Big Bags: different versions, consistently high quality
Checks, testing methods and standards for different types of transport bags
For more than 20 years customers from many industries have valued our many years of experience and have come to appreciate our products, which are manufactured to a high quality and are continuously under development. To ensure the quality of our existing products remains consistently high, our Big Bags, also referred to as FIBCs (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers), are subject to ongoing quality inspections and must demonstrate their stability using recognised testing methods. Products can only go on sale once they have passed the tests. Our quality controls and the ongoing further development of our company ensure that our customers get the best value for money – whether it be our standard Big Bags which mass produced, or custom-made Big Bags which are tailored to the individual requirements of our customers.
- We source the polypropylene granules exclusively from the same certified accredited suppliers. This means we can make sure the Big Bags are of a consistent quality.
- Before every production start, the quality manager produces a sample. As this person tests each individual process personally, any challenges arising within the process are identified directly.
- To avoid errors from the outset or to be able to respond to errors directly, a specially trained employee who supervises the process is responsible for each individual manufacturing step – from extrusion and weaving, to cutting printing and sewing on of lifting loops, fabric sections, sealing tapes, etc. through to cleaning, checking and packaging.
- A finished sample at each station makes it easier for employees to make target/actual comparisons.
- In order to identify errors directly, each Big Bag is checked several times during production.
Before our Big Bags go on sale, they are tested and certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 21898 (a standard which is designed to help improve the safety and handling of Big Bags).
Depending on whether the Big Bag is intended for single use or for limited multiple use, it must pass different endurance tests. This involves filling Big Bags for single use and for limited multiple use with granulate material and hanging them in a testing apparatus.
Pressure is then applied to the Big Bag during several test cycles, each lasting half a minute. The amount of pressure and number test cycles are different for single use as opposed to multiple use Big Bags: The Big Bags for limited multiple use must be able to withstand a much higher load than the Big Bags for single use. More than twice as many test cycles are used for Big Bags for limited multiple use.
Before they are approved for sale, Big Bags for single use must only tear once the load applied has reached five times the maximum filling weight, and this increases to six times the maximum filling weight for Big Bags for limited multiple use.
Foodgrade bags are certified according to the DIN ISO 22000:2005 standards for the food industry and are therefore perfectly suited for the safe storage and transportation of food. They are food safe because they do not transfer their colour to the filling. Furthermore, particles from the material of the Big Bag are not deposited. Our foodgrade bags are also manufactured in compliance with strict hygiene standards. We can verify this by carrying out continuous checks.
Breathable Big Bags are ideal for goods that have a tendency to rot or get mouldy. The fabric has been specially developed to allow an exchange of air between the inside of the Big Bag and its surroundings.
In order to store or transport hazardous goods in Big Bags, the transport bags must comply with specific UN standards and be labelled accordingly – either for hazardous or less hazardous materials. Before Big Bags can carry this label, they must pass a large number of tests which are designed to determine their response to different loads. This includes test scenarios in which the Big Bag is dropped from a certain height – sometimes vertically, sometimes at an angle. Other tests are carried out to find out how a tilted Big Bag behaves when it is filled to maximum capacity and lifted by one or two lifting loops. Further tests are carried out to determine the tearing strength and loading capability when pressure is applied from above. The highest permissible filling weight in kilogrammes is specified on the outside of our UN Big Bags – in addition to the UN label.
Our 4-loop round textile Big Bags have a round shape when filled. They are made from a single fabric tube and therefore have no side seams. This means the number of points where material loss can occur are fewer. The Big Bags with seams that have also been sealed are therefore useful for transporting or storing fine powdered goods.
Conventional Big Bags have a rectangular or cube shape. It consists of a U-panel and two side panels. A dust-tight and/or shape-retaining version is also available.
Most shape-retaining bags have a rectangular or square base. They have special internal bracing which means they retain their shape when filled and bulge outwards only slightly. This is a useful property when the Big Bags are stored in shelves or on pallets and also when transported on loading platforms as they do not protrude at the sides and take up more space. We can also manufacture shape-retaining foodgrade bags or UN Bags if required.
Antistatic or dissipating bags are used in Ex-zones, or when transporting highly-flammable or highly-explosive goods. They are designed to protect all those who work with them. Different types of Big Bags are used, depending on where the Big Bags are filled and what is to be stored or transported in them: Type B (antistatic) or Type C (dissipating). Our experienced team will be happy to advise you further.
Take advantage of our expert advice now
You can buy Big Bags with specific sizes and different filling and discharging systems as Standard Bags in our online shop. Furthermore, we can manufacture different types of FIBCs if required.
Whether you want to order Standard Big Bags or customised Big Bags: We would be happy to give you comprehensive advice on the various products and optional features. Single Loop or Two Loop Bags have proven to be effective in some areas for example, whereas a different lifting system is required in other areas. Together with you, we will find the Big Bag to match your specific requirements.
- If an error occurs despite the intensive checks carried out during the production process, a numbering system is used so the error can be traced back to a specific station.
- We keep a log of all operations and archive this data for many years.
- Additionally, at least one Big Bag in each batch must undergo an endurance test.
Applicable standards for asbestos and synthetic fibres/mineral wool bags
Depending on what the Big Bag is used for, it must meet special requirements and therefore comply with special standards. Our Asbestos Big Bagsare therefore manufactured and labelled according to TRGS 519 and our bags for synthetic fibres/mineral wool according to TRGS 521. As our Big Bags are used in the food and agricultural sectors as well as the chemical industry, we also offer other types of Big Bags.
