A Quick History of Bulk Bags
Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs), commonly known as bulk bags, big bags, supersacks, and bulk sacks, are integral to many industries today. With over 100 million bulk bags sold annually worldwide, their popularity is undeniable. At FlexSack, with over 70 years of combined experience in the FIBC industry we have seen the popularity of these bulk bags, or jumbo bags as they’re sometimes called, grow and in this article we’ll give you a quick history of their popularity and how they’ve evolved.
The Beginning of Bulk Bags
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when or where bulk bags were invented or originally produced, but history suggests their early usage began sometime between 1955 and 1965. During this time, bulk bags gained popularity in Japan and Europe before eventually being introduced to the U.S.
Despite their usefulness, it wasn’t until the 1973 oil crisis when bulk bags usage would grow rapidly. Because of the crisis, the oil-producing countries in the Middle East required large quantities of cement (30,000-50,000 tons per week) that were shipped from Europe to support the countries’ building programs. The most economical method for transferring this material was FIBCs.
Introduction to the U.S.: The Super Sack
Most folks in the bulk bag industry would agree that Mr. Robert “Bob” Williamson, the founder of BAG Corp and an industry pioneer, was responsible for the introduction of bulk bags into the U.S. and their eventual adoption across a wide range of applications throughout the country.
Mr. Williamson observed that the agricultural industry was struggling with inefficiency and expensive crop-dusting product handling methods. Recognizing that an FIBC was a much more efficient method for handling these products, bulk bags were introduced to the application and the SuperSack was eventually created. Since it’s being trademarked, the name SuperSack has become the most used term for the FIBC container throughout the world.
Growth Throughout the U.S.
Even though the SuperSack was gaining popularity, the demand for FIBCs in the United States grew slower at a rate slower than in Europe. That all changed in 1984 when the U.S. DOT agreed to grant exemptions for the shipment of hazardous products in FIBCs. Performance standards for FIBCs were established and issued by the Chemical Packaging Committee of the Packaging Institute, USA which were used to obtain exemptions until the DOT included flexible containers in the Title 49 CFR for use with hazardous products.
Why Bulk Bags are So Popular Today
So how is it that bulk bags have stood the test of time? The answer is simple: they have a lot of features that make using them easy and cost-effective. They’re customizable and can be folded flat so that they can be easily and efficiently stored and shipped. Bulk bags are also easy to fill, store, and weigh only a few pounds but can hold a literal ton of product. They are also easy to use for workers—and when they’re done can be easily disposed of or recyclable.
Use Cases for Bulk Bags
Bulk bags are versatile and used across various industries:
- Agriculture: Transporting seeds, grains, and fertilizers
- Construction: Handling cement, sand, and other materials
- Chemical Industry: Safe containment and transportation of hazardous materials
- Food and Beverage: Bulk storage of ingredients and products
- Pharmaceuticals: Ensuring safe and hygienic transport of pharmaceutical products
Bulk Bags Evolving Over Time
Bulk bags are so popular that they have many different sub-types now. There are super sacks which can even more material than a typical bulk bag, and sand bags which are used to transport masonry sand and dirt. But it’s important to remember that all bulk bags can be customized to your specific needs.
Bulk Bags in the Future
We anticipate that bulk bags will continue to be in high demand for years to come. The world is rapidly industrializing, and bulk bags are an essential part of major construction projects—which means that they are more in demand than ever. In addition, bulk bags are now being used in a wider variety of industries, such as the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, construction, chemical, and fertilizer industries.
Bulk bags may not have been popular when they first debuted over half a century ago—but it’s hard to imagine doing a project without them today.
FAQs
How did bulk bags evolve over time?
Bulk bags originated in the late 1950s, initially used for transporting carbon black. Their popularity surged during the 1970s oil crisis, leading to advancements in materials and design. Today, they are made from durable polypropylene and are used across various sectors due to their versatility and efficiency in handling large quantities of materials.
Are bulk bags environmentally friendly?
Yes, many bulk bags are reusable and recyclable, which helps reduce waste compared to single-use packaging options. Their durability means they can be used multiple times, contributing to more sustainable practices in various industries.
How do I choose the right bulk bag for my needs?
Selecting the appropriate bulk bag depends on several factors, including the type of material you need to transport, the weight capacity required, and any specific handling or storage conditions. Options include different styles such as U-panel, conical, and form-stable bags, each designed for specific applications.
About FlexSack
For more than 25 years, ABC Polymer Industries has been delivering bulk bags to customers throughout North America. Now under the name FlexSack, we’re committed to continuing to thrive on the reputation we’ve developed through the years. With experts in bulk bags, super sacks, FIBCs, and more, plus dedicated resources to managing our business, we’re focused on providing the best customer service experience possible while operating under a “relationship-first” approach. We often joke that we’re the best-kept secret in the bulk bags industry; a sentiment echoed by some of our most loyal customers.
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Physical address
Helena Industrial Park
545 Elm Street
Helena, AL 35080
Mailing address
P.O. Box 580
Helena, AL 35080