Big Bags -Questions and answers to resolve frequently asked questions
There are many frequently asked questions about Big Bags. The information contained here has been prepared by the European Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Association (EFIBCA) and adapted by Multisac.
All this information should be taken as a general guide to recommendations for using Big Bags and the resolution of frequently asked questions about Big Bags.
Responsibility in resolving frequently asked questions about Big Bags
In no event shall EFIBCA or Multisac be held liable for any action taken in reliance hereon. Nor for the failure to update any standard or recommendation that may have become obsolete. Ask your Multisac commercial advisor to resolve any questions or queries you may have.
Frequently asked questions: Selecting the most suitable Big Bag
Broadly speaking, there are three basic types of Big Bags:
- High-resistance reusable Big Bags
- Multi-trip FIBCs for standard service
- Single-use FIBCs
Each of them can be, in addition to different sizes, different configurations, resistances, types of packaging, composition, and weight, giving rise to a large number of possibilities and options with the combination of all this.
Mutisac can help you determine the right type of Big Bag for your specific needs. The following aspects will influence the right choice:
- The weight and type of product to fill in the Big Bag
- The filling or loading temperature of the Big Bag
- The number of filling cycles for each Big Bag
- The filling method used
- The Big Bag´s handling
- Transportation, storage and unloading of the Big Bag
There are hundreds of types of Big Bags and the more precise your specification of needs and use of Big Bags, the easier it will be for us to recommend the right one for you.
It is especially important to clarify whether your Big Bag must contain and transport food, hazardous materials, polluting materials or materials with electrostatic characteristics, since each of these cases requires special characteristics and compliance with certain highly regulated regulations.
Yes, several rules apply to different aspects, and among them the following:
- EU-Regulation 10/2011: regarding plastic materials and containers intended to come into contact with food
- EN ISO 21898 Packaging: regarding the use of Big Bags for non-dangerous goods
- IEC 61340-4-4 Electrostatics – Point 4-4: regarding standard test methods for specific applications and electrostatic classification of Big Bags
- United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (ADR, RID, IMDG-Code, Orange Book, Chapter 6.5)
In addition, some countries have additional and complementary regulations for the use or transport of certain materials in their territory, such as the RRC 2153 standard, concerning the avoidance of ignition hazards due to electrostatic charges, which applies mainly in Germany.
Some other rules and regulations may apply to the use of Big Bags.
According to the EN ISO 21898: 2005 standard, Big Bags should be persistently marked (either incorporating a label or printed with ink on one or more of their lateral faces) with the following information:
- Name and address of the supplier or company that uses the Big Bag
- Type of construction or configuration of the supplier (in this case, this only applies to a particular type of Big Bag)
- Distributor name and address, if applicable
- Safe working load (SWL) in kg, that is, maximum load weight allowed for each Big Bag
- Safety factor, e.g., 5:1, 6:1 o 8:1. This factor indicates that the Big Bag should not break with proper handling until it is loaded with 5, 6, or 8 times its SWL (respectively on the previous examples).
- Indication of the relevant standard that may specifically apply
- Type of Big Bag: Heavy duty reusable Big Bag, standard duty reusable Big Bag or single use Big Bag.
- The construction certificate number, as well as the month and year of issuance of the certificate
- Name of the agency that carried out the Big Bag verification tests
- Big Bag production date
- Pictogram with handling recommendations
- Indications for the special handling of Big Bags following the guidelines of point 3.7 of the EN ISO 21898:2005 standard
- In the event that the Big Bag is certified for a specific product, then the product description must also be added
Following UN guidelines, Big Bags intended for hazardous or polluting materials must have a special, indelible, and well-legible print (minimum 12 mm print size), similar to the one shown here as an example:
And where each of the sectors means or reports the following aspects:
- United Nations (UN) packaging symbol
- Type
(13H1) Big Bag without lamination and inner sleeve
(13H2) Big Bag with lamination
(13H3) Big Bag with inner sleeve
(13H4) Big Bag with lamination and inner sleeve - Packaging group
X: Groups I, II and III (Big Bags for solid products only)
Y: Groups II and III
Z: Group III only - Month and year of manufacture
- Country where the tests have been carried out and verified
- Approval authority
- Manufacturer or owner who uses the Big Bag or any other permitted identification thereof
- Reference number
- Stacking load test in kg (in the case of Big Bags not designed for stacking, “0” must be indicated).
- Maximum load allowed in kg.
In addition, and in accordance with ADR 2009 regulations (section 6.5.2.2.2.2), the maximum permissible stacking load is shown as a special symbol on Big Bags for dangerous goods (see image below). The weight indicated above the symbol must never exceed the maximum load established during resistance tests divided by 1.8.
Stacking symbols according to ADR 2009 standard (First image: Big Bag that can be stacked. Second image: Big Bag that must NOT be stacked)
Filling
During the filling process, the Big Bag must hang from some lifting device so that its bottom either touches or hangs slightly above the ground or a pallet. When Big Bags have a spout or another discharge device, it is important to ensure that it is well closed and secured during the loading and transportation process. Consult with your Multisac sales representative if you wish to fill your Big Bags with any hot material, as not all Big Bags are designed to withstand high temperatures.
In order to ensure the stability of the loaded Big Bag, its filling height should be between 0.5 and 2 times its shortest horizontal length, typically:
- Big Bag diameter in circular base configurations
- The length of the shortest side for Big Bags with a rectangular base
Note: During the loading or unloading of a Big Bag, an electrostatic charge may be generated which, under certain circumstances, could cause an explosion. For more information, please refer to the Safety section.
The most important thing regulated by the regulations on Big Bags that come into direct or indirect contact with food is the protection of human health and the non-alteration of the composition of the food or its perceptible properties.
The EU regulation 1935/2004 establishes the requirements for all types of packaging materials, including plastic materials such as Big Bags, to guarantee human health. There is another very important specific regulation for plastic materials in contact with food: EU Regulation 10/2011.
The FDA in the United States follows the same principles as European regulations. On the other hand, quality systems related to the process such as good manufacturing practices (GMP: Good Manufacturing Practices) and the best Sanitary Management must be applied for the production of Big Bags in contact with food. Please note that the national laws of each country also apply and must be considered.
It is very important that both the manufacturer and the possible importer or marketer of the Big Bags (if they are different companies), have and deliver their respective food certificates and that you share with them your needs to obtain the appropriate product that, in addition To meet your needs, also comply with the regulations applicable in each case.
When filling dangerous goods in a Big Bag, it is necessary to ensure that dangerous dust is not produced that could be dispersed into the air, which could endanger the health of the operators in the first instance and third parties and, subsequently, the environment. For better containment of any hazardous dust or unwanted spillage, it is recommended to only use dust-proof Big Bags type 13H2 or Big Bags with an inner cover, such as type 13H3 or 13H4, according to UN regulations.
The Big Bags intended for the transport of dangerous goods have successfully passed different especially demanding tests, following the recommendations of the UN and related legislation ADR/RID or IMDG, and are manufactured and tested under a quality assurance program that must satisfy the competent authorities and quality department of the supplier and client themselves.
Transport
Before lifting or suspending any Big Bag, it should be visually verified that it does not suffer any damage or damage caused by any blow or tear to any of its components. In this case, the Big Bag should be discarded.
In general, each Big Bag must be lifted following the instructions given on its label, where the rules and recommendations for handling appear. As a general rule, Big Bags should be lifted and placed, distributing the effort equally on their handles symmetrically, and avoiding sudden movements or pulling. Any rocking motion should also be avoided during the lifting and suspension process.
Please note that most accidents and damage related to Big Bags occur due to improper lifting or handling. Never lift a Big Bag using steel wires, fiber ropes or similar devices, as the Big Bag’s loops may break due to such handling.
You can lift several Big Bags at the same time, as long as you have the necessary instruments for their proper handling as a whole and it is technically feasible for the vertical position of all the loops to be maintained (see image below).
Maintaining the position of the loops is extremely important when lifting any Big Bag.
To avoid damage to the handles, the forks must be free of sharp edges and, if necessary, covered with suitable material. When transporting a Big Bag hanging from a forklift, the vehicle is in danger of tipping over. As a precautionary measure, the Big Bag should be transported close to the pole at the lowest possible level and with the pole bent slightly backwards.
The Big Bag must be placed on the forklift so that the forklift wheels do not damage the Big Bag and the driver’s vision is not obstructed.
When transporting Big Bags in a truck or container, the load must always be securely and stably positioned.
Big Bags should not be located next to sharp edges, sharp objects, or rough surfaces that could damage any component of the Big Bag. Legal regulations and recommendations for transport (e.g. according to VDI 2700 standard) must be followed.
Storage and stacking
When stacking full Big Bags, stability is most important. In general, pyramid stacking is the most advisable (see following picture). Whenever possible, Big Bags should be placed between two walls (in addition to the back wall) to gain stability. The basic rule is simple: the higher the stack, the more supporting walls are needed.
Pyramid stacking ensures stability. In addition, Big Bags must be protected from UV radiation and weathering.
It is also important to take into account the specific characteristics of the material to be contained in the Big Bag in order to avoid undesirable effects, such as compression. It is important to make sure that the Big Bags at the base are able to support the weight of the Big Bags placed on top of them. This information should be specified on the technical label of all Big Bags.
Stacking pictograms for Big Bags labels.
In case of doubt, always consult Multisac.
Big Bags should not be stored outdoors, as they may deteriorate due to UV radiation and weather conditions. It is essential to always follow the recommendations to ensure maximum shelf life and best performance of the Big Bag, as well as to avoid damage to both the container and its contents.
If Big Bags are to be stored outdoors, they should be protected against solar radiation and weathering, e.g. by using a polyethylene sheet (preferably black but could also be transparent) or other suitable means of protection. However, it should be noted that not all Big Bags are designed to withstand extreme temperatures, so if in doubt, please contact Multisac.
To unload a single-use (non-reusable) flat bottom Big Bag safely, one option is to slit or cut the bottom of the Big Bag with a cutting tool with a long enough handle so that the operator can stand on the sidelines during the operation. The Big Bag is logically rendered inoperable and must then be properly recycled.
In the case of Big Bags with discharge spout, they should only be opened when the Big Bag is suspended on a safety support. This support prevents accidents in case of failure of the lifting system. Under no circumstances should people stand or place body parts under a Big Bag that has been lifted or is not properly secured, as there is a risk of crushing.
Another method of unloading Big Bags safely is by means of unloading dosing units. There are two different models: for Big Bags with flat bottom or for Big Bags with discharge spout. The simple opening and closing system of the dispensers makes it very easy to control the discharge of the contents of the Big Bags at the desired rate, as well as the temporary interruption of the discharge.
Note: During the loading or unloading of a Big Bag, an electrostatic charge may be generated which, in potentially flammable environments, could cause an explosion. For more information, please refer to the Safety section or the Type C (Conductive) and Type D (Dissipative) Big Bags..
When emptying a Big Bag, it is essential to use a safety support and not to stand under it.
Reuse of Big Bags
The actual useful life of a Big Bag depends on the use made of it and especially on the storage conditions, which must be adequate so that it does not deteriorate abruptly, but normally it should not exceed two years from the date of sale. manufacturing.
According to regulations, Big Bags with a safety factor of 5:1 can only be used once. These are considered single-use and should not be reused under any circumstances.
Only those with a minimum safety factor of 6:1 are reusable. Before reusing any Big Bag, make sure that all components are in good condition as before the first use. When examining it, look for and check for visible and non-visible damage that may have occurred as a result of previous use and storage, such as possible UV damage from the sun, from which it should always be protected.
The user has the sole responsibility of examining the Big Bag and the final decision to repeat its use or discard it permanently. It must be taken into account that content remaining from the first use may stay in the Big Bag and contaminate or affect the content of subsequent uses. Under no circumstances should the Big Bag be reused with different types of content.
The Big Bag label contains relevant information to help determine its reuse: safety factor, Big Bag class, and manufacturing date.
The reconditioning or recovery of any Big Bag includes the processes of recovery, cleaning, classification, damage control and possible replacement of some of its components such as, for example, document bag, ties, labels or inner sleeve.
Repairs, patches or changes in the constructive components (seams, side panels, bottoms, charge or discharge spouts, top skirts or liners) of the Big Bag are not allowed under any circumstances.
For safety reasons, the reconditioning of Big Bags for the transport of dangerous goods must never be carried out.
Big Bags Recycling
Big Bags are manufactured from polypropylene fabric (virgin or previously recycled) and can be recycled. The raw material (polypropylene) can undergo a mechanical recycling process without altering its chemical structure. The resulting material can be used in a variety of applications and can replace new or virgin pellets.
Note: Big Bags that have been in contact with hazardous materials should not be recycled.
Another alternative is energy recovery, i.e., taking advantage of the energy content of the material through combustion.
Security
Untreated polypropylene is an insulating material, as are many of the products usually contained in Big Bags. In unprotected Big Bags, during loading and unloading operations, an electrostatic charge can be generated by the friction of the particles in the contents. When this occurs, electric discharges can occur and represent a significant risk if Big Bags are used in explosive atmospheres. This type of atmosphere can arise when handling fine powders or working with volatile gases or solvents.
Before handling Big Bags in potentially hazardous environments, a detailed risk assessment should always be carried out. IEC 61340-4-4 establishes a classification system, test methods, design and performance requirements, as well as safe use procedures that should serve as a reference for manufacturers, suppliers and end users.
In order for Multisac to recommend the safest and most suitable Big Bag, it is recommended that we know the information about the working environment, the MIE (Minimum Ignition Energy) value of the product and the specific requirements of each customer.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Both Big Bag manufacturers and their customers are increasingly aware of the importance and benefits of socially responsible business management. This includes respect for the law and recognized international standards in the areas of organizational governance, fair competition and anti-corruption, as well as respect for human rights, fair labor conditions and environmental protection.
To implement these ethical principles, companies can rely on the ISO 26000 standard, their own code of conduct or other similar approaches. Multisac ensures compliance with its business ethics, both internally and throughout the supply chain.