Big bags recycling is a significant concern for manufacturers, particularly regarding what to do with jumbo bags after they’ve been used. Typically, these FIBCs either end up being burned or sent to landfills, where they decompose at an extremely slow rate.
Both of these disposal methods are detrimental to the environment. The most sustainable solution is to focus on recycling big bags to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact. In this article, EPP Vietnam will provide you with useful tips on how to recycle and reuse jumbo bags effectively.
How to reuse big bags?
FIBC jumbo bags are made mainly from flexible materials, typically polypropylene (PP) yarns that are woven into fabric. Made of durable material, these bags are flexible and can be used for a long time.
They are perfect for storing and transporting large quantities of goods. Various industries use super sacks as a cost-effective solution. However, this makes plastic waste increase significantly after many years. The problem is how to carry on bulk bags recycling while still ensuring standards.
What bulk bags reusable are?
The FIBC bag is specially made to be flexible and durable in certain circumstances. The single-use big bags have Safety Factor (SF) 5:1, which means they can hold 5 times the safe working load (SWL).
The FIBC jumbo bag with SF 5:1 is single-trip packaging. In contrast, some packaging has a higher safety factor of 6:1, designed for multiple uses. Reusing jumbo bags requires a ‘Closed ‘ system where the bags are cleaned, refurbished, and qualified for reuse to manage the product in the same application for which the packaging was originally designed.
What to do before big bags recycling and reusing
To safely reuse jumbo bags, please follow strictly the instructions listed below.
– Cleaning: Remove all impurities inside the bag and make sure the dirt is completely cleaned. For lined super sacks, FIBC liners can be removed or replaced.
– Repairing – Replace the rope and check the seam of the cover when there are strange signs, just remove it to ensure safety.
– Tracking – The manufacturer must maintain a record of traceability, the contained goods, and the number of times fibc packaging was used.
– Testing – The jumbo bags should be randomly selected for upper advanced testing. Frequency and quantity will be determined by the bulk bag manufacturer and based on the specific situation of the packaging.
Tips for big bags recycling and reusing
If your business has been using jumbo bags, you should not ignore the following tips to recycle and reuse jumbo bags to save costs as well as ensure a safe environment.
Industrial Refilling
For businesses using 6:1 Multi-Trip bags, refilling is the primary method of reuse. Before refilling, the bag must undergo a rigorous inspection to ensure the lifting loops are not frayed and the fabric shows no UV degradation (starburst patterns). It is standard practice to remove the old dirty liner and insert a brand-new PE liner to guarantee hygiene and prevent cross-contamination between batches.
Construction Waste & Debris
If a bag has been retired from carrying heavy chemical loads, its life isn’t over yet! On construction sites, these rugged Super Sacks are ideal for collecting debris. They easily contain sharp materials like rubble, broken bricks, and wood scraps without tearing like flimsier trash bags, which significantly simplifies job site organization.
Once the bag is full, it gives you two responsible options: the whole thing can be hauled away by your waste service, or, better yet, if the bag only contained clean, non-hazardous debris, the durable polypropylene material can be sent directly into the specialized big bags recycling stream, closing the loop on your industrial waste.
Flood Control & Erosion Barriers
Due to their high volume and strength, old FIBCs can be filled with sand or gravel to act as rapid-deployment flood barriers. They serve as massive “sandbags” that can build temporary retaining walls or reinforce riverbanks during emergency flooding events. This is an excellent way to repurpose bags that have minor defects but remain structurally sound enough to hold static weight.
Agricultural Composting
The breathable nature of woven polypropylene makes Big Bags ideal vessels for large-scale composting. By filling the bag with leaves, grass clippings, and organic waste, farmers and gardeners can create a contained compost system that allows air to circulate, accelerating the decomposition process. The bags are durable enough to withstand outdoor weather while keeping the compost pile neat and contained. Even after years of hard work in the garden, when the bag finally wears out, you can send the remaining polypropylene material into the dedicated big bags recycling stream, ensuring zero waste.
Equipment & Material Covers
By cutting the side seams and laying the fabric flat, a used Big Bag transforms into a heavy-duty, waterproof tarp. This sheet can be used to cover cement mixers, lumber stacks, or generators, protecting them from rain and sun damage. It is a cost-free alternative to buying disposable plastic sheeting for temporary outdoor protection.
Warehouse Recycling Stations
Old bags can be hung on simple metal frames or placed on pallets to serve as designated collection bins for warehouse waste. Facilities can use one bag for collecting shrink wrap (LDPE), another for cardboard, and another for metal straps. This encourages bulk bag recycling discipline among staff and keeps the warehouse floor clear of loose packing materials.
We have shared with you about PP big bags recycling and reusing. If you have a need to use Jumbo bags, please contact EPP Vietnam Co., Ltd at hotline 0986 002 888 for the most detailed advice.
🌐 Website: https://epp.vn – https://eppvietnam.trustpass.alibaba.com
📲 +84 986 002 888 – [email protected]
