With concerns over climate change, resource depletion, and pollution, it's clear that we need to find more environmentally-friendly ways of doing things. One industry that has been particularly impacted by this shift is the shipping and logistics sector. As a result, FIBCs have emerged as a popular solution for businesses looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
In this article, we’ll take a look at FIBCs in the light of sustainability, and how here at Masterpack we are actively trying to make them even more green.
What are flexible intermediate bulk containers?
FIBCs, or flexible intermediate bulk containers, are large bags made from woven polypropylene that are designed to transport and store bulk materials such as powders, granules, and flakes. They are a popular alternative to traditional rigid containers, which can be heavy and take up a lot of space. FIBCs are lightweight, flexible, and can be folded up when not in use, which makes them a more efficient option for transportation and storage.
FIBCs reduce waste
One of the key benefits of FIBCs from a sustainability perspective is that they can significantly reduce waste. Traditional rigid containers are often discarded after a single use, but FIBCs can be reused multiple times before being recycled. Do check whether this is the case for your FIBCs for safe handling.
This means that fewer resources are used to produce new containers, and less waste is sent to landfills. Additionally, FIBCs can be recycled at the end of their life, which means that they don't have to be disposed of as hazardous waste.
Learn more about how we actively reduce waste by creating custom liners – with up to 20% waste reduction compared to our competitors.
FIBCs reduce emissions
Another benefit of FIBCs is that they can help to reduce transportation costs and emissions. Because they are lightweight and take up less space than traditional containers, more product can be transported in a single shipment. This can lead to fewer shipments overall, which reduces the amount of fuel and emissions generated by transportation. Thanks to their shape, FIBCs can be easily stacked and loaded onto trucks and ships, which makes them a more efficient option for transportation. The less transport needed, the better.
How Masterpack contributes to making FIBCs more sustainable
Modified Atmosphere Packaging for Big Bags and FIBCs
Choosing the right type of FIBC can also have a positive impact on the environment. For example, Masterpack has developed FIBCs that are compatible with Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), which helps to extend the shelf life of products and reduce food waste. MAP involves altering the atmosphere inside the bag to reduce oxygen levels and slow down the growth of bacteria and mold. This can help to keep products fresher for longer, which means that less product is wasted and fewer resources are used to produce new product.
NEW: FIBCs made from recycled material
Masterpack has also developed a new type of FIBC that is made from 30% recycled material, making it one of the most environmentally-friendly options on the market. This type of bag is still just as strong and safe as traditional FIBCs, but it has a significantly lower environmental footprint. By choosing these bags, businesses can reduce their impact on the environment without sacrificing performance or safety.
Looking to reduce your environmental footprint?
Our aim is to make these sustainable solutions widely available and easy to implement for producers everywhere – that’s the only way sustainable solutions can really make an impact. Reach out to our learn more about what our products could mean for your supply chain.