To simplify operations and reduce costs, the logistics industry has developed a method called unitization. Containers and pallets are the most commonly used bulk containers, capable of carrying most everyday materials. However, for materials in specialized forms, such as powders and granules, containers and pallets struggle to accommodate them. To address this problem, bulk bags were developed.
So, what advantages do bulk bags offer over containers?
1. Lightweight
Bulk bags are made of woven polypropylene wire, typically measuring approximately 114–122 cm in diameter and 80–200 cm in height. They weigh only 2.3–3.2 kg and can transport 1–2 tons of product, with larger bags capable of storing even more.
Containers range from large reusable steel boxes to corrugated cardboard boxes. According to international standards set by ISO, a standard container weighs between 20–30 tons, meaning its own weight typically ranges from 2–3 tons. This means that even before loading, the container itself already holds a certain amount of weight.
2. Flexibility
Bulk bags offer flexible designs and can be customized to meet diverse needs. For example, they can be designed with various discharge ports to facilitate the loading and unloading of specific products. They can also be designed with special properties such as anti-static, moisture-proof, waterproof, and dust-proof to meet the transport needs of different cargoes.
In contrast, containers have a relatively fixed design and cannot be customized to suit different cargo needs. While containers provide some protection, they lack flexibility for loading and unloading certain specialized cargoes.
3. Ease of Operation
Big bags can be transported and loaded on pallets or by lifting them from loops. Bags are constructed with one, two, or four lifting loops. Single-loop bags are suitable for one-person operation, as a second person is not required to place the bag on the loader's hook. Emptying is easy through a special opening at the bottom, such as a drain spout, which comes in a variety of options or can simply be cut.
There are three common methods for container loading on-site: ① Complete manual loading; ② Loading the bag into the container using a forklift and then stacking it manually; ③ Complete mechanical loading, such as stacking pallets (pallets) inside the container using a forklift. None of these methods is as convenient as big bags.
4. Small Space Required
Big bags fold when empty. A pallet can hold 100 to 300 bags, but only about 60 unopened boxes. When filled, bulk bags can be stacked tightly together. Containers are fixed in size and shape, typically rectangular, which means they can't be stacked as tightly as bulk bags. This means using bulk bags can save a significant amount of space.
5. Affordable
Bulk bags are made of polypropylene, a byproduct of petroleum refining. Its price fluctuates depending on the cost of the resin and is generally cheaper. Containers, on the other hand, are made of steel or paper and are more expensive than bulk bags.
In summary, bulk bags offer numerous advantages over containers, including light weight, flexibility, ease of handling, reduced floor space, and affordability, making them a more efficient and practical solution for logistics and warehousing.