Updated: 1-19-2023
Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs) are an ideal bulk packaging option for businesses all over the world. These industrial containers provide a cost-effective option for a wide range of applications. Whether you are storing and/or transporting a dry flowable product, food grade products, or even hazardous materials, bulk bags can store and transport your product safely and efficiently.
If you are exploring new methods for transporting and storing your product or wondering why you should continue to use FIBCS, here are 6 reasons why.
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1) Customizable
Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers are a versatile bulk packaging option and can be customized to meet your operation's needs. Customizable features on a bag include:
- Size & capacity
- Filling & discharging features
- Safe working load (SWL)
- Color
- Type of bag (A, B, C, & D)
- Food grade
- And more!
Bulk bags are highly customizable and can be utilize for a wide variety of products across many industries, such as construction industry, agricultural industry, and pharmaceutical industries to name a few. More custom options are available and most capable suppliers should have a trained staff to help you navigate the process of building a custom bag that meet the specific requirements of your application.
2) Package to Product Weight Ratio
Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers have the lowest package to product weight ratio of any intermediate bulk container available meaning you can ship a lot of product with little additional packaging weight. Using a standard size bag such as 35x35x35 uncoated, you can ship up to one metric ton of product with a package weight as little as 5-7 pounds!
3) No Pallets Necessary
Unlike gaylord boxes and other types of bulk containers, FIBCs can be handled, transported, and stored without pallets because they are equipped with lifting loops easily used by forklifts, cranes and hoists. Not requiring pallets also limits their overall footprint which helps make them one of the most versatile bulk packaging options available.
4) Bulk Bags vs Gaylords
FIBC bulk bags offer a number of advantages over corrugated gaylord containers. FIBCs are generally less costly to produce in comparison to a gaylord box. Another benefit is that FIBC bulk bags are more durable and flexible than corrugated containers, meaning they can be reused multiple times.
Warehouse space is extremely valuable and for many businesses, quite limited. With this in mind, flexible intermediate bulk containers are an ideal choice. FIBCs when not in use can be folded flat and use a fraction of the space required by other bulk containers. Additionally, when bulk bags are being utilized, they can often be stacked to save valuable warehouse space.
Click here to learn more about switching from gaylords to FIBC bulk bags.
5) Product Versatility
Bulk bags are one of the most versatile bulk packaging options available and can be used to transport and store a wide range of solid products such as, but not limited to:
- Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals
- Metals, Minerals, & Mining
- Food Grade Products
- Agriculture
- Construction/Building Materials
- Dairy, Meat, and Poultry
- And much more!
6) Recyclable (Environmentally Friendly)
Most flexible intermediate bulk containers are made from virgin woven polypropylene which is a common plastic that can be re-purposed into other plastic products. Most bags are suitable for recycling including those used to store and transport construction materials, chemicals, grains, fertilizers, pigments and plastics.
Some bags are also reusable. Bags with a safety factor ratio of 6:1 are specifically designed for multiple uses. For more information on recycling and reusing bags, see our post “Reuse and Recycle Guidelines for Bulk Bags” by clicking here.
Note: Recycling facilities typically require truckload quantities of FIBC's to take advantage of the service. For more information on bag recyclers, consult with your bag supplier.
Thanks For Reading!
It's our mission to make your bag buying experience easy, informative, and enjoyable. We also want to share our knowledge with you, so you can make the best purchasing decision for the company you represent. Our Buyer's Guide to Purchasing Bulk Bags includes critical information ranging from types of bags to important safety information about handling and transportation.
Download the guide by clicking below. By downloading, you’ll learn all about:
- Types of bags
- Coated vs. Uncoated
- Liners
- Bags with baffles
- Types of lift loops
- 5:1 & 6:1 safety guideline
- Much more!
Click the button below to download our comprehensive buyer’s guide.
