Bulk bags, sometimes referred to as flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs), have completely changed how businesses handle and move large amounts of material. These flexible, lightweight containers can hold up to two tonnes of goods, which makes them an affordable and long-lasting option for various industries, from mining and agriculture to construction and food processing.
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 UN-certified designs that guarantee world-class packaging products for local and international companies.
But even with their sturdy design, bulk bags are not unbeatable. To extend their lifespan and guarantee the security of your products, it is essential to know about the risks they may encounter during storage and transit. Two of the biggest threats are UV light and sharp objects.
Threats caused by the sun
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are one of the most insidious threats to bulk bags. Long-term exposure to UV radiation can weaken the polypropylene fabric, jeopardising its strength and integrity. Photodegradation, a process where UV light breaks down the polymer chains and causes the material to weaken and become brittle, is a risk with polypropylene fabric. This deterioration may appear as cracking, discolouration, and roughness on the fabric.
It is important to recognise the symptoms of UV exposure. The earliest signs are faded or drab colours, especially when the fabric is becoming yellowed or brown. Additionally, the fabric may feel brittle or have a chalky quality. It’s also vital to look for indications of fraying or cracking at stress points and seams.
Bulk bags should ideally be kept out of direct sunlight and stored indoors. If keeping FIBCs outside is unavoidable, you can reduce UV exposure by placing them in shady areas or covering them with UV-resistant tarpaulins. Consider using covered trailers or containers to protect bulk bags from the sun’s harmful rays when transporting them on trucks, particularly over long distances or in sunny climates.
UV deterioration can pose a serious risk to businesses that keep their bulk bags outside for extended periods of time. Luckily, Custom Bulk Bags offers UV-resistant coatings on our products; this is a thin spray applied to the woven fabric that helps slow down the negative effects of UV light. We highly recommend this feature on FIBCs that are stored outside.
Risks associated with sharp objects
Sharp objects pose another major risk to bulk bags. Protruding nails, splinters in warehouse racking, rocks and debris on the storage surface, and even harsh handling during loading and unloading are a few examples of threats posed by sharp objects. Any contact with a pointy edge has the potential to tear or puncture the bag, causing spills, product loss, and safety risks. Damage can be more subtle, like a small puncture that weakens the bag and could cause failure under load, or more obviously, a huge tear in the fabric.
Workers must routinely check storage spaces for sharp objects and remove them or file them down. Make sure there is no debris on the ground and that wooden pallets are in good shape with no splinters or nails sticking out.
Use the proper lifting equipment and refrain from dropping or dragging bulk bags across the floor. Employees should be trained in correct handling techniques to reduce the possibility of unintentional injury. Ensure the bags are securely fastened during transit to prevent them from moving and rubbing against rough surfaces in the truck or container.
Looking for a reliable FIBC supplier?
Custom Bulk Bags is a leading producer and supplier of FIBCs in South Africa, and we are dedicated to giving our customers world-class products as well as knowledgeable advice on how to get the most out of them. We work closely with customers across various sectors to fully understand their unique requirements and suggest the best customised bulk bag solutions.
To guarantee dependability and longevity, our bags are made from high-quality materials and go through a thorough quality control process. We provide a variety of customisation choices to satisfy the particular needs of any application, such as varying sizes, designs, and optional extras.
Our team of experts will guide you through the ordering and specification process to ensure you receive the ideal packaging products. 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 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.
