Many businesses strive to minimise costs wherever possible. This may involve reducing marketing expenses or seeking cheaper alternatives for packaging solutions. When it comes to bulk bags or flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs), procurement managers often prioritise price.
Several variables contribute to the overall cost of a bulk bag. These include the quality of the woven polypropylene fabric, the dimensions and any optional extras required. It is important to consider all these factors when evaluating options and searching for an affordable yet durable packaging solution.
In most cases, cheaper products tend to be less durable, sustainable, versatile and reusable compared to high-quality FIBCs. A useful method to assess the quality of inexpensive bags is to compare the prices of FIBCs offered by various suppliers. If there is a significant discrepancy in cost, it is likely that the cheaper bulk bags are not up to standard and may cause more issues in the long run.
Key considerations when evaluating FIBCs from different suppliers
When evaluating FIBCs from different suppliers, it is crucial to compare specifications thoroughly and ensure a fair comparison. It’s important to examine the designs, loops, bottom closures, top closures and any additional add-ons of the bags from various suppliers. This comprehensive evaluation will provide an accurate basis for comparing prices.
A reputable supplier will guarantee that the ordered specifications match the final product. They will closely adhere to the dimensions and ensure that the overall quality of the FIBC meets your expectations. It’s important to be cautious of suppliers who attempt to alter the bag size, weight or design elements in order to cut costs on your behalf.
Always inspect the FIBCs upon receipt and compare their actual specifications with those listed on the order sheet. Requesting a sample before placing a large order will allow you to assess the quality of the FIBCs and determine whether the supplier can meet your specific requirements. The sample serves as a real-world representation of what you can expect from the final production run.
The importance of woven fabric weight in bulk bags
The weight of the woven fabric in a bulk bag plays a crucial role in determining its strength and durability. Heavier bulk bags have the ability to carry larger loads and can be reused multiple times without showing signs of wear and tear. While reducing fabric weight may seem like an easy way to cut costs, it poses significant safety risks when using the FIBC in the future.
Opting for a lighter fabric may lower the price of a bulk bag, but it also means compromising on durability and strength. Such bags are more susceptible to tearing or bursting under heavy loads. It is important for the customer to have a say in the fabric weight, even if guided by the supplier’s recommendations. To ensure that the supplier has delivered the correct specifications as ordered, it is advisable to weigh your FIBCs upon delivery.
Safe working load and safety factor rating
Two crucial factors contribute to the effectiveness of a bulk bag. The safe working load indicates the maximum weight the bag is designed to carry, while the safety factor rating represents the additional weight the bag can withstand beyond its safe working load.
For instance, let’s consider a bulk bag with a safe working load of two tonnes. During testing, it successfully held up to 10 tonnes before breaking. This indicates a safety factor rating of 5:1, meaning it withstood five times more weight than its intended capacity before reaching its limit.
These components serve as indicators of the quality and reliability of a bulk bag. Cheaper bags typically have lower safe working loads and safety factor ratings. It is important to note that the safe working load should never be exceeded, even if tests demonstrate that the bag can withstand significantly more weight.
The impact of additives and material composition on bulk bag performance
Cheap bulk bags often incorporate a higher quantity of additives, which can compromise their overall performance. In contrast, high-quality FIBCs are typically made from 100% polypropylene, while low-cost alternatives contain a percentage of calcium carbonate. This filler is used to replace some of the more expensive virgin polypropylene.
Excessive levels of calcium carbonate have been found to degrade the quality and durability of bulk bags. It is important to inquire about the percentage of calcium carbonate used by your supplier and whether it is added manually or through mechanical processes. This will enable you to verify the accuracy of the quoted percentage.
Some FIBCs are coated with a UV protector, enhancing their durability when exposed to sunlight during outdoor storage. In such cases, the additive contributes positively to the overall performance of the FIBC. Cheaper bags, however, lack this UV coating, so it’s important not to be misled by their price and assume they will perform as expected in outdoor environments.
When ordering FIBCs, it is crucial to consider all of these factors. Opting for a local manufacturer and supplier offers additional benefits. You will have direct interaction with their teams and potentially have the opportunity to visit their production site. Additionally, local suppliers tend to provide more accurate lead times and lower shipping costs.
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