What are Big Bags?

Big Bags, also known as FIBCs (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers), are flexible containers used for transporting and storing bulk materials. They are made of durable polypropylene material, making them ideal for transporting large quantities of goods – from several hundred to as much as 2,000 kg. They are used in various industries: from agriculture and construction to the chemical and food industries.

Big Bags are used for packaging:

• food products (milk powder, food additives, dried goods, nuts, coffee, sugar, salt, flour – with food contact certification),
• construction materials (sand, gravel, cement, stones, paving stones),
• agricultural products (grains, cereals, fertilizers, feed),
• plastics and granulates,
• industrial waste and recycling,
• chemicals and hazardous products (with appropriate certifications, e.g., UN).

Multifunctionality

Durability and resistance

to mechanical damage and weather conditions

Easy to transport

compatible with forklifts and hooks

Space-saving

folds to take up little space

Ecology

recyclable and reusable

Safety

UN-certified versions for hazardous materials

Types of Big Bags

By design:

1-handle and 2-handle bags - for loading with a crane or loader.

4-handle bags - the most popular, easy to carry with a forklift.

Bags with a hopper (or apron/flap) and/or a discharge chute - facilitate filling and emptying.

Bags with a flat or funnel bottom - adapted to the emptying method.

By material and finish:

Laminated (coated)

They protect the contents from moisture, but only to a limited extent. For many products, they are a cheaper, but inferior substitute for a bag with a liner. In terms of barrier properties and packaging hygiene, the best coated and sealed bag will be inferior to the simplest bag with a liner.

Uncoated (breathable)

For materials requiring air circulation. Used where the fraction of the packaged product is large and coated fabric does not require the use of a coated fabric, e.g., when packaging grains or granules (unless they are sensitive to moisture and oxygen).

With a liner

Intended for fine-grained, dusty products, sensitive to moisture, oxygen, or UV. The most commonly used liner material is PE (polyethylene). Barrier liners based on ALU (PET/ALU/PE) or EVOH (PE/PA/EVOH/PA) are becoming increasingly popular. At bigbags.pl, we inform you which models, available immediately, can be equipped with these liners.

With Print

Enables product or company identification. Double-sided printing is most commonly used, with a maximum of three colors. Additional labels can be added. In B2B, printing is often not required. Printing is not recommended on food-grade bags unless they have a barrier liner.

Dimensions and Capacity

Big Bags are available in many sizes. The base can be 60x60 cm, 90x90 cm, 100x100 cm, 120x120 cm, or dimensions adapted to a EURO pallet: 70x110 cm or 80x110 cm. If the bag is not shape-stabilized, its maximum base should not exceed 100 x 100 cm, as larger bags will not fit side by side on a truck or in a container.

A rule of thumb: the bag's height should not exceed twice the base dimension.

A bag that is too tall causes a dangerous shift in the center of gravity, which can lead to tilting or tipping during transport.

Bag dimensions are selected based on factors such as: maximum weight, bulk density of the product, pallet type.

Not sure which size to choose? Contact us – we will be happy to advise.

Shape Stabilization - Q-bag

Bags with shape stabilization are very popular for low-density products. They allow for full use of the pallet's space. A standard bag bulges when filled, leaving empty spaces at the corners of the pallet. Shape stabilizers (one cross wall or four diagonal walls): maintain a rectangular or square shape, prevent pallets from extending beyond their outline, facilitate loading and optimize storage space.

However, this is a more expensive solution. It is not recommended for very small, powdery food products due to the sewn-in components inside the packaging chamber—cleanliness and quality are key.