FIBCs are used across many industries, from mining to the pharmaceutical industry. Ideal for storing and transporting everything from rubble to fine powders, they’re a hard-wearing and secure packaging solution that holds up well to demanding requirements. Designed with heavy loads in mind, the most robust of FIBCs can comfortably accommodate weights of up to 4,000 pounds (around 1,800 kilograms).
FIBCs can be readily customized, with everything from bespoke branding to special laminations. However, one of the most useful customizations available is the top design of the container itself. These tops can make filling and discharging considerably easier, with different top styles better suited to certain materials and industries than others. As such, it’s crucial that you think carefully about FIBC top designs when selecting containers for your operation.
An open top FIBC is exactly what it sounds like. As these containers don’t feature any kind of top closure whatsoever, they’re filled by directly depositing material into the interior. They’re regularly used when handling materials like soil, sand, and construction debris.
Although open top FIBCs are a cost-effective choice, the fact that there is no closure available means that stored materials are exposed to the elements. While this isn’t a problem for mining and construction applications, it does render them unsuitable for handling more sensitive materials.
Another commonly encountered top design is a spout-style top. Spout top FIBCs feature a cylindrical tube opening at the top of a flat base that covers the interior of the container. This spout top is closable, meaning stored contents can be protected against the elements and external environments. They’re typically used for handling materials like fine powders and chemicals, but will also accommodate certain food ingredients.
Spout tops are relatively affordable, although they’re not as affordable as basic open top FIBCs. Because the spout can be firmly attached to filling equipment, waste is kept to a minimum, making them ideal for handling delicate and expensive materials. They’re commonly used by the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, as well as the food packaging sector.
At first glance, duffle top FIBCs are largely indistinguishable from open top FIBCs. However, the difference here is that duffle top FIBCs feature a tubular skirt that’s directly attached to the top of the container itself. Duffle top bags are generally considered the best of both worlds, combining the practicality of an open top bag with the controlled filling of a spout top FIBC. They’re well-suited to handling a diverse range of materials, including aggregates, chemicals, granular materials, and smaller foodstuffs.
Duffle top FIBCs are particularly versatile. There’s no need to attach a duffle top bag to a filling machine, with material instead deposited via a hopper or chute. Tie-fastening allows bags to be secured, ensuring the protection of sensitive. Because of their usefulness, FIBCs with this style of top are typically more expensive than other designs. What’s more, because the top of the container remains exposed during filling, they’re not ideal for handling dusty materials. Nonetheless, they’re a popular choice across many industries, including the agricultural, construction, chemical, and food manufacturing sectors.
|
Design |
Benefits |
Applications |
|
|
Open Top FIBCs |
Completely open-style top with no closure. |
Good for quick filling applications. |
Commonly used to handle soil, sand, and construction materials. Regularly used in the mining and construction sectors. |
|
Spout Top FIBCs |
Cylindrical tube opening attached to a flat base, with closure. |
Excellent filling control. Can be used with a wide variety of filling equipment. |
Commonly used to handle food ingredients, powdered chemicals, silica, and other fine materials. Regularly used in the food manufacturing, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. |
To choose the best possible FIBC top for your operation, consider your requirements carefully. Are you interested in quick filling? An open-style top will speed up your processes considerably. Worried about material wastage? The controlled filling of a spout-style top makes them an obvious pick for your business.
You’ll also need to consider closures. Open top FIBCs don’t feature closures as standard, meaning any stored contents will be left exposed. However, this isn’t necessarily a concern if you’re storing waste materials. By contrast, spout top FIBCs can be closed, with contents protected against the environment. This makes an ideal choice for storing more delicate materials that need keeping away from moisture and the elements.
Other factors to bear in mind when selecting an FIBC top design include the product types you’ll actually be handling. Do you regularly handle fine powders? Spout tops are the preferred choice, attaching to all manner of filling equipment and ensuring maximum control when depositing materials. Searching for something to store and transport granular material? A duffle top bag is a good option. Meanwhile, open-style tops are well-suited to handling larger solids like rubble and construction materials.
You’ll also want to consider handling and transportation requirements. All styles of FIBC feature lifting loops, but each one has different closure designs that impact their usability. Those with closures, such as duffle top and spout top bags, are ideal for storing and transporting materials, without the worry of excess loss. Open top FIBCs on the other hand don’t feature closures, making them less suited to transporting finer or more expensive materials.
If you’re using FIBCs to store materials for any length of time, you’ll also need to think seriously about top designs. Duffle top and spout top bags offer a good degree of protection for stored contents, making them a better choice for long-term storage. This makes them the preferred choice if there’s regulatory guidance to consider when handling certain materials.
Looking to overhaul your operation with duffle top FIBCs? Perhaps you’re in the market for spout-style tops to make quick work of controlled filling. Whatever your requirement, you’re guaranteed to find premium FIBCs with a variety of customized top designs available at Codefine. We’ve been leading the way in sustainable industrial packaging since the 1950s, with cutting-edge solutions that will enhance any operation.
Why not explore our entire product range online today? Alternatively, get in touch for a quote or to discuss your requirements in more detail.
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