Simply, FIBCs stands for Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers. When considering FIBC bag types there is a huge variety. But, big bags, jumbo bags, bulk bags, super sacks, and tote bags are the key types of this immensely eco-friendly packaging material.

Basically, it is a type of industrial container constructed of a flexible fabric used to store and transport dry and fluid products. FIBCs usually are manufactured from thick polypropylene. It ranges in diameter from 45 to 48 inches and in height from 39 to 79 inches, depending on the contents being held. Depending on the design, they can hold up to 4000 pounds of material. Due to the flexibility of the walls, they are perfect for storing and transporting dry bulk solids. 

Global warming and commercialization have become severe issues for humanity as a whole. The growing volume of single-use plastic in the environment contributes significantly to its demise. As a result, businesses must experiment with more sustainable and environmentally friendly products. On the other hand, FIBC bags are very durable and reusable. There is a huge variety of industries that use FIBC bags for various packaging purposes. 

Mainly FIBCs are used frequently in manufacturing, building sites, and agriculture. Other occupations that involve vast product production also make extensive use of this item. There are numerous FIBC variants available to meet specific requirements. For instance, some bulk bags are restricted to non-hazardous items. On the other hand, highly combustible things or contain hazardous chemicals typically require more specific bags to prevent accidents during transportation. 

The Key Types of FBIC Bags

There are four FIBC bag types as follows:

Circular 

This is the cheapest type of FBIC bag. They are woven as tubes on the loom and will lose their shape when loaded. When weight is added, it tries to swell out in the middle, and the product will strain the fabric.

U-panel 

This is an upgrade on the circular bag. During the manufacturing process, the U shape is acquired by stitching two layers of material together. When loaded, it retains its square shape.

Four-panel 

This is constructed with four fabric pieces for the sides and one for the bottom. They are all sewed together and are designed to withstand some stretching and retain their cube shape significantly better than other varieties.

Baffle 

When loaded, this bag is the best at retaining the cube shape of your product. The rationale for this is that it features additional baffles sewed into each corner to aid in the bag’s shape retention. These are the most stackable bags.

Based on the electrostatic properties, there are four FBIC bag types.

Type A 

Made of plain-woven polypropylene with non-conductive properties and typically used to deliver non-flammable materials.

Type B 

Manufactured from plain woven polypropylene and non-conductive, but with a low breakdown voltage that generally does not exceed 6 kV. It is possible and practical to use this method when there are no combustible liquids or gases present,

Type C 

FIBCs or conductive FIBCs are constructed using non-conductive polypropylene fabrics interlaced with conducting threads in a grid pattern.

Type D 

They are commonly referred to as Dissipative-bags and are made of an antistatic material. It is made up of static dissipative and antistatic threads.

All these types define the construction, intended usage, and performance requirement criteria.

Super Sack bags- One of the most popular FIBC bag types

While researching the various varieties of bulk bags available, you are likely to come across the word “super sack bag” at least once. It is a huge bag used to fill a variety of bulk commodities. It ranges from manufacturing inputs such as sand to fertilizer and other flowable goods. The main draw about these bags is that they fit easily into your current warehousing, logistics, or shipping supply chain. It is also ideal for specific packaging solutions. The majority are constructed of robust woven polypropylene fabric and are equipped with lift straps at the top to facilitate forklift manoeuvring. Within the industry, we use the term “Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers”, or FIBC bags, more often to refer to these types of bags. While the material itself is only a few pounds, some bulk bags can transport a whole ton.

Jumbo Bags

Jumbo bags are another exceptionally robust FIBC bag that is prominent in any supply chain for bulk material handling or transportation. These are the most basic types of heavy-duty bulk bags, although they are compatible with bag fillers and forklifts. Jumbo bags come in a variety of weight capacities. These bags are incredibly sturdy and long-lasting, even under the harshest weather and environmental situations, and they are also relatively cost-effective to use.

Leno/ Leno mesh bags

Leno Bags, also known as Leno Mesh Bags, are primarily used to pack various agricultural items. Including onion, garlic, potato, carrot, ginger, orange, pineapple, corn, cabbage, and peanuts.

These Leno mesh bags include an open weave polypropylene (PP) fabric texture that promotes air circulation for the contents contained therein. By ensuring the quality of Leno/Leno Mesh bags, they are sturdy and capable of transporting fruits and vegetables in significant quantities. Having adequate ventilation to preserve the freshness of veggies and fruits stored inside for an extended period because the holes in the bag allow the product to breathe and receive good sunlight. You can view the things stored inside without opening the bag. 

The Leno bags are available in widths ranging from 20cm to 72cm. Additionally, the length varies according to the customer’s specifications. Again, the mesh is as specified, with a maximum of 574 tapes in the warp in various colors. On average, Leno bags weigh 50g (or less). The advantages of Leno bags include superior aesthetics, superior mechanical characteristics, chemical inertness, ease of handling and storage, reusability and recycling, and cost-effectiveness.

Materials that are suitable for storage in FIBC bags

• Chemicals
• Fertilizers
• Fiberglass
• Food products 
• Grains
• Construction Material
• Seeds

Delivery and Emptying

It is done on pallets or lifting it from loops when transported and loaded in an FIBC bag. Depending on the style of the bag, you can achieve this by one person or two. Clearing the bags is simple; cut them open or utilize the unique discharge spout.

Advantages of using FIBC bags for packaging purpose

Businesses utilize FIBC bags for a variety of reasons. The reasons are as follows;

Cost-effective and space-saving

One advantage of flexible packaging over traditional boxes is that it may adjust to the shape of the products it contains. It is ideal for businesses that sell grains, seeds, and other loose commodities. Moreover, this feature helps to conserve space and ensure that each package is filled to the brim.

It can endure heavy loads.

The use of an FIBC bag rather than a rugged storage box simplifies the transportation of products. That is because an FIBC bag is significantly lighter than large containers. Consequently, it does not contribute undue weight. Thus, it becomes easy for everyone to transport and manage considerable amounts of items.

The availability of different types

FIBC bag types are available in various styles and sizes to meet the specific demands of a business. There are FIBC bags explicitly great for transporting more delicate things like lead-acid batteries or chemicals. Simultaneously, there are several types that allow air to pass through during shipment, ensuring that commodities such as fresh fruit remain undamaged.

The Bottom Line

Sustainable FIBC bags are gaining popularity across industries due to their efficiency, reliability, and affordability. They are easy to manufacture and may be recycled numerous times, making them less hazardous to the environment. If the entire world can go ahead with this packaging solution, of course, that will be a big step to protect the environment as well.