Over the years, thermoplastic polymers such as polypropylene (PP) have witnessed growth in applications in various industries that include packaging & labeling, stationery, and textiles, among others. In terms of material type, plastic which primarily comprises packaging solutions for food & beverages accounts for ~70% processed polymers packaging. Bulk bags, also known as FIBC bags, offer primary as well as secondary packaging solutions, specially designed for storage and transportation purpose.
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Bulk bags can be classified based on the type of resins used as type (A, B, C, D), wherein type A bulk bags / FIBC’s are made of plain-woven polypropylene and other fabrics that are non-conductive by nature. Type A bulk bags are safely used for the transportation of non-combustible materials. Type A bulk bags are eligible to carry up to 1,000 times their own weight, and are completely recyclable. Furthermore, Type A bulk bags take up negligible space when flat folded, and require no pallets, as they have vital lifting loops. Moreover, numerous printing solutions turn Type A bulk bags into a perfect advertising tool for promotional purpose of a company/brand, as well as a consumer engagement tool to display vital product and handling information.
However, Type A bulk bags do not offer any sort of defense from static energy and hence, these bags can’t be used for transportation as well as storage of any flammable material. Type A bulk bags are primarily applicable for storage of non-flammable granules, powder, liquid, etc.
Type A bulk bags offer lowest packaging weight per tons of material to be stored or shipped and hence form a perfect packaging solution. Also, Type A bulk bags can be customized based on the material to be stored and further can be custom designed as per the client requirement.
Key developments & Trends
- In February 2016, Windmoeller & Hoelscher Corporation formerly known as BSW Machinery had launched new type of Polypropylene (PP) woven bag that are 20% lighter than comparable bags. Using Light & Strong (LS) technology, the company has come-up with 64g bags that outperform standard 80g bags commonly used in the cement industry in drop tests.
Future Scope
The demand for bulk bag / FIBC bags is directly dependent on the material to be stored as well as environments to which this material is to be carried. It has been observed that, many organic materials such as sugar, corn starch, wood pulp, etc. as well as chemicals such as Bisphenol-A, toner powders, benzoic acid, etc. are likely to form combustible dust layers / clouds that can catch fire owing to electrostatic discharges generated from Type A bulk bags. Consequently, the demand for Type C bulk bags which are electrically conductive or groundable has witnessed a sharp growth, especially in the in the emerging markets.
