Do you have dry, flowable products that need transporting or storing? Do you need to ensure that they are safe, moisture-free, and industry-regulation compliant? Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs) are the go-to solution. But what is an FIBC? What are FIBCs made of, and why are FIBCs an excellent solution for industries such as food and drink, pharmaceuticals, and farming? In this article we’ll discuss all this and more, read on to find out!
What Are FIBC Bulk Bags?
Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBC) are large, industrial bags. FIBCs are used to transport dry products that flow, such as sand, fertiliser, and powders. There are many different types of FIBCs to suit different needs. For example, many bags are an ideal, cost-effective solution for non-hazardous materials. Equally, UN Certified bags and food-grade bags are available for the strict demands of the pharmaceutical and food industries.
What Size Are FIBC Bulk Bags?
If there is a flowable product, there is a FIBC to suit its size and load requirements. However, for safety reasons, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. Each bag has a Safe Working Load (SWL) to prevent rips, tears, and spills. Typically, FIBCs range from 500kg to 2000kg. The choice of bag will depend upon three key factors. Firstly, the type of material being transported. Secondly, the handling equipment. Thirdly, the storage requirements. At Cliffe Packaging, our experts can advise you which size FIBC is ideal for your needs.
What Are FIBC Bulk Bags Made Of?
Most FIBCs are made from a flexible, lightweight, and fully recyclable woven thermoplastic called polypropylene. Known for its remarkable strength-to-weight ratio, polypropylene enables FIBCs to carry heavy loads—often up to 1,000 times their own weight—while remaining easy to handle. This exceptional durability ensures that the bags can withstand the rigours of transport and storage, protecting valuable materials even under demanding conditions.
When selecting an FIBC supplier, it's important to consider not just the material but also the method of construction. At Cliffe Packaging, we leverage our expertise to advise on the optimal construction and bag type to suit your specific needs, ensuring maximum strength and longevity for your applications.
Do FIBC Bulk Bags Have Safety Standards And Regulations?
FIBC bulk bags must comply with a wide range of safety standards and regulations. These include International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 21898:2024 for non-dangerous goods, and various standards such as BRCGS and FSSC 22000 for food industries. Certified safety features include factors to prevent degradation, such as UV stabilisation.
Other regulations are designed with safety in mind, such as antistatic properties to minimise the risk of spark generation. Correct labelling for content identification, handling instructions, and storage instructions, are also regulated within the FIBC bulk bag industry.
Get In Touch
Highly regulated and certified, FIBC bulk bags from Cliffe Packaging offer an advanced solution for a range of transport and storage requirements. For flowable products such as sand, fertiliser, flour, or pharmaceutical ingredients, high-quality polypropylene is an excellent, moisture-free and low-static product.
Optimise your bulk material handling with the right FIBC solution and get in contact with the experts at Cliffe Packaging today!
