Bulk bags are a versatile, flexible, lightweight, and durable storage and/or transportation vessel. Because of this, there are thousands of various applications across a plethora of industries. However, there are certain industries where it almost seems like FIBCs were made to be used. One of those industries is the supplements industry.
What about the supplement industry lends itself to being such a good fit for bulk bags? What other similar industry application would be a good fit? Let’s explore.
The Supplement Industry
The Supplement industry is massive and continuing to grow in the United States on a yearly basis. It is estimated that the entire industry generated economic activity valued at around $122 billion in 2016 alone (click here to check out this story). As this industry has continued to grow and become more sophisticated – so have their need for flexible lightweight storage vessels that can accommodate their products and the various inputs involved.
The facilities that manufacture supplements are often dealing with fine powders as product ingredients – often organic materials and products that will eventually be ingested. This presents challenges for the industry as any equipment used during the manufacturing process needs to be food-safe and have the ability to store and transport large quantities of fine powders safely and without leakage.
Sift Proof and Coated Bulk Bags
Addressing one of the various challenges facing the supplement industry are sift-proof bulk bags. As noted earlier, dealing with fine powders and other fine materials is a difficult task. Keeping those powders inside a container during transport and storage paramount to the clean operation of any facility. During the manufacturing process, parts of a standard FIBC are sewn together. During this process small needles are used created small holes in the fabric of the bag. Fine powders and other fine materials can seep through these holes during handling, transportation, and/or storage.
In these situations, you have two different bag options. The first is a coated bag. It does a good job in many applications, but it’s not a perfect solution. The second option is sift-proof bags. Sift-proof bags have sift-resistant seams inserted into the bag construction during the manufacturing process (read more about sift proof bags by clicking here).
Food Grade FIBCs
Another concern/challenge facing the supplement industry is the clean manufacturing of the various products they sell. Supplements are ingested, and because of this the industry is subjected to many of the same regulations as food companies. This again requires equipment used in supplement manufacturers facilities to meet those same specifications and be certified for use with food.
Food grade FIBCs are specially manufactured to be safe for use with food products. They are made with 100% virgin polypropylene resin that contains 0% recycled materials. The facilities that manufacture food grade bags are certified by the GFSI and meet the specifications and standards put forth by the FDA. To learn more about food grade bags, check out our page on nationalbulkbag.com (also be sure to download our Guide to Purchasing Food Grade Bulk Bags!).
Using Liners with Anti-Static Properties
FIBC liners are another great option if keeping out contaminates is of utmost importance. Most liners are able to be sealed after the bag is filled offering additional protection from outside contaminates and helping products like fine powders stay in the bag during handling. Many liners also offer solid static protection. This is especially relevant when in facilities where static electricity is a common issue.
Thanks for Reading!
In today’s competitive food marketplace, IFS and other GFSI recognized accreditation are increasingly important and you need the right packing to ensure compliance.
With over 20 years of food industry experience, National Bulk Bag has the expertise to help you select the right food grade certified bag for your product.
Click the button below to download our Food Grade Buyer’s Guide. By downloading this guide, you will get access to our food grade comparison chart, things you should look for in a food grade supplier, and everything else you need to know about purchasing food grade bags.
