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Uses for FBICs- Infographic

Flexible intermediate bulk containers, FIBCs, are often the material of choice for many industrial storage and transportation requirements for dry, flowable goods. FIBCs are often used to hold and transport materials such as sand, plastic pallets, powders, minerals, and more.

What is a Form Fill and Seal Bag?

Form fill and seal bagging is an automated process that uses a continuous type of bag film that is filled and sealed to produce a sealed pouch. Form fill and seal bagging machines operate at high speeds to process multiple sealed bags continuously.

When to use a form fill and seal bag process

A form fill and seal bag operation is best used for repetitive production runs that use the same bag size. If versatility and flexibility are a concern, pre-made bags may be more suitable. Companies must balance requirements for volume, speed, and various bag size requirements.

Two Types of Form Fill and Seal Bagging

There are basically two different types of form fill and seal bagging equipment:

• Vertical form fill and seal (VFFS)
• Horizontal form fill and seal (HFFS)

Vertical form fill and seal bagging equipment operates on a vertical plane, sealing bags in an up and down process. This can take up less space when the work process area is tight.

Horizontal form fill and seal bagging equipment fills and seals bags on a sliding, horizontal plane where ends are cut from side to side.

Cost-Efficient Form Fill and Seal Bagging Services

Making the investment into form fill and seal bagging equipment can be costly but worth it if companies can eliminate ongoing labor expenses for bag filling and packaging. Companies that package thousands of bags a day may see a better return on investment with form fill and bag operations. Contract packaging companies that provide auto bagging and sealing services can provide a solution.

Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, provides a wide range of bagging services to companies and manufacturers of all sizes. We offer cost-efficient contract packaging solutions, including secondary packaging, flexible packaging, filling and bagging to help companies meet their production goals. PPS is familiar with bagging a variety of products such as:

• Birdseed
• Dietary supplements
• Flower and plant seed
• Nutraceuticals
• Single ingredient powders

We utilize a variety of auto bagging systems, machinery, and equipment to fill and automatically seal products in flexible pouches or bags. We use more than 12 different types of auto-bagging equipment and over 50 different machines. This allows us to provide versatile auto bagging services for products of different materials and sizes efficiently and cost-effectively. Our large state-of-the-art facility allows for dedicated work processes to be set up and customized to our customers’ needs.

PPS utilizes vertical continuous band sealing equipment as well as a heat tunnel, heat sealer, and hot stamp imprinter. We offer resources with quality suppliers for flexible packaging materials, including bags, tags, labels, and tickets. Auto bagging provides many benefits, with the ability to package products quickly to improve inventory flow and reduce labor expenses. This equals improved productivity and profitability.

PPS differs from other contract packaging companies with our not-for-profit status, allowing us to be competitive on many levels. We are fully self-sustaining and have been providing gainful employment to highly skilled people with alternate abilities for more than 80 years. We utilize automated equipment and follow a strict quality policy as part of our ISO9001:2015 registration.

Peoria Production Solutions has been providing contract packaging solutions for more than 80 years. We help businesses of all sizes meet production requirements with secondary packaging, wrapping, filling, bagging, kitting, assembly, and more. Contact us to learn how to improve your packaging processes with auto bagging from an experienced contract packaging company.

Benefits of Packaging with FIBC Bags

Flexible intermediate bulk containers, also known as FIBCs, are utilized by most industries to store and transport a variety of dry, flowable goods such as granules and powders. FIBCs are flexible yet sturdy and durable and can be designed with a variety of accessories and specifications such as UV protection, various linings, tops, and closures depending on the type of product stored and the purpose.

FIBC bags provide a better alternative over corrugated cartons for the handling and storage of many materials that would become heavy and awkward to handle or break down corrugated material. FIBCs provide many advantages over other types of material storage containers.

FIBC Static Protection Rating

There are four broad categories of FIBCs based on the level of static protection that they provide:

• Type A – plain with no static protection
• Type B – designed with protection against low breakdown voltage transmitted from brush discharges
• Type C – contain interconnecting panels with the ability to control electrical charges when grounded. These bags are recommended when working with explosive materials or atmospheres
• Type D – designed to dissipate static charges without requiring grounding

The Many Advantages of FIBC Bags

Some of the most important advantages of flexible intermediate bulk containers include:

• Protection against static charges – depending on the type and rating of bags chosen.
• Protection against moisture – products like seed grain can become moldy quickly if exposed to moisture. FIBCs are sealed to prevent moisture, protect products and increase shelf life.
• Space-saving – the ability to collapse when not in use allows for stacking and easy, space-saving storage.
• Easy to handle – using bulk bags with inlets and outlets allows for easy handling of products like grains and seeds without spilling, underfilling, or overfilling.
• Cost-efficient – FIBC bags often store grains and seeds from harvest to the processor, which provides cost-efficient handling and storage. Companies save time and money with FIBC bags that are easy and efficient to transport.
• Maintain square packaging of bags – sturdy yet flexible material allows for the bags to retain square packaging to prevent bulging and allows for easy packing and storage.
• Stable and safe handling – reinforced, robust structural designs provide stable and safe handling.
• Preserve product quality – these durable bags effectively preserve the composition, flavor, and quality of food items and other products.
• Prevent spillage – FIBC bags are designed with closures that prevent leakage and spillage during loading, unloading, and transportation.

FIBC bags provide these benefits and many others to a wide range of industrial uses. Consulting with an experienced contract packaging company helps businesses understand the many options available for storing and transporting goods.

Contract Packaging Services

Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, is an industry-leading contract packaging company located in Illinois with more than 80 years of experience in providing a variety of contract packaging services. We offer high-quality packaging, repackaging, bag filling, shrink wrapping, palletizing, as well as kitting and assembly, and other production solutions. PPS helps companies of all sizes, from small to medium businesses, OEMs, and Fortune 100 manufacturers, to meet production goals.

Our vast resources include a large, state-of-the-art facility with 15 shipping and receiving bays and the capacity to set up dedicated work processes for the controlled flow of goods. Our ERP system provides lot code tracking of all customer-supplied material and real-time inventory control. We follow strict quality policies as part of our ISO9001:2015 registration and realize that our greatest asset is our employees.

PPS provides bag-filling services for market applications, including powders, supplements, seeds, nutraceuticals and other materials.

PPS offers production and packaging solutions to a wide range of industries and market applications. We offer secondary packaging solutions, including flexible packaging, auto bagging, and bag filling. Contact us to learn more about our many contract packaging and bag-filling services.

The Most Common Uses of FIBCs

Flexible intermediate bulk containers, FIBCs, are often the material of choice for many industrial storage and transportation requirements for dry, flowable goods. FIBCs are often used to hold and transport materials such as sand, plastic pallets, powders, minerals, and more.

Advantages of FIBCs

FIBCs provide many advantages over other types of packaging materials, with flexibility and the ability to collapse when not in use for easy handling and storage. They are made of strong, durable material and can include properties such as UV resistance. FIBCs can be breathable or have a coating to prevent loss of product when carrying fine powder and may be designed with various tops and closures to suit the product and purpose.

The Many Uses of FIBCs

FIBCs are used in many industries and applications such as:

• Agriculture – FIBCs are commonly used to store and transport seeds, grains, and other agricultural materials. They can be filled and discharged easily and quickly and can protect contents against damage from environmental factors such as moisture.
• Landscaping – these flexible bags are sturdy enough to transport soil, mulch, and other landscaping materials.
• Construction – FIBC bags are common in the construction industry to store and transport materials such as sand, cement, gravel, stone, plaster, mortar, gravel, and metals. The construction industry relies on durable and sturdy FIBCs to easily move materials across vast distances.
• Plastics industry – large flexible intermediate bulk containers are commonly used to transport plastic pallets for thermoplastic injection molding processes.
• Food industry – transporting food-grade powders such as spices, powdered milk, sugar, flour, and other dry food ingredients such as nuts and candy are performed easily with FIBCs.
• Chemical industry – These durable bags are designed to withstand harsh chemicals and conditions. They are commonly used to transport pesticides, fertilizers, and various industrial chemicals.
• Pharmaceuticals – FIBCs meet the transportation needs of many granular and powdered pharmaceutical products.
• Textiles – FIBCs are common in the textile industry to store and transport fabrics such as yarn and other textile materials.
• Livestock feed – livestock feed and other types of pet food are often stored and transported with FIBCs.
• Commercial and industrial cleaning storage – FIBCs are convenient for storing and transporting commercial and industrial cleaning products, including soaps and detergents, solutions, and tools.
• Recycling – reusable large flexible bag containers provide solutions for recycling processes and are often called Super Sacks.

FIBCs provide storage and transportation solutions to these applications and many others, wherever the usage of flowable solid or fine powdered materials is required.

Consult with an experienced contract packaging provider to learn more solutions for storing and transporting your goods.

Production and Packaging Solutions

Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, offers production and packaging solutions to companies of all sizes. We provide secondary production solutions such as kitting and assembly, wrapping, and packaging, including flexible packaging and bag filling services. We utilize a wide variety of auto-bagging machinery and equipment and solutions to protect parts against damage and loss and better organize products for inventory flow.

PPS is an ISO9001:2015 registered contract packaging company, following a strict quality policy. We customize work processes to meet specific customer requirements and utilize a highly trained, skilled staff. PPS partners with companies of all sizes, including small to medium-sized businesses, OEMs, and Fortune 100 manufacturers. Contact us to learn more about the many benefits of flexible packaging and for more production and packaging solutions.

What are Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers?

Flexible, sustainable, reusable packaging is a great way for companies to save money and protect the planet at the same time. Flexible packaging provides additional space-saving benefits, with less wasted space and the ability to collapse when empty.

Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers

Flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) are nonrigid storage containers typically made of a flexible type of fabric that are designed for the storage and/or transportation of flowable, dry products such as plastic granules, fertilizer, and sand. They can vary in size but are typically used for bulk packaging in large, jumbo sizes for industrial uses. FIBCs are completely collapsible, which makes them easy to store and transport when not in use.

Filling FIBCs

FIBCs may utilize a variety of filling options with different types of closures available. Depending on the contents, sealed tops may be required for products subject to moisture damage. Top closures may include something simple like a drawstring to confine the product while still allowing airflow or a cone top to allow additional filling of materials that may settle over time.FIBC tops and closures can be customized based on various filling systems and shipping requirements.

FIBC Discharge

The proper FIBC discharge method should be designed to improve product handling efficiency, saving the end-user time and money. Bottom discharge spouts can be handy for customers that plan to reuse their bags. Spouts can be designed to match equipment specifications and cleanliness requirements.

FIBCs vs. IBCs

Both flexible intermediate bulk containers and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) provide storage and transportation solutions for many industrial applications. There are several differences between these two types of industrial bulk containers, however, and the type chosen depends on the product and the primary purpose. Some of the most important differences are that IBCs are made of rigid plastics and cannot be collapsed, and they are meant to store mainly liquids or some semi-solids. FIBCs are not designed to hold liquids.

Properties of Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs)

• Nonrigid, flexible and collapsible storage containers
• Designed for powders and semisolids, cement, sand, etc…
• Not designed to store liquids
• UN approved to hold hazardous materials
• Produced with woven plastics such as polypropylene
• Easy to move when collapsed
• Easy to store and stack when not filled
• Takes up minimal storage space when not in use
• Can be reusable and recyclable

Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs)

• Rigid, non-collapsible, solid storage containers
• Designed to hold semi-solids and liquids
• UN approved to hold hazardous materials.
• Produced with rigid plastics, typically high-density polyethylene, HDPE
• Typically moved with industrial equipment
• Recyclable and reusable
• Requires storage space when not in use
• May include various accessories and attachments such as nozzles and a steel protective cage

Consulting with an experienced contract packaging provider can help companies understand their many options for packaging materials and services.

Contract Packaging, Wrapping, and Bag Filling Solutions

Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, is an industry-leading contract packaging provider that has been helping companies to improve packaging processes for more than 80 years. We offer a variety of quality packaging services, such as various secondary packaging solutions, bag filling, repackaging, flexible packaging, shrink wrapping, and palletizing. PPS provides packaging solutions for companies of all sizes, including small businesses, OEMs, and Fortune 100 manufacturers.

PPS offers the capacity, resources, staff, and experience to provide high-quality packaging solutions for all types of materials. We are set apart from other packaging providers as a fully sustainable, not-for-profit organization, investing in our staff and company to continually provide high-tech, high-quality packaging solutions. Contact us to learn more about our many production solutions, including auto bagging and flexible packaging services.

Sustainable Packaging for Pharmaceuticals

The pharmaceutical industry is one of the largest industries and major contributor to the national GDP, and is also more emission-intensive than the automotive industry according to some studies.

Challenges of the Pharmaceutical Packaging Market.

The pharmaceutical packaging market must address many considerations that are not applicable to other packaging markets. Packaging processes typically include priorities such as aesthetic appeal and user experience, although the pharmaceutical market packaging market must consider additional factors such as safety, protection, compliance, and usability. Sustainability in pharmaceutical packaging has been a lesser priority, although with continually increased attention on greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon footprint companies and industries are leaving on the planet, the priority of sustainable packaging is increasing.

Safe packaging for pharmaceuticals includes child-resistant packaging and solutions that can prevent potentially harmful or toxic access from anyone other than the patient. It is also critical that pharmaceutical packaging protects products against external factors such as heat, humidity, oxygen, UV exposure, temperature, or other contaminants to preserve the integrity of pharmaceutical products. Pharmaceutical packaging manufacturers use a variety of materials to produce packaging solutions for the administration of safe doses, product protection, and patient safety.

While the pharmaceutical packaging industry is blamed for large global greenhouse gas emissions, some of the major pharmaceutical companies are focusing on packaging that protects the patient and the planet.

Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Pharmaceutical Packaging

Companies that are rethinking their packaging design need to go back to the drawing board and consider sustainability as one of the initial primary goals. Sustainability is not something that can be incorporated into existing packaging designs as an afterthought; it must be included during the planning phase. Companies that are proactive in their packaging designs are industry leaders in creating effective solutions with waste disposal and recycling initiatives.

There are more choices available today for sustainable packaging materials to produce safe, protective, and user-friendly pharmaceutical packaging. Blister packs are a popular packaging solution for many pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. Some other materials increasing in usage to improve sustainable packaging options include:

• Recyclable materials – the use of materials that can repeatedly move through the recycling stream promote a circular economy and reduce carbon footprints. Recyclable polymers such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are popular materials for recyclable packaging choices.
• Biodegradable materials – substrates that can be naturally broken down by microorganisms and assimilated back into the environment without leaving stressful, residual materials in landfills improve sustainable packaging efforts.
• Monomaterial design – the use of one sustainable material that is fully recyclable reduces overall energy consumption.

Consumers and patients are becoming increasingly sensitive to the impact that companies make on the planet. Many pharmaceutical companies are realizing that they can balance product and consumer safety with sustainable packaging practices. Speaking with an experienced contract packaging company can help pharmaceutical packaging manufacturers realize the many options available to increase sustainable packaging practices.

Flexible and Sustainable Packaging Solutions

Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, has been providing packaging solutions to a wide range of industries for more than 80 years. We offer in-depth experience with a variety of packaging materials and utilize automated equipment combined with a skilled staff to provide high-quality packaging services. We offer versatile auto bagging services with more than a dozen different types of auto bagging equipment and over 50 auto bagging machines overall. PPS provides a wide range of bagging services for products such as single-ingredient powders, dietary supplements, and nutraceuticals.

PPS is a flexible packaging provider with vast experience in a wide range of flexible and sustainable packaging materials. We utilize automated equipment such as heat sealers, heat tunnels, auto labeling equipment, auto bag filling, shrink sleeve and vertical band sealers, and hot stamp imprinting to meet a variety of packaging specifications.

Peoria Production Solutions, PPS, is a leading contract packaging company offering a variety of flexible, sustainable packaging solutions. We follow strict quality policies as an ISO9001:2015 contract packager with automated equipment and a state-of-the-art, modern facility. Contact us to learn how to improve your pharmaceutical packaging process with sustainable, flexible packaging from an experienced contract packaging company.