FIBC stands for Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container—more commonly known as a bulk bag. These large, durable fabric containers are widely used across manufacturing, food processing, chemical, and agricultural industries to store and transport dry flowable materials in bulk.
At Erie Technical Systems, we engineer bulk bag handling systems designed specifically to accommodate the wide range of FIBC sizes and applications.
Here's everything you need to know about FIBCs—and why they're essential for bulk material operations.
What Is an FIBC?
An FIBC is a woven polypropylene bag designed to carry dry products in bulk quantities—typically ranging from 500 to 4,000 pounds. They are lightweight, strong, and collapsible for easy storage when empty.
FIBCs come in various configurations:
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U-Panel or Circular design
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Lifting loops or integrated straps
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Discharge spouts, flat bottoms, or conical bottoms
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Coated or uncoated, with or without liners
They're often used for transporting powders, granules, pellets, or small solids like sand, cement, resins, and food ingredients.
Types of FIBC Bulk Bags
There are four main FIBC types, classified based on how they manage static electricity:
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Type A – No electrostatic protection. Suitable for non-flammable products in non-hazardous environments.
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Type B – Prevents sparks and propagating brush discharges, but does not dissipate static charge.
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Type C – Conductive bags that must be grounded during filling/discharging. Ideal for flammable materials or hazardous environments.
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Type D – Antistatic bags designed to safely dissipate static without grounding.
The correct type depends on your product and environment. If you're unsure, consult a safety expert and material handling provider to avoid combustion or safety risks.
Why Are FIBCs So Common?
FIBCs are a preferred packaging method because they are:
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Cost-effective – Lower packaging and shipping costs compared to rigid containers
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Space-saving – Easy to collapse, store, and stack
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Versatile – Customizable in size, shape, discharge method, and static control
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Safe – Reduce risk of spills, contamination, and product loss
For these reasons, FIBCs are a staple in modern bulk material logistics.
What Equipment Is Needed to Use FIBCs?
To efficiently load, fill, or discharge bulk bags, you need the right equipment. At Erie Technical Systems, we provide both standard and custom-designed systems for:
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Filling – Our Bulk Bag Filling Stations provide consistent fill control and safe handling.
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Unloading – Our Bulk Bag Unloaders safely discharge product into downstream equipment while controlling dust and flow.
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Flow Aid – Material Flow Aids help prevent bridging and clogs, especially with fine or sticky materials.
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Material Transfer – Vibratory Feeders efficiently meter product into packaging, mixing, or conveying systems.
How Erie Technical Systems Supports FIBC Handling
Every FIBC-handling solution we design is based on your material properties, bag type, facility layout, and performance requirements. Whether you're working with free-flowing plastic pellets or sticky powders, we tailor our equipment to maximize throughput and minimize downtime.
We also offer both forklift-style and hoist/trolley-style unloaders, as well as automation, dust control, and surge hopper integration.
Learn More
Want to know if FIBCs are right for your process—or how to improve your current handling system? Visit our blog: What Are Bulk Bags Used For? or explore our Bulk Handling Equipment to get started.