How to Assess the Quality of a Bulk Bag

Bulk bags, or FIBCs, are made to carry heavy loads safely and efficiently. But how do you know you’re getting a quality product that won’t rip, tear or fail under load? Here are some key things to think about:

Why Quality Matters

Performs under real-world pressure
Prevents damage or contamination
Complies with safety regulations
Reduces your downtime and costs

Understand What Bulk Bags Are Made Of

Most bulk bags are made from woven polypropylene (PP) – a strong, lightweight and flexible thermoplastic. The fabric is extruded, sliced into threads and woven (warp and weft) to create the body of the bag.

Find out more: How FIBC Bulk Bags Are Made?

What makes the difference?

Weave strength: The denser the weave, the more durable the bag
Fabric weight (GSM): Heavier fabrics handle heavier loads
Coatings and liners: Needed for seepage control or food safety

Check the Stitching and Seams

Seams are the most common failure point. Even if your bag is made of strong fabric, it’ll fail if the stitching can’t hold up under load.

Look for:

Double or chain stitching
Sift-proof seams (for powders or fine materials)
Reinforced high-stress points

Inspect the Lift Loops

Lift loops take the strain when your bag’s lifted by forklift or crane. It’s crucial that they:

Are integrated into the bag body, not stitched on as an afterthought
Use strong, reinforced stitching
Match your equipment (e.g. cross-corner loops for forklifts)

Check Testing and Certification

Quality bulk bags must be certified to perform safely. Look for:

Safe Working Load (SWL), typically 500kg to 2000kg
Safety Factor (SF), 5:1 for single-use, 6:1 for multi-use
Certifications like ISO 21898 (general use), BRC, or UN certification.

Find out more: What is BRC and why does it matter?

Accurate, Compliant Labelling

Accurate labelling is vital for your traceability, especially if you’re handling food, pharmaceuticals or hazardous materials. A quality bulk bag should always include a safety label with:

SWL and safety factor
Manufacture and batch date
Test house and certificate details
Handling instructions

Look for Consistency

Don’t settle for one good sample. Quality means consistency. Choose a provider that has a strong track record of working with similar businesses to yours, in the same industry.

Buy Quality Bulk Bags

Investing in a well-made, certified, traceable bag is a small decision that’ll make a huge difference to your business. You’ll be making sure you can do what you need to safely, efficiently and smoothly.

Need help finding the right bulk bag for you? Just ask our expert team.

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