FIBC Types Explained: Choosing the Right Bag for Your Packaging Needs
Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs), or bulk bags, have become an essential solution for industries requiring the handling of bulk quantities of materials. These cost-effective and durable solutions are widely used in several sectors, such as agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and construction. Selecting the appropriate FIBC bag type is crucial to ensure safe handling, transportation, and protection of the product.
In this blog, we will discuss the different types of FIBCs and their specific applications, as well as how to choose the right bag to suit your packaging needs.
What are FIBC Bags?
FIBCs (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers) are large containers used to store or transport bulk materials. They are available in different sizes with load capacities of 500 kg, 1000 kg, etc. They are preferred for their durability, easy handling, and reusability.
Some of the main benefits FIBCs offer include:
Cost-effectiveness: Less wasted packaging material, thanks to its reusability.
Space-saving: Storage and delivery of bulk materials in volume.
Customization: Offered in various shapes, sizes, and guiding, bearing loading/unloading alternatives.
FIBC Types: Which FIBC Type Is Right for You?
1. Type A FIBC Bags – Conventional Bags
So, we can say the most simple types of bulk bags are Type A FIBC bags. They are constructed out of conventional woven polypropylene and provide no static protection. These bags are used to carry non-flammable, non-sensitive products.
Applications:
· Food grains, seeds, and fertilisers.
· Sand, gravel, and cement, with which construction materials are made.
· Non-flammable chemicals.
Limitations:
· Does not apply to flammable or combustible products
· No static dissipation, rendering them dangerous around areas with possibly accumulating static.
Best for:
Industries dealing with non-flammable goods within low-static environments.
2. Type B FIBC Bags
Type B FIBCs are made of insulating material with low breakdown voltage that intercepts potent discharges of static electricity or high-energy discharges. But they do not discharge static electricity very well.
Applications:
· Powders and dry chemicals.
· Non-flammable products in mildly static-prone environments.
Limitations:
· Not suitable for use in the presence of flammable vapours, gases.
· Not effective at very static, sensitive spaces.
Best for:
Dry, non-combustible materials in low-static conditions.
3. Type C FIBC Bags – Conductive Bags
Type C FIBCs: Also called conductive or groundable bags, Type C FIBCs are woven from conductive fabric and include a mixture of conductive threads. These bags need to be grounded while filling and being emptied to avoid accumulation of static charge.
Applications:
· Flammable powders.
· Chemicals that are sensitive to discharge static.
Limitations:
· If they lose their static protection, they must be properly grounded.
· Not recommended for difficult to ground environments
Best for:
Industries that deal with flammable products in electrostatically sensitive areas.
In the highly competitive manufacturing industry, it is important to adhere to the highest industry standards.
4. Crohmiq Type D FIBC Bags – Dissipative FIBC Bags
Type D FIBCs are made from unique antistatic or static dissipative fabrics. Unlike Type C, they do not need to be grounded in order to discharge static electricity, hence, they are more operationally convenient.
Applications:
· Fine Powder and food items.
· Powder or chemicals, certain kinds of material that can catch fire
· Industries that need to handle combustible materials safely.
Limitations:
· Not effective if a device is conductive as contamination will create paths.
· Costlier than the other types.
Best for:
Industries that manage flammable or combustible products in non-groundable environments
FIBC Bag Construction Styles
Besides their types, FIBCs also vary in construction styles to meet particular handling and storage needs:
1. U-Panel Bags
Constructed with 3 panels of fabric — one for the bottom and two for the sides.
Provides better durability and stability.
Great for larger loads and improved stacking.
Widely used in farming and chemicals.
2. Circular (Tubular) Bags
The garment is manufactured from a single piece of fabric; there are no side seams.
Offers enhanced leakage resistance.
Ideal for fine powders, grains, and food products.
3. Baffle Bags
Made with internal baffles (panels) to keep the bag’s shape.
Helps to stop bulging and provides better stacking capability.
System used for the transportation of fine powders, granules, and food products.
4. Four-Panel Bags
Made from four panels of fabric sewn together.
Holds its shape, even when stuffed full.
A good choice for materials that need uniformity throughout.
FIBC Bag Features and Customizations
FIBCs are designed with customizable features to fit the requirements of various industries:
Filling and Discharging Options
· Spout Top: Perfect for controlled pouring of powders or grains.
· Duffle Top: Full open for easy packing.
· Discharge Spout: Lets you empty with control.
· Flat Bottom: This prevents spills and makes it easy to stack.
Coatings and Liners
· Polyethylene Liners: Inserted into the bag to keep out moisture.
· Coated Bags: Woven fabric with a thin layer of polypropylene to avoid leakage.
· Uncoated Bags: Good for bulk materials that need airflow.
How To Select The Perfect FIBC Bag?
When choosing the right FIBC for your packaging process, consider the following:
1. Type of Material
Type C or D FIBCs are necessary if the materials being stored are flammable or static-sensitive.
Type A or B bags may be used for non-flammable materials.
Coated bags or liner inserts are appropriate for fine powders.
2. Load Capacity and Safety
Select bags with the proper Safe Working Load (SWL) and Safety Factor (SF).
Common SWL ranges: 500 kg to 2000 kg.
Safety factors are 5:1 for single-trip bags and 6:1 for multi-trip bags.
3. Environmental Conditions
Choose FIBCs lined in polyethylene for damp or humid conditions.
For longer outdoor storage, use UV-stabilized bags.
4. equirements for Handling & Storage
Opt for baffle bags for more efficient stacking and space utilization.
Choose spout-equipped bags for releasing and dispensing material.
Benefits of Choosing the Right FIBC Bag
· Improved Safety: Correct FIBC volume minimizes the risk of static discharge and material contamination.
· To-the-Hilt Packing: Choosing a suitable bag size and type prevents overpacking or underutilization.
· Improved Handling: Custom features streamline filling, transportation, and discharge processes.
· Product Integrity: Avoids leak and spoilage, and contamination.
Conclusion
Selecting the best FIBC bag is determined based on your specific industry needs, unique product attributes, and your handling scenarios. Whether standard Type A bags or specialized antistatic Type D bags, choosing the right FIBC helps you in handling bulk material in a safe, efficient, and economical way.
Looking for the Ideal FIBC Bag to Suit Your Business?
Bulk Corp is a leading manufacturer of customized FIBCs, catering to the varying requirements of different industries. Our products ensure that you can get the best performance whatever you need, be it food-grade bags, antistatic bags, or baffle bags; we have the right bags for you.
Call Bulk Corp now for expert guidance and tailored packaging solutions that suit your needs perfectly!
