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Understanding the Versatility of FIBC Containers in Modern Packaging Solutions

Today, packaging needs to do far more than protect and preserve products until they reach their destination. As well as that, packaging should allow for transparent traceability and facilitate smoother logistics and simpler supply chains. Fortunately, packaging technology has come a long way in recent years, with FIBCs being among the most versatile packaging solutions around. Below, we’ll take a look at how packaging technology has evolved over time, along with its applications.

By Codefine
, September 20, 2024

Blog, Products and Materials

The Evolution of Packaging Technology

In the distant past, food and other products were consumed locally, negating the need for packaging. However, as civilizations took shape and populations grew, the need to safely store and transport consumables became apparent. Natural materials like leaves and animal hides were the preferred choice of packaging, with later technological advancements seeing a shift toward things like fabrics, pottery, and metals. The Ancient Chinese pioneered the concept of paper packaging, with the first papermaking processes invented almost 2,000 years ago.

Packaging technology wouldn’t undergo any major changes until the Industrial Revolution. During this period, access to and demand for consumer goods grew considerably. However, material prices meant that packaging was reserved for premium products and luxury goods. The early 20th century saw the arrival of many packaging innovations that are still in use today, namely metal cans, cellophane, and the humble cardboard box.

By the middle of the century, increasing globalization and international trade called for a new breed of packaging. To accommodate large volumes of consumer goods and raw materials, industrial packaging was upscaled considerably. Flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs), otherwise known as bulk bags, became a supply chain staple, with these packaging solutions offering unrivaled storage capacities, cost-effectiveness, and plenty of scope for customization.

Since the discovery of plastics, these materials have continued to play an important role in the evolution of packaging technology. With newly-discovered polymers more lightweight and durable than ever before, more robust packaging can be produced with considerably less material. This not only brings immediate cost savings to consumers but helps companies commit to a more sustainable way of business.

In general, eco-friendly packaging is becoming the norm. At a consumer-facing level, there’s been a shift to refillable and recyclable packaging solutions. This is particularly true of cosmetic packaging. Meanwhile, biodegradable packaging offers consumers an easy way to remain eco-conscious, even when recycling facilities aren’t readily available. At an industrial scale, advancements in recycling technology have meant that polymer materials like polypropylene can be more easily recycled, with many FIBC containers made up of a substantial amount of recycled material.

Along with becoming more sustainable, packaging is also getting smarter. So-called smart packaging refers to any type of packaging that’s been equipped with electronic devices like sensors to increase functionality. Such sensors can be used to enhance traceability and maintain optimal storage conditions, along with increasing efficiency across the entire supply chain.

Key Components of Packaging Technology

When we talk about packaging technology, we’re referring to more than the materials used to create packaging products themselves. In addition to materials, packaging technology can include the design and overall construction of packaging solutions, along with the machinery and equipment used to load and handle them.

Packaging Materials

Although not the only aspect of packaging technology, materials are arguably the most important. While packaging materials of yesteryear were limited, rapid advancements in plastic fabrication and fabric technology have resulted in a far more diverse range of material options.

Sustainable Packaging Materials

Sustainable packaging is crucial if companies are to minimize their environmental impact. Today, climate change threatens every corner of the globe, while diminishing natural resources have led to material shortages and price hikes. Consumers are also looking toward more eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives when choosing plastic.

Paper and cardboard packaging remain some of the more sustainable packaging options around, scoring well for biodegradability and recyclability. However, even materials like plastic, traditionally seen as an unsustainable option, are today more recyclable than ever before.

Traditional Packaging Materials

Historically, metal and plastic have been go-to choices for bulk material packaging. However, rigid metal containers aren’t particularly cost-effective, with a large physical footprint that raises storage and transportation costs and complicates logistics. However, plastic is a far more practical choice. Advancements in plastic fabrication have produced materials that are both exceptionally lightweight and incredibly durable.

Offering a flexible and cost-conscious alternative to more traditional materials, plastic packaging is favored by many industries. It’s a popular choice for pharmaceutical packaging and the chemical sector, but can also be used to store and transport hardware and serve as electronic packaging. Permeable plastic containers can also be used as food packaging, provided the material has been deemed food-grade and adheres to the strictest safety and compliance regulations.

Material Selection Criteria

Choosing the right packaging material for your business needs is a multifaceted decision. For starters, consider packaging compatibility with products. Certain materials like perishable items require permeable materials with optimal airflow, while airtight solutions with flame-retardant credentials are the preferred choice for storing and handling materials like flammable powders.

You’ll also want to consider availability. With fossil fuels at a premium, the manufacturing process of FIBC bags made from virgin material can be expensive. Packaging suppliers ultimately have to pass this premium on to customers. If compatible with your operation, bags made from partially recycled material can be a more cost-effective decision. What’s more, recycled packaging can help companies become champions of sustainability.

Finally, you need to consider how compatible a certain type of packaging is with your supply chain model. Certain types of machinery can limit your options when it comes to packaging, while specific types of packaging require expensive pieces of equipment to handle.

Packaging Design and Structure

The construction of packaging can have a major impact on the materials it is used to store. Materials like metal typically produce bulky packaging with little scope for flexibility. By contrast, materials like plastic polymers allow for far more diverse packaging. Materials like polypropylene fibers have an exceptionally high tensile strength, resulting in incredibly strong industrial packaging. This means that less material is needed to produce containers with high storage capacities, while the ultra-lightweight of the material reduces overheads further.

Packaging Machinery and Equipment

Packaging machinery typically refers to things like pallets and cranes, with certain types of packaging better suited to this equipment than others. However, it can also be used to refer to filling and discharging stations, as well as any piece of equipment that interacts with your packaging and the materials within it.

The Evolution of FIBC Containers

FIBC containers have been around for decades, and remain one of the most popular choices of bulk packaging. Preferred for their storage capacities, durability, and versatility, they’re the go-to across many industry sectors.

Key Benefits of FIBC Containers

The main draw of FIBCs is their versatility. With their flexible design and large storage capacities, they’re an effective choice for bulk packaging requirements. What’s more, they’re relatively inexpensive, making them ideal for companies looking to make an instant saving.

FIBCs also impress with their durability. Made from high-grade materials like polypropylene, they’re just as strong as bags made from more traditional materials but have the advantage of being ultra-lightweight. This makes handling FIBCs easier while lowering transportation costs and storage demands.

FIBCs are also easy to handle, allowing for seamless integration into supply chains. They can also be heavily customized, making them compatible with all manner of packaging technology and equipment. Finally, FIBCs are, generally speaking, an environmentally-friendly choice. Depending on the application, they can be reused numerous times before needing to be replaced. What’s more, the material used to construct FIBCs can be partially recycled, reducing demand for virgin materials.

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Applications of FIBC Containers Across Industries

Agriculture

FIBC containers in agricultural sectors are used throughout the entire supply chain. They can be used to store fertilizer, animal feed, harvested crops, and more.

Pharmaceutical

FIBCs can be used in the pharmaceutical industry to store and ship the raw materials used to make pharmaceutical goods, as well as the finished products themselves.

Chemicals

High-grade FIBCs with specific safety ratings can be used to store and transport chemicals. These bags typically boast anti-static properties and are flame retardant, making them suitable for use in challenging conditions.

Mining

FIBCs play a central role during mining operations, helping transport vast volumes of mined material with relative ease.

Construction

In the construction industry, FIBC containers are a common sight. They can be used to transport and store building materials, as well as clear away rubble during demolition projects.

Food Manufacturing

Food-grade industry FIBCs are a staple of the food manufacturing industry. They can be used to store and haul raw ingredients, as well as handle finished food products themselves.

Types of FIBC Containers

FIBCs come in many varieties, with Type A bags being the most common. These are suitable for handling non-hazardous materials, while Type B bags can be used to store and transport materials like flammable powders. Type C and Type D bags are electrically conductive, making them ideal for transporting flammable material, even when flammable gasses and vapors are a concern.

Challenges and Opportunities in Packaging Technology

Packaging technology needs to respond to a host of challenges. The central function of packaging is to protect contents from damage and contamination during storage and handling. Packaging should be tamper-proof, as well as able to handle impacts and temperature fluctuations.

Supply chain compatibility and efficiency are another chief concern. To speed up everyday logistics and achieve considerable cost savings, solutions like FIBC make complete sense. As well as being lightweight and versatile, this type of packaging is also stackable, limiting the need for excess storage space.

Finally, there’s traceability to consider. Being able to track packaging from source to consumer is of paramount importance for companies. Monitoring this manually isn’t particularly effective, with a high margin for human error. Thankfully, advancements in electronic packaging technology such as sensors are making the process easier.

Looking for innovative packaging to simplify your supply chains and secure significant savings? At Codefine, we’ve been spearheading packaging innovation since the 1950s, with extensive experience supplying multiple industry sectors across the planet. Why not explore our full range for yourself? Got a question about our packaging products? Why not get in touch with the team today?

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