GLOSSARY of BULK BAGS
Anti-Static Bags
Bags designed to prevent the buildup of static electricity and reduce the risk of sparks that can cause explosions, particularly important when handling flammable materials.
Baffle
Pieces of fabric sewn across each corner of a tubular or four-panel bag to improve a bag’s squareness, appearance, improve the stability of the load and to more efficiently utilize storage or shipping space.
Baffle Bag
A type of FIBC with internal baffles that help maintain the bag’s shape and improve stability when filled.
Bag Height
Height dimension of an FIBC measured from the top seam to the bottom seam.
Body Fabric
Main fabric used on the body of a U-panel, four-panel, or circular bag.
Bottom Spout
Also called a discharge spout, used as an outlet to empty the contents of the FIBC.
Breathable Fabric/Bags
Uncoated or non-laminated fabric/bags.
Circular Woven Bags
FIBCs woven on a circular loom, creating a seamless cylindrical body.
Coated Fabric/Bags
Fabric or bag which is coated/laminated with polypropylene (PP) to prevent moisture intrusion or sifting of the contents. Also called non-breathable or laminated fabric/bags.
Cone Top
A top design where the inlet is tapered like a cone, often used for easier filling of certain products.
Corner Loops
Lift loops that are sewn into the four corners of the bag, providing strong lifting points.
Cross Corner Loops
Lift loops that are sewn across the corners of the bag, providing improved stability during lifting.
Discharge Spout
Also called a bottom spout, used as an outlet to empty the contents of the FIBC.
Document Pouch
Typically made of either polyethylene or polypropylene, it is where shipping or identifying documents are usually placed. Also called a pocket or envelope.
Drawstring Closure
A type of spout construction similar in purpose to a petal closure, but with the loop/string along the circumference of the closure.
Duffel Top
A type of FIBC similar to a duffel bag whose inlet extends from the top seam and follows the bag’s base dimensions.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
A sudden flow of electricity between two electrically charged objects, which can be prevented by using anti-static FIBCs.
Fabric Weight
The measure of the fabric weight in ounces per square yard or grams per 100 square centimeters. A typical standard weight is 6.5 ozs/sq. yd.
FIBC
Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container
Fill Spout
Also called an inlet spout or top spout, used as the inlet for filling an FIBC. It is designed to fit the customer’s filling chute during loading.
Filler Cord
Typically a polypropylene material used in manufacturing sift-resistant FIBCs. A rope or braided yarn-like cord that is sewn into a seam to help prevent the escape of fine dusts and powders.
Form-Fitted Liner
A polyethylene liner that is designed to match the exact shape of the FIBC, preventing the liner from bunching or shifting.
GSM (Grams per Square Meter)
A unit of measurement indicating the weight of the fabric used to construct FIBCs.
Hemmed Top
The top edge of the bag is folded and sewn to prevent fraying and to provide additional strength.
Inner Liner
A separate liner inserted into an FIBC to provide additional protection for the contents, typically used for fine powders or to provide moisture resistance.
Lifting Loops
Strong fabric loops attached to the top corners or sides of an FIBC, allowing it to be lifted and transported.
Liner
A separate internal lining used within the FIBC to protect the product from contamination or moisture.
Loop Height
The length of the lifting loops from the top of the bag to the end of the loops.
Multi-Trip Bags
FIBCs designed for multiple uses, typically constructed with a higher safety factor.
Petal Closure
A type of spout closure with multiple overlapping flaps that can be tied or secured to prevent spillage.
Pillow Bag
A type of FIBC that resembles a pillow when filled, often used for materials that do not require a rigid structure.
Plasma Treatment
A treatment applied to the inside surface of a liner to reduce static electricity and improve product flow.
Safe Working Load (SWL)
The amount of load, (in pounds or kilograms), which a bag is designed to carry. Note: Most customers use the metric system where 1 ton equals 2205 pounds or 1000 kilograms.
Safety Factor
Also referred to as a Service Factor, it is an industry standard requiring the FIBC to handle five or six times its Safe Working Load, (SWL), normally written as a ratio, “5:1 or 6:1 SF”.
Side-Seam Loops
Lifting loops that are sewn into the side seams of the bag, rather than at the corners.
Sift-Resistant Construction
A feature of an FIBC that provides resistance from product sifting when the bag is filled with very fine materials. Also referred to as “Sift-proof” construction. This typically utilizes coated fabric and filler cord in the sew lines.
Single Trip Bag
A cover placed over the spout to protect the contents from contamination or moisture.
Spout Cover
A type of spout closure with multiple overlapping flaps that can be tied or secured to prevent spillage.
Stevedore Straps
Additional straps attached to the bag to provide extra support and handling options during transport.
Top Skirt
An extended piece of fabric at the top of the bag that can be gathered and tied to protect the contents.
Tube Liner
A polyethylene liner with no spouts or contours, it is a straight cylinder, which may or may not have one end heat-sealed. This low-cost liner can be installed in the FIBC loose or by gluing or by sewn tabs. Also called a Tubular Liner.
UV Stabilized
A feature of an FIBC fabric that provides protection from prolonged exposure to the sun’s degrading UV rays. An additive is added to the resin prior to extrusion of the yarns to provide this protection.
Ventilated Bags
FIBCs with ventilated side panels to allow airflow, commonly used for agricultural products like potatoes or onions.
Volume
The size, or amount of material, an FIBC can hold. It is generally measured in cubic feet.
Yarn Denier
A unit of measure for the linear mass density of fibers, used to indicate the thickness of the yarn used in the FIBC fabric.