Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBC), also known as bulk bags, are a cost effective bulk packaging solution. Although bulk bags are very affordable, a market for inexpensive “used bulk bags” has begun to develop. FIBC “recyclers” and “refurbishers” such as Bulk Bag Reclamation have been popping up to capitalize on this new developing market.

Although saving money is an attractive option for businesses of all shapes and sizes, we would like to encourage you to exercise caution when considering taking advantage of these cheaper refurbished bulk bags. Not only are most bulk bags not manufactured for multiple uses, but safely reusing bulk bags is a complex and tedious process. Here are our top 5 reasons why you should avoid used bulk bags. 

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1. Not all bulk bags are manufactured to be used multiple times. 

Most woven polypropylene bulk bags are manufactured for one use/one trip. These single use/single trip bags are rated at a 5:1 safety factor ratio (SFR) which means that they have the ability to hold five times the amount of their safe work load (SWL). Some bulk bags are manufactured for multiple uses. These multiple use/multiple trip bags are rated at a 6:1 safety factor ration which means they have the ability to hold six times their rated safe work load.

Not all bags are rated for multiple uses. Using single trip bags multiple times can be very dangerous and result in an unsafe working environment. When purchasing used bulk bags, how can you ensure that you are actually getting a 6:1 bag? Even more important, how was the bag used and was it used properly? These are all tough questions to answer when purchasing bags that have been used. 

Key Safety Tip: Although bulk bags are rated to hold 5 to 6 times the rated safe working load, doing so is unsafe and is not recommended. For more information on 5:1 and 6:1 bulk bags, check out our resource “FIBC Bulk Bag Safety: 5:1 vs 6:1”.

2. Reusable bulk bags should be used in a closed loop system.

Even if you’re able to verify that the used bags that you’re purchasing are 6:1 SFR bags, Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Association (also known as FIBCA) suggests that multiple use/trip bags should be used in a closed loop system and cleaned, reconditioned, and qualified for reuse after every fill and discharge of the bag. The bag should also be used for storing/transporting the same product in the same application every time.\ 

Following the protocol laid out by FIBCA on reusing bulk bags may prove problematic when purchasing a used bag especially since the bag already will not be used in a closed loop system. For more best practices on reusing bulk bags, click here.

3. Remnants of previously held product can contaminate the product you want to fill the bag with.

Bulk bags should not be filled with different types of products/materials. Each bulk bag, whether it’s a multi-use bag or single-use bag, is manufactured to transport and store one product. Hauling different products/materials in a bag can result in contamination of said products which can have catastrophic consequences for your business, especially when it comes to food grade applications.

Used bag sellers may make claims that their bags have been completely cleaned, reconditioned, and ready to use for any product/material, but this is hard to verify. Is it really worth risking contaminating your product/material to save a few dollars on each bag?

4. Bulk bag may not be the optimal option for your product/application. 

FIBCs come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are highly customizable. Each bag can be manufactured specifically to meet each user’s unique product/material and application. With a variety of filling & discharging options, cubic foot capacities, safe working loads, etc, there may be better bag options for your company that you are missing out on by buying bags that have been used.

To maximize the potential of using bulk bags, work with an expert to determine which type of bag is right for your product/material and application and avoid using bags that have been used before.

5. Bulk bags can degrade when introduced to heavy UV ray exposure making used bulk bags a potential safety hazard. 

FIBCs are often used outdoors and exposed to the elements. When exposed to heavy UV rays, bulk bags can begin to degrade compromising the structural integrity of the bag making it unsafe to use. What is even more troubling is the fact that signs of an unsafe bag can be hard to see to the untrained eye and without a very thorough inspection and rigorous testing, using a bag that has already been used can be dangerous.

Thanks for reading! 

Thanks for reading! We hope you found this post both useful and informative.

Safety and reliability is our number one priority. Each bag that we sell has a safe working load (SWL) - with the most common being 2,200 lbs. and 3,000 lbs. To make sure the product you’re packing will not exceed the SWL of the bag you’re interested in, you’ll need to know the bulk density of the product you’re packing as well as the cubic foot capacity of the bag.

Click the link below to download our Product Weight Guide and FIBC Volume Calculator to help you determine how much weight a specific FIBC will hold.