UBI School of FIBCs


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.

Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container.  Some other names that you might here are:  Bulk Bags, Big Bags, and Totes.

100% virgin polypropylene

FIBCs 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.

Bulk bags can be lifted one of the following examples:

  • 10″ lift loops
  • stevedore strap
  • lifting sleeves
  • single point crane lift
  • The above are just a few options. Lifting options can vary and can be custom made.

FIBCs 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.

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

A food grade bag has been FDA approved for use in food packaging.  Special steps are taken during the manufacturing process to ensure its safety.

A U-Panel bag requires 2 seams along 2 opposite sides to create 2 panels and a “U” Panel shape

Circular fabric with no side seams.  Capacity is up to 4000 lbs.  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.

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.

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

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

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

A type “D” bag is constructed from antistatic fabric that includes static dissipative and 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

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.

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