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FIBC / Big Bag Glossary

Comprehensive A to Z glossary of technical terms used in the industrial packaging sector.

A B C D E F G H I J L M O P Q R S T U V W
A
ADR
European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road. UN certified big bags comply with ADR regulations.
Antistatic Big Bag
Big bag manufactured from special materials that prevent static electricity buildup. Two main types: Type C and Type D.
B
Baffle
Internal fabric panels sewn inside a big bag to maintain its square shape when filled. Used in Q-Bags and form-stable FIBCs.
Barrier Liner
Multi-layer plastic film sleeve used to protect contents from moisture, oxygen, or contamination. May contain EVOH, PA, or aluminium layers.
BRC IoP
British Retail Consortium - Packaging Materials. Global quality and safety standard for food-contact packaging materials. Recognised by GFSI.
Bulk Bag
Another name for big bag. Flexible industrial container used for bulk material transportation.
C
Circular Woven
Fabric weaving method producing tubular cloth without side seams. Used for seamless big bag bodies.
Coated Fabric
PP fabric laminated with polypropylene film on one or both sides. Provides moisture and dust protection.
Conductive
Big bag type that conducts electricity through carbon or metal-content threads woven into fabric. Also known as Type C.
Cross-Corner Loops
Standard lifting loop configuration sewn vertically to the four corners of a big bag.
D
Denier
Unit measuring thread fineness. Big bag production typically uses 900-1200 denier PP yarn.
Discharge Spout
Cylindrical fabric section at the bottom of a big bag enabling controlled emptying.
Dissipative Big Bag (Type D)
Special big bag type that dissipates static electricity without requiring grounding. Manufactured with antistatic additives.
Duffle Top
Big bag top closure with excess fabric that can be tied or clamped after filling.
E
EU 1935/2004
EU framework regulation for materials in contact with food. Ensures food safety compliance in big bag production.
EVOH
Ethylene vinyl alcohol. Plastic material providing superior oxygen and aroma barrier. Used in multi-layer liner structures.
F
FIBC
Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container. The official technical name for big bag.
Filling Spout
Cylindrical fabric section at the top of a big bag enabling controlled filling. Prevents dust escape.
Flat Bottom
Big bag bottom configuration without discharge spout. Cut open for full discharge.
Form-Stable Q-Bag
Specially designed big bag that maintains its square base form after filling. Provides stackability.
G
GFSI
Global Food Safety Initiative. Benchmarking organisation recognising food safety standards including BRC.
H
HACCP
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points. Food safety management system principle.
HDPE
High-density polyethylene. Liner material with high chemical resistance.
I
IMDG
International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. International code for sea transport of dangerous goods.
ISO 21898
International standard for design, construction, and safe use of FIBCs.
J
Jumbo Bag
Another name for big bag. Particularly common in Asian markets.
L
LDPE
Low-density polyethylene. The most commonly used liner material.
Lifting Loops
Woven PP strap handles used to transport big bags by forklift or crane.
Liner
Plastic film sleeve inserted inside a big bag. Provides product protection and clean discharge.
Loose Liner
Liner type that is simply inserted into the bag without attachment.
M
Mesh Panel
Woven fabric panel providing ventilation. Used in vented big bags.
Micron (μ)
Unit expressing liner thickness. 1 micron = 0.001 mm.
O
OTR
Oxygen Transmission Rate. Liner barrier performance measure.
P
PA (Polyamide)
Also known as nylon. Plastic material offering high mechanical strength.
Packing Group
UN classification of dangerous goods by risk level: PG I (high), PG II (medium), PG III (low).
PP (Polypropylene)
Main raw material used in big bag production. Lightweight, durable, and chemically resistant.
Q
Q-Bag
Square (quadratic) based big bag type. Provides warehouse optimisation and stacking advantages.
R
RID
Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail.
S
Safety Factor (SF)
Ratio of big bag design strength to safe working load. Standard FIBCs: 5:1 or 6:1.
Sewn Liner
Liner type attached to the big bag body by stitching.
SF 5:1
5:1 safety factor. Big bag designed to withstand 5 times the load. Standard for single trip use.
SF 6:1
6:1 safety factor. Big bag designed for multi-trip or demanding conditions.
Single Trip
Big bag designed for one-time use only.
Spout
Cylindrical fabric protrusion at the top (filling) or bottom (discharge) of a big bag.
SWL
Safe Working Load. Maximum weight a big bag can safely carry.
T
Tabbed Liner
Liner type attached to the big bag body using welded tabs.
Ton Bag
Another name for big bag. Usually refers to 1-tonne capacity big bags.
Top Cover
Fabric piece covering the big bag top opening to prevent dust ingress.
Type A
Standard PP big bag. No antistatic properties. Used in non-explosive environments.
Type B
Low spark energy big bag. Provides limited protection in explosive dust environments.
Type C
Conductive big bag. Safely dissipates static electricity when grounded. For explosive environments.
Type D
Dissipative big bag. Dissipates static electricity without requiring grounding.
U
UN 13H1
UN certified big bag made from woven polymer, open top design.
UN 13H2
UN certified big bag made from woven polymer, fully enclosed design.
UN 13H3
UN certified big bag made from plastic film, open top design.
UN 13H4
UN certified big bag made from plastic film, fully enclosed design.
UN Certification
Certification documenting that a big bag has passed UN tests for dangerous goods transport.
UV Stabiliser
Additive preventing degradation of PP fabric from sunlight exposure.
V
Vent
Small hole or filtered opening allowing air escape during big bag filling.
Vented Big Bag
Big bag type with ventilation panels designed for breathable products.
W
WVTR
Water Vapor Transmission Rate. Liner moisture barrier performance measure.

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