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FIBC Design Guide
Identify and understand the basic components of an FIBC.
Determine which FIBC is most suitable for the required application.
The items below are some, but not all, of the basic types of bulk bags and their associated components. As a leading supplier of bulk bags, we are familiar with every imaginable name for the type of product you need.
Whether you’re a specialized FIBC procurement manager or using a bulk bag for the first time, our experienced team of professionals can get you in the bag that will get the job done.
Construction Types
U-Panel
U-Panel bags are constructed with three main body components – one that runs the full length of the bag forming the bottom and two sides (the “U”) and two additional pieces of fabric sewn between the U on two sides (the “Panel”). Generally, U-panel bags will maintain a square shape when filled, especially with the addition of internal baffles. U-panel bags are an industry standard and the most popular type of construction.
Circular (Tubular)
Circular (Tubular) bags are constructed with two main body components (body tube + base). The body tube is made with seamless tubular fabric that forms all sides of the bag allowing for stitching only for the top and base of the bag. Although the fabric is tubular, when filled the circular baffle bag will still resemble a square bag. There is a common misconception with circular bags regarding their shape when filled. They are not truly circular; they are simply constructed with a single piece of fabric that forms all four sides of the bag. While they still resemble square/rectangular FIBCs, they will hold that shape the least of the construction types when filled.
Baffled
Baffles are an internal component that can be added to a U-Panel, 4-Panel, or Circular style bag. More specifically, baffles are fabric panels or strings sewn inside each of the bag’s four corners that allow a bag to maintain a square shape when filled. Without baffles, the construction types listed above can bulge or belly at the sides when filled. Baffled bags are ideal due to their stability and stackability. They also improve overall storage capacity. The most common type of baffled bag is a 4-Panel baffled bag.
4-Panel
4-Panel bags are constructed with five main body components (4 side Panels + Base). When filled, a 4-Panel bag will hold its square shape similar to other construction types. Typically, 4-panel bags will hold their shape better than the U-panel bags, and U-panel bags will hold their shape better than a Circular bag. Due to the large amount of stitching required, a 4-Panel bag has a greater opportunity to fail at the seams and is prone to sifting. Nevertheless, 4-panel bags are ideal for storage due to the way they hold their shape when filled. 4-Panel baffled bags are very common bag style.
Lifting Options
- Cross-Corner Loops
- Corner Seam Loops
- Stevedore Straps
- Sleeve Lift (Tunnel Lift)
- Single Lift Point
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Top Filling Options
- Open Top
- Duffle (Skirt) Top
- Spout Top
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Bottom Discharge Options
- Flat Bottom
- Discharge Spout
- Discharge Spout with Iris Closure
- Discharge Spout with Star Closure
- Full Open Bottom
Fabric Types
Breathable
Uncoated or non-laminated fabric, ideal for products requiring air permeability. Ideal for agricultural products such as peanuts or pecans.
Uncoated
Standard woven polypropylene fabric that is not coated with polypropylene film.
Coated
Woven polypropylene fabric that is coated with a layer of polypropylene film. A coated bag incorporates an interior or exterior layer of film to reduce moisture intrusion or sifting of the contents. Also called Non-breathable or laminated fabric/bags.
Type A
Standard woven polypropylene fabric. No static protection provided. Safe for transporting NON-FLAMMABLE products. Flammable materials or gases MAY NOT be present outside of the bag.
Type B
Standard woven polypropylene fabric with low breakdown voltage designed to prevent “Sparks” and “Propagating Brush Discharges”. Safe for transporting FLAMMABLE products. Flammable materials or gases MAY NOT be present outside of the bag.
Type C
Conductive fabric designed to control electrostatic charges by grounding. Type C fabric contains static dissipative conductive threads or tapes which are electrically interconnected. Safe for transporting FLAMMABLE products. Flammable materials or gases MAY be present outside of the bag. Type C FIBCs MUST BE GROUNDED during filling and discharge.
Type D
Anti-static fabric to control discharge incendivity without grounding. Safe for transporting FLAMMABLE products. Flammable materials or gases MAY be present outside of the bag. Type D FIBCs are NOT REQUIRED TO BE GROUNDED during filling and discharge.
Seams
An industry standard requiring an FIBC to handle five or six times its Safe Working Load.
- Standard - Used for applications where sift-proofing is not required.
- Single Filler Cord - Cording used to prevent product sifting.
- Double Filler Cord - Double cording used to prevent product sifting.
- Triple Filler Cord - Double cording and felt used to prevent product sifting.
