Reusing or recycling FIBCs: Some guidelines and cautions
Using a flexible intermediate bulk container [FIBC], also called a bulk bag, to ship and store dry bulk materials is cost-effective, making the container increasingly popular for material suppliers and users, as well as custom packagers and shippers. This article discusses two industry trends -- reusing and recycling FIBCs -- as well as some cautions and guidelines you should know about.
The Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Association [FIBCA] includes regular members [US FIBC manufacturers and suppliers to these manufacturers] and associate members [foreign FIBC manufacturers who have a US representative]. The FIBCA has been working with other associations and US regulatory agencies to recommend safety standards for handling hazardous and nonhazardous materials in FIBCs. Making this work especially challenging are two FIBC industry trends driven by the industry's desire to remain both competitive and ecologically responsible: reusing and recycling FIBCs that handle nonhazardous materials.