Although large enterprises are the first to consider using bulk bags, small businesses can also benefit greatly from these versatile and affordable packaging solutions. Bulk bags, often called flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs), are sturdy woven polypropylene bags made to safely store and transport a variety of commodities.
FIBCs can simplify the operations of your small business in a number of ways. Custom Bulk Bags is a leading manufacturer and supplier of bulk bags in South Africa. We produce up to 3.5 million units per year and our products can safely hold between 500kg and two tonnes of material per bag. The customisability of FIBC makes them perfect for small and large companies alike.
Advantages of FIBCs for small businesses
FIBCs are substantially less expensive per unit volume than conventional packaging choices like rigid containers or steel drums. They are, therefore, an affordable option for small companies trying to maximise their packaging expenditures, or for businesses with an extremely tight budget.
Next, FIBCs can be folded up when not in use, so they can be stored effectively and take up less room in your warehouse. This space-saving capability makes them optimal for small companies with little storage space.
FIBCs are made of woven tapes of polypropylene, so they are incredibly strong and water-resistant but also flexible. This fabric can be treated with a UV-resistant coating to protect the bags and your products from exposure to sunlight while they are being stored and transported.
FIBCs are perfect for companies with a smaller workforce because they are lightweight and simple to fill and discharge. For effective handling, palletised FIBCs can also be easily incorporated with current forklift systems.
Things to consider before purchasing FIBCs
Now that we understand the benefits of FIBCs for small businesses, let’s examine the important things to think about before buying them:
- Assess your needs – Identify your unique requirements before doing anything else. Take into account the kinds of materials you plan to store and move, the required volume, and the preferred filling and discharging techniques. This will help you in choosing the right filling spout configuration, weight capacity (Safe Working Load), and size for your FIBCs.
- Understand the FIBC types – To accommodate a range of applications, FIBCs are available in multiple configurations. For the majority of dry, flowable materials, standard FIBCs work best. Anti-static bulk bags provide a grounded solution for materials that are susceptible to static electricity, preventing sparks and possible fire dangers. Food-grade FIBCs adhere to strict hygiene standards and are made especially for the storage and transportation of food items. For materials that need ventilation to avoid moisture buildup, ventilated FIBCs are also available.
- Stock levels – Calculate how much product you typically need to pack and ship at any given time. This will help you determine how many FIBCs are needed to keep everything running smoothly. Think about buying from a supplier who provides flexible ordering alternatives.
- Choose a reputable supplier – It’s important to choose the right bulk bag manufacturer or supplier; one that is trustworthy and well-known. Look for a South African manufacturer that has a solid reputation for both quality and customer satisfaction. Faster turnaround times, lower shipping costs, and simpler communication and technical advice are just a few benefits of working with local suppliers.
- Staff training – To guarantee the safe and effective use of FIBCs, proper staff training is necessary. Training should cover proper lifting skills, filling and discharging processes, and visual inspection techniques to detect possible damage prior to usage.
- Customisation options – While the bags are being transported or stored, branding your FIBCs can help people recognise your brand and advertise your company. Custom printing and designs make bulk bags an excellent tool for marketing and awareness. In addition, your handling and filling procedures can be optimised with unique features like particular lifting loops or discharge spouts.
- Cost of ownership – Consider spending a bit more than the original purchasing price. When assessing the total cost of ownership, take into account elements like disposal expenses, possible repairs, and reusability. Many FIBCs are made for multiple uses, which increases their cost-effectiveness, even though other applications might only require single-use ones.
- Supplier reviews – Make use of internet resources! Examine the credentials and reviews of possible FIBC providers. On their website, a trustworthy supplier will provide accessible details about their products, safety certifications, and client endorsements.
- Tracking effectiveness – After integrating FIBCs into your operations, keep an eye on how well they’re working. Are they guaranteeing that your products are protected as intended, cutting down on storage space, and simplifying your processes? To find any possible places where your packaging strategy has to be improved, keep an eye on the results.
Custom Bulk Bags is the ideal FIBC partner
We are committed to offering the greatest FIBC solutions to small businesses. To meet your unique needs, we offer a wide range of standard and custom-designed FIBCs. Throughout the ordering and specification process, our staff is available to help and offer expert advice. To make sure your FIBCs precisely match your company’s needs, we can help you choose the ideal size, fabric type, safety features, and any additional customisation choices.
We also provide bulk bag designs that have been UN-certified for the transportation of hazardous products, guaranteeing adherence to global standards. All of these capabilities make Custom Bulk Bags a great choice for small businesses in South Africa. For more information about our bulk bags or to get advice on the ideal designs, 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, LinkedIn and Instagram for our latest news and industry insights.
