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Bulk bags are incredibly versatile packaging products, but they don’t need to be used solely for the storage and transport of bulk materials. While they are perfect for carrying large quantities of ore, rubble, grain, powders and organic waste, bulk bags can also be filled with sand and used for various purposes.

Sand-filled bulk bags can be used like regular sandbags, but on a much larger scale and for more heavy-duty purposes. From military fortification and barricades to soil erosion control and flood prevention, sand-filled bulk bags are ideal for emergency situations, property protection and engineering projects.

Custom Bulk Bags is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality bulk bags in South Africa. We produce up to 3.5 million bulk bags per year and have a large inventory available for customers that need packaging products on short notice. All of our bulk bags have a minimum safety factor rating of 5:1 and are produced in accordance with international standards and regulations.

White bulk bags filled with sand

The various uses for sand bulk bags

While this list is far greater than outlined below, sand bulk bags are a reliable and cost-effective alternative to other materials. They are incredibly durable and water-resistant, among other properties that make them suitable for a wide array of applications. Sand bulk bags are ideal for:

1. Erosion control

Soil erosion is a major problem in South Africa, especially near coastal areas. The recent floods in KwaZulu-Natal highlighted the power of water and its effect on solid ground. Sand bulk bags can be used to fortify muddy slopes, hillsides and terraces around properties to prevent soil erosion and mudslides. 

This could prevent natural disasters from affecting homes, roads, offices and farms. If the sand-filled bags are packed tightly in lines, they can create a solid wall to support the earth behind them. This is an affordable alternative to concrete barriers and retaining walls.

2. Flood control

As mentioned above, the power of water can be severely damaging. Sandbags are commonly used to divert water away from buildings and major transport routes, however, hundreds of thousands of these small bags are needed. A better alternative is a sand bulk bag as it is far larger and heavier – just one bulk bag could replace dozens of regular sandbags.

They can also be used to hold structures in place or fill holes caused by the flow of water. Bulk bags are easy to stack, which gives them the ability to create a higher barrier against floodwater. This can buy more time for evacuations or until the floodwater recedes.

3. Construction barriers

Sandbags are often used in construction to create barriers for roads or to divert water while new drains and sewers are being constructed. Bulk bags can be used on a larger scale for the construction of high-rise buildings or new highways. They can keep large areas clear of run-off from surrounding areas and can also be used to weigh down certain items and keep them in place.

They can also be used to create permanent foundations or terraces for outdoor spaces. Laying sand-filled bulk bags down and then covering them with soil and cement is an affordable way to build terraces and raised platforms. It’s also faster and easier than using rubble and other backfill methods.

4. Military uses

Sandbags are popular with armies and police forces around the world. They are used to create makeshift barriers or to bolster temporary shelters. They provide protection against the elements and an attack from enemies or criminals. Bulk bags filled with sand should be considered as they would provide a thicker barrier for protection and a more robust structure when stacked properly.

The police and military can also use them for training exercises or for crowd control and to aid in natural disasters. Clearly, sand-filled bulk bags have many uses and can play a vital role in various industries. They do not need to be limited to the storage and transport of goods but can serve other purposes too.

Be sure to order your high-quality bulk bags from a reputable supplier. Custom Bulk Bags is able to fully tailor the design and specifications of the product to meet your needs. For more information about our bulk bags, please contact us today.

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Custom Bulk Bags is a leading South African manufacturer of woven polypropylene bags for various industries, such as mining, chemicals and food. We are able to produce over 3.5-million bulk bags per year, keeping our customers in stock at all times. Our bags adhere to the highest levels of quality as a result of our stringent in-house testing and quality control programmes.

Custom Bulk Bags holds ISO 9001 certification and we currently have a number of UN-certified designs. We are a Level 2 B-BBEE manufacturer and supplier and fall under the ownership structure of Deneb Investments Limited. For more information on our products, contact sales@custombulkbags.co.za. Follow us on Facebook for our latest news and industry insights.