Building contractors and construction companies know that dry cement and other refractories are usually packaged in paper bags. However, when ordering large quantities of cement for a project, it may be more efficient to use bulk bags to store and transport the dry powder. 

These packaging products offer various benefits and are the perfect middle ground between smaller paper bags and large silos for cement storage. Bulk bags are durable and versatile, but they can also provide protection against moisture, which is essential when it comes to cement – a refractory that solidifies when mixed with water.

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 for various customers. All of our bulk bags have a minimum safety factor rating of 5:1 and are manufactured in accordance with international regulations and standards.

Two white bulk bags sitting on an automated filling machine

Cement and other refractories

Cement is a refractory; these are ceramic-based materials that are made from non-metallic minerals. They can withstand extremely high temperatures, making them ideal for construction, furnace lining and other industrial applications. Refractories are often packaged in multi-wall paper bags, but bulk bags are a more efficient solution for larger quantities of cement.

Other common packaging solutions include plastic valve bags and polyethylene R valve bags. However, these packaging choices have certain drawbacks, the most common of which are their limited size. Paper bags and valve bags are often limited to a maximum of 50kg, whereas bulk bags can store up to two tonnes of material per bag.

While this means that construction workers will not be able to carry a fully-loaded bulk bag themselves, forklifts and jacks can be used to move cement bulk bags around the construction site. It also means that fewer bulk bags need to be ordered for a large load of cement powder, whereas hundreds or thousands of paper or valve bags would be needed.

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Bulk bags for cement

Bulk bags are made from woven polypropylene tapes. Being plastic-based fabric, they offer superior moisture protection than paper bags but are still extremely durable and lightweight. Bulk bags are perfect for storing dry, flowable powders, such as cement, graphite, castables and sand.

Custom Bulk Bags can manufacture packaging products that suit your exact specifications. Our bags range in volume from half a cubic metre to two cubic metres and can store between 500kg and 2000kg of material at any given time. In addition, we offer various optional extras, including inner liners, which improve the moisture resistance and usability.

Filling and discharge spouts can be attached to the tops and bottoms of your bulk bags, making it easier to handle cement on-site. It also means that automated machinery can be attached to the bulk bags, which is more efficient and safer than paper bags. 

Bulk bags also reduce the likelihood of contamination of cement and other refractories, especially when an inner liner is installed. These plastic liners completely seal the cement from dust and other contaminants. This improves the shelf-life of the products stored within. Additional external coatings can be applied to the bulk bags to protect the fabric from UV rays and rain.

Before placing your order of bulk bags for cement, be sure to speak to one of our expert consultants for advice and customisation tips. They will be able to guide you through the specification process and ensure that you get the perfect packaging solutions for 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.