United Bags School of FIBC's

What is a FIBC?
A bulk bag is a large bag made out of woven polypropylene used to store and/or transport dry products. FIBC dimensions can vary based on customer needs. The bags typically hold anywhere from 2000 - 4000 lbs of product and generally placed on pallets by fork lifts using the attached corner lift loops.

What does FIBC stand for?
Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container. Some other names that you might here are: Bulk Bags, Big Bags, and Totes.

What are FIBC's made from?
100% virgin polypropylene

What sizes do FIBC's come in?
FIBC's come in many different sizes and styles but can be customized for your product. Most bags come with a standard base dimension of 35" x 35" but once again all bags can be customized for your product.

How do you move a FIBC?
Bulk bags can be lifted one of the following examples:
10" lift loops
stevedore straps
lifting sleeves
single point crane lift
The above are just a few options. Lifting options can vary and can be custom made.

How do you empty a FIBC?
FIBC's can be emptied several different ways but the most common discharge is an outlet spout which is a spout that is attached to the bottom of the bag. Sometimes the discharge spout is inside a closure on the bottom of the bag such as a petal closure, pajama closure or star / x-cut closure. The closure is designed to protect the spout and to prevent the product from leaking / sifting out of the outlet before required. Discharge spouts can vary and can be custom made.

We are wanting to start to use FIBC's. How do we go about getting started?
You will need the following information:

Style of bag

Fabric weight

Type of top and bottom openings

Dimensions of the FIBC

Safety ratio desired

Weight you desire in the bag

How many times will the bulk bag be used

Any extra information that you feel is important

What is a Food Grade bag?
A food grade bag is a FDA approved bag that insures the bag is approved for food packaging.

What is a U-Panel bag?
A U-Panel bag requires 2 seams along 2 opposite sides to create 2 panels and a "U" Panel shape

What is a Tubular bag?
The tubular body design is ideal as a linerless option for fine and hygroscopic materials. It is also an excellent alternative to the original four panel bag construction. Circular fabric with no side seams. Capacity is up to 4000 lbs.

What is a Four Panel bag?
A four panel bag is the original polypropylene design which has become the industry standard. The versatile four panel construction is excellent for a variety of applications. This four panel design requires seams along four seperate pieces of fabric sewn to create a four panel bag. Capacity is up to 4400 lbs.

What is a Type "A" bag?
A type "A" bag is constructed from non-treated insulating fabric. No requirements are specified for type "A" FIBC's as they are not intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. No static protection.

Used safely to transport non-flammable products

There are to be no flammable solvents or gases present around the bag

DO NOT USE to transport flammable products

What is a Type "B" bag?
A type "B" bag is constructed from insulating fabric but has a breakdown voltage less than 4KV. This provision prevents the risk of energetic propagating brush discharges which can ignite dust-air mixture. Type "B" bags may be used in the presence of the combustible dusts with MIE of greater than 3mj but in the absence of flammable vapors of gases. Low breakdown voltage.

Used safely to transport dry, flammable powders
There are to be no flammable solvents or gases present around the bag
DO NOT USE to transport flammable products

What is a Type "C" bag?
A type "C" bag is constructed from fabrics having inter-connected conductive threads. The bag must be electrically grounded during filling and emptying.

Used safely to transport flammable powders

Used safely when flammable solvents or gases are present around the bag

DO NOT USE when ground connection is not present or has become damaged

What is a Type "D" bag?
A type "D" bag is constructed from antistatic fabric that includes static dissipative, antistatic yellow threads, this unique system is patented worldwide. Does not require grounding.

Used safely to transport flammable powders

Used safely when flammable solvents or gases are present around the bag

DO NOT USE when the surface is contaminated or coated with conductive material such as water or grease

Can FIBC's be used more than once?
FIBC's can be used more than once if you have a bag with a 6:1 SF. Some users reuse a FIBC with a 5:1 SF but this is not recommended! If you reuse a FIBC with a 5:1 SF you have to take into consideration that the fabric might be worn down or the loops could be breaking down, etc. If you plan on using a bag more than once it is recommended that you custom order it with a 6:1 SF.