A fibc big bag, also known as a flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC), is an industrial packaging material used to transport and store materials like legal cannabis, hemp, agricultural and pharmaceutical products. FIBCs are made from thick, woven tapes of virgin polypropylene, a soft thermoplastic that is easy to work with and economical. These bags can be reused, which reduces waste and saves time compared to traditional rigid containers that need to be cleaned and sterilized before each use.
Depending on the type of product being stored, an FIBC may come with a liner or without. Liners help prevent the powders from leaking or puffing up during storage and transportation, which can be particularly challenging for finer, lighter powders. They are also helpful for keeping out moisture and oxygen, which can damage the FIBC. Some bags have a liner built into the bag, while others can be supplied with liners that are separate from the woven polypropylene. The latter option is reusable and offers more possibilities for working with a wide variety of products and applications.
The lining is usually made of food-grade, high-density polyethylene (LDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). The lining is either blown or sewn into the bag to form a seal around the powders and protect them from moisture, oxygen, dust, and other contaminants. The lining can also be designed to have conductive or static dissipative properties. Food-grade FIBCs are also required to comply with specific industry certifications like AIB, BRC, and SQF.
During the manufacturing process, FIBC manufacturers can add lifting loops and filling/discharging mechanisms to the bag. These features make it easier to lift and transport the bag when filled and empty, as well as to connect the FIBC to a crane or forklift.
These bags can also be printed with a variety of information, such as operating and safety instructions, the bag’s SF X: X certification classification, and barcodes. This helps to improve traceability and inventory management, especially when multiple FIBCs are being used by different companies.
When the FIBC is no longer in use, it can be recycled by being shredded or crushed and then processed into re-granulate. This can then be reused to manufacture new FIBCs, which is environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Reusing FIBCs reduces waste and helps contribute to a more sustainable circular economy. The reusable nature of these bags also makes them an attractive option for businesses that require frequent large-volume deliveries or storage. Often, these businesses are required to ship their goods in bulk, which can be difficult to do with traditional containers such as sea freight containers and europallets. By utilizing these versatile and durable bags, they can keep their delivery costs down and meet their production requirements more effectively. By choosing a reputable FIBC supplier like Bulk Bag Reclamation, they can ensure that the bags they receive are safe to use and will last for as long as possible. The right FIBC supplier will also offer reliable after-sales support to address any concerns or problems that may arise.