Flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs), or bulk bags as they’re commonly known, are a common sight in industrial settings. These durable containers make it easy to transport heavy loads safely, with their robust construction coping well with wear and tear. While most FIBCs are designed to be used multiple times, there will come a time when you need to think about FIBC recycling.
Thankfully, those looking for an eco-friendly and sustainable option are well catered to by FIBCs. Below, we’ll explore what FIBCs are made out of, how long you can reuse them for, and what you need to know about bulk bag recycling.
You will also find the polypropylene recycling process broken down step by step, a straight answer on whether PP can be recycled at all, and a look at the recycled polypropylene FIBCs Codefine supplies today.
Can bulk bags be recycled? If your FIBC is a new design, then the answer is yes. Modern bulks are made from virgin polypropylene, with the overall design made almost entirely from plastic. This means that the average bulk bag is completely recyclable.
Made from a type of thermoplastic, polypropylene requires a significant amount of natural resources to produce. As well as putting a strain on fossil fuel reserves, manufacturing new bags has a significant environmental impact.
Burning fossil fuels to manufacture FIBCs releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere and damages ecosystems. By not recycling FIBC bags, countless tons of polypropylene can end up in landfills. If this material is disposed of via incineration, even more pollutants are released into the environment. Polypropylene is recyclable, which makes FIBC bags a sustainable choice of industrial packaging.
While PP recycling makes it possible to produce high-grade products like clothing fibers and bulk packaging, the process comes with limitations. Sustainable FIBC bags are almost completely recyclable. Anything made from PP fibers can be recycled, although elements like labels and handles may need to be disposed of separately if they are not made from polypropylene.
The intended use of your FIBC bags also needs to be considered before recycling or reuse. Bags used to store and transport hazardous materials may not be suitable for recycling. Any bags bound for the recycling process need to be handled within a closed-loop system.
Although polypropylene is recyclable, it is by no means the simplest plastic recycling process around. Below is a closer look at the steps involved in turning used PP bags back into usable material.
If you want to recycle bulk bags, you will first need to sort them and assign a classification. An A-rating should be applied to relatively clean bags that still have their original colour. A B-rating should be applied to bags showing more visible signs of wear and tear. Use a C-rating for bulk bags in the worst condition.
Polypropylene does not have to be separated from other plastics before collection, which keeps this stage straightforward.
Once your bags have reached the end of their life, they are ready for collection or delivery to a repressing centre.
After collection, polypropylene needs to be sorted and separated from other types of plastic, then removed from any contaminants. Recyclers achieve this through sink-float separation. PP is less dense than other materials, so it floats to the surface while other materials sink to the bottom.
Because polypropylene is the target here, any additional elements like buttons and zippers are removed at this stage.
Once separation is complete, recyclers remove any residual contaminants from the PP. These contaminants pose a significant problem for the process and limit the applications for any products made from the recycled material.
Before your bags leave your site, sanitise them. A thorough clean gets rid of any remaining product.
Once a recycling facility receives your FIBCs, operators use a shredder to break the bags down into small flakes of plastic. This shredded material is then separated based on size, shape, and colour. Any impurities are removed at this point, which renders the material safe for recycling.
Once separated, polypropylene is heated to around 400F by being fed into an extruder. This is the melting point of polypropylene, and these high temperatures turn solid matter into a liquid.
After being turned into a liquid, the polypropylene is cooled. This cooling process forms pellets, which can then be used to make all manner of plastic products.
At this stage of the bulk plastic bag recycling process, unused polypropylene is often added to make the recycled material stronger. The resulting material is then ready to be repurposed.
Before you think about bulk bag recycling, it’s worth checking to see if your FIBCs can be reused. Many modern FIBCs are hard-wearing enough that they can be used to transport several loads before needing to be recycled.
| Check | Action Required |
| Interior damage | Inspect fully before each use |
| Cleanliness | Empty and clean completely |
| Liner (if applicable) | Remove and replace with new liner |
| Labels | Replace if worn or illegible |
| Web ties & cord locks | Replace if damaged |
| Overall condition | Log usage; retire bag at first sign of wear |
Before every use, your bulk bag should be completely emptied and checked for signs of interior damage. You also need to carry out a full clean. If your bag includes a liner, remove this and replace it with a new one. Other elements, such as labels, web ties, and cord locks also need to be replaced if possible. Ultimately, your aim is to recondition the FIBC as much as possible. As soon as you spot any signs of wear and tear, it’s time to think about bulk bag recycling. Keeping a maintenance and usage log will also let you know when it’s time for FIBC recycling.
For further guidance on determining whether used FIBC bags are a viable option for your business, we recommend exploring our informative article that offers valuable insights into the advantages and considerations associated with their use.
If you want to do your part for the environment, FIBC recycling matters. As with any polypropylene product, bulk bags take a long time to decompose naturally. If FIBCs go to landfill, harmful contaminants can leach into the environment over many years. Bulk bag recycling also means less carbon and fewer non-renewables are required to produce new FIBCs in the first place.
Every business producing polypropylene waste should be recycling the material. It is essential for maintaining green credentials, and it saves organisations considerable sums of money.
Only a fraction of plastics like polypropylene are recycled, with most ending up in landfill. Alongside the waste and the consumption of raw materials, these methods of disposal release harmful toxins into the atmosphere and into natural habitats. Using recycled PP also means fewer fossil fuels go into producing brand-new polypropylene products.
Recycled polypropylene is versatile. It is often almost as strong and flexible as virgin PP, especially where recyclers have blended it with new PP. That gives recycled polypropylene near-endless applications across a wide range of products.
By disposing of less and recycling more PP, companies save a considerable amount on disposal costs. Businesses of any size feel the benefit, and larger operations with a heavy dependency on PP and plastic polymers feel it most.
Using recycled polypropylene cuts greenhouse gas emissions during manufacturing. Compared with the carbon cost of producing brand-new material, recycled polypropylene produces around 40% fewer emissions.
Switching to recycled polypropylene also lowers the need for natural resources, in particular oil and gas. A significant proportion of the oil extracted around the world goes into plastic packaging production. Oil reserves are not limitless, so switching to a recycled alternative helps protect them and keeps costs down.
A move to recycled polypropylene brings economic benefits too. Offering customers an eco-friendly alternative to virgin materials lowers demand for those materials, which increases availability and keeps production costs low. Those savings can be passed on in the form of more affordable packaging.
Polypropylene is difficult to recycle compared with other types of plastic. Most of that difficulty comes down to the separation stage. Polypropylene melts at a different temperature to other plastics, which makes separation time-consuming and relatively expensive. The removal of contaminants also has to be guaranteed for the process to succeed.
Polypropylene becomes weaker and less flexible the more times it is recycled. Every cycle breaks down the bonds between its core components of carbon and hydrogen. Blending recycled polypropylene with virgin polypropylene solves most of this when manufacturers are making industrial packaging.
Many industries still rely on materials like cardboard for shipping and handling materials (for example Post & Parcel). Although these materials serve a purpose, they’re not particularly durable and are usually only suitable for single use.
| Factor | FIBC / Bulk Bag | Cardboard / Traditional Packaging |
| Durability | High – handles heavy loads | Low – prone to damage |
| Reusability | Multiple uses (6:1 SF) | Typically single use |
| Recyclability | Fully recyclable (virgin PP) | Varies; often disposed of |
| Landfill impact | Lower when reused & recycled | Higher due to single-use disposal |
| Material | Woven polypropylene | Cardboard, paper, etc. |
If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly alternative, FIBCs are the way to go. The best bulk bags are designed for repeated use, keeping harmful chemicals out of landfill for longer. As well as being reusable, FIBC recycling means you can still commit to sustainability. You can find a wide range of options, such as bags for chemicals, and animal feed bags.Â
A popular choice for industrial packaging, polypropylene substitutes for solutions such as cellophane and paper. PP is relatively inexpensive and flexible. Manufacturers use it to construct rigid packaging such as bottles, crates, and jars, as well as more flexible packaging for food manufacturing. It is also a common material for storage and shipping solutions such as FIBC containers and bulk bags.
The versatility of polypropylene makes it a sought-after material throughout the agricultural sector. Durable and resistant to moisture and pests, PP bags suit storing and shipping food items. Growers use them for vast quantities of crops, animal feed, and fertiliser.
PP bags with a breathable construction work particularly well for perishable items, allowing the air circulation that keeps foodstuffs fresh and avoids premature spoilage. That gives the consumer a better quality product and helps suppliers protect their margins.
At Codefine, you will find an extensive range of recycled polypropylene FIBC bags. Take your pick from construction types including U-shape, 4-panel, tubular, and double wall bags. For demanding applications you will also find Type C, Type D, and flame retardant bags. If you want to improve your green credentials and remove virgin PP from your supply chain, we offer PP bags made from up to 30% recycled polypropylene.
Recycled PP bags hold up on durability and strength. Smaller PP bags carry safe working loads of 100 kg, while larger PP bags accommodate working loads of up to 2,500 kg. Their woven construction and high-grade material make them resistant to tears, punctures, and everyday wear in punishing conditions.
Recycled polypropylene bags work across a diverse range of industries, offering a reliable long-term storage solution for transporting large quantities of material. FIBCs serve as construction bags, store and transport feed and fertiliser in agriculture, and contain hazardous materials in chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Our FIBCs adapt to unique applications, with a variety of filling and discharging options available. Recycled FIBCs can also be customised with your company name and logo.
With Codefine FIBCs you can be confident you are adhering to current compliance and regulations. Our UN-certified FIBCs meet strict safety standards for storing and transporting hazardous materials, and our chemical-safe bags meet ISO 22000. For food-safe FIBCs, our packaging is fully compliant with FSSC, FDA, and Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) requirements.
Since 1957, Codefine has led on sustainable and eco-friendly packaging. We offer industrial solutions that use less new material without compromising quality, which reduces our carbon footprint and creates cost savings we can pass on to customers.
Through the Codefine Green Initiative, a culture of sustainability sits at the core of our business. We continue to develop eco-conscious packaging solutions and best practices that improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Whether it goes into farm packaging, construction sector bags, or food manufacturing supply chains, recycled material remains a fixture of the packaging industry. Polypropylene is one of the most commonly recycled plastics, and the polypropylene recycling market was worth an estimated [FIGURE TO VERIFY] in 2022. By 2030, the global market is expected to reach around 13.5 billion.
Packaging solutions made from recycled polypropylene are now more reliable and affordable than they have ever been. At Codefine, we have been offering customers greener alternatives to industrial packaging since the 1950s.
We hope you found this article useful. Visit our homepage to explore our FIBC solutions and find out how Codefine can help you recycle your FIBCs. We supply bags for a range of industries, including agriculture and construction. If you have further questions or would like additional details, contact your nearest Codefine representative.
If you are concerned about supply chain sustainability, one of the simplest changes you can make is your packaging. Many of our FIBCs are made from as much as 30% recycled material, which lowers your reliance on virgin polypropylene, reduces your carbon footprint, and delivers cost savings along the way.
1. How can businesses track the lifecycle of reusable FIBC bags?
Companies can implement tracking systems using barcodes, QR codes, or RFID tags to monitor usage cycles, inspections, and condition. This helps ensure compliance, improves safety, and determines the right time for reuse or recycling.
2. What industries benefit the most from FIBC reuse programs?
Industries with high-volume material handling—such as agriculture, chemicals, construction, and food processing—benefit the most. Reuse programs help reduce packaging costs and support sustainability goals in operations with frequent bulk transport.
3. How does FIBC reuse impact overall logistics efficiency?
Reusing FIBC bags reduces the need for constant repurchasing, lowers packaging waste, and streamlines supply chains. It also minimizes downtime associated with sourcing new packaging materials.
4. Can FIBC bags be repaired instead of recycled?
In some cases, minor components like liners, labels, or ties can be replaced to extend usability. However, structural damage (e.g., fabric tears or weakened lifting loops) typically requires the bag to be retired and recycled for safety reasons.
5. What role do suppliers play in FIBC recycling and reuse programs?
Suppliers often support customers by offering take-back programs, recycling partnerships, and guidance on proper handling. Working closely with a supplier helps ensure compliance, improves recycling rates, and simplifies operational processes.
6. What is recycled polypropylene (rPP)?
Recycled polypropylene is PP plastic recovered from discarded products and reprocessed for reuse, offering an alternative to virgin PP. Producers make it through mechanical recycling, which involves cleaning, shredding, and remelting, or through chemical recycling, which breaks the material down into its original chemical components.
7. What is the difference between PCR and PIR polypropylene?
Post-consumer recycled (PCR) PP is sourced from consumer waste. Post-industrial recycled (PIR) PP is sourced from manufacturing scrap. Both reduce landfill waste and conserve natural resources, though PIR tends to be cleaner and more consistent because it never reached an end user.
8. Why is polypropylene harder to recycle than other plastics?
Polypropylene melts at a different temperature to most other plastics, which makes separation slower and more expensive. Contamination is also harder to guarantee out of the stream, and the material loses strength with each recycling cycle. Blending with virgin PP compensates for that loss.
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