The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is the largest voluntary standard-setting developer in the world. These standards guarantee efficiency, quality, and safety by offering a foundation for best practices in various industries. Companies that aim for excellence and are dedicated to fulfilling the highest international standards are recognised through ISO certifications, which are widely renowned.
When a business receives ISO certification, its systems, services, and goods meet strict, globally recognised standards. This builds consumer trust and facilitates international trade, in addition to improving a company’s reputation.
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. We offer various customisable bulk bags, which adhere to ISO standards and United Nations (UN) designs.
ISO recently updated its guidelines for bulk bag stacking. These new standards improve material strength and safety, which is important for all companies that use bulk bags for storage and transportation.
Key changes introduced to the ISO stacking guidelines
The stacking criteria for bulk bags are outlined in the recently revised ISO 21898, which includes important revisions that you should be aware of. These upgrades are intended to increase sustainability, efficiency, and safety. The following are the main changes made to ISO 21898:
1. Strength and material compliance – The quality and strength of the materials used in bulk bag construction are given more weight in the revised standard. It outlines more stringent specifications for lifting loop integrity, seam strength, and fabric tensile strength.
This guarantees that bulk bags can withstand the pressures of stacking and handling without compromising safety. The revision requires that bulk bags be manufactured using materials with documented specifications and a statement of conformity from each batch. In addition, all load-bearing components must retain at least 50% of their original tensile strength after testing.
2. Guidelines for design and filling height – ISO 21898 now offers more thorough instructions for bulk bag designs, covering ideal measurements, bag stability, and filling heights. Specifically, the filling height must not exceed twice the shortest base dimension. Following these recommendations reduces the possibility of bags collapsing or toppling while being stacked, guaranteeing a safer working environment.
3. Use of recycled materials – To promote sustainability in the sector, the revised standard allows for the use of recycled materials in the production of bulk bags. It offers recommendations for using recycled polypropylene (rPP) and other recycled materials, making sure they fulfil the necessary safety and performance requirements. Particularly, recycled mono-materials can be used, but they must meet the same performance criteria as virgin materials.
Adhering to the new ISO guidelines
Bulk bags must be stacked correctly, so it’s important to adhere to the most recent ISO criteria to minimise storage space and prevent mishaps. Here are some important pointers:
- Examine your bulk bags first – Look carefully at each bulk bag before filling. Keep an eye out for any indications of damage, such as rips, cuts, or weak seams, prior to stacking. Damaged bags should not be stacked.
- Ensure ground is level – To keep bulk bags from tilting or collapsing, stack them on a level, stable surface.
- Maintain alignment – Stack bulk bags directly on top of one another to ensure proper alignment. Offsetting bags might jeopardise stability.
- Limit stacking height – Never exceed the highest stacking height specified by Custom Bulk Bags.
- Use interlocking patterns – To improve stability while stacking multiple layers, use an interlocking pattern. This involves alternating the orientation of the bags within each layer.
- Never overload – Don’t exceed the Safe Working Load (SWL) of the bulk bag.
Work with Custom Bulk Bags
As a reputable bulk bag manufacturer in South Africa, Custom Bulk Bags is dedicated to following the most recent ISO guidelines. We offer premium bulk bags made for effective and safe stacking, protecting both the integrity of your goods and the security of your business processes.
Our knowledgeable staff can help you optimise your bulk bag handling procedures and comply with ISO 21898 by advising you on the optimal storage solutions for your needs. We provide bulk bags to a range of South African and international businesses. For more information about our bulk bags or to get advice on the ideal designs, please contact us today.
___
Custom Bulk Bags is a leading South African manufacturer of woven polypropylene bags for various industries, such as mining, chemicals and food. 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.
