When you have to deal with moving massive amounts of products from one location to another, you want to get the job done quickly and productively. That’s where polypropylene straps or other straps come in. However, choosing the correct straps is an important decision to make. You want your straps to successfully ease your transportation efforts instead of worrying about it coming apart at the seams. Therefore, you should look at your options before tying yourself into one type of strap.

Strapping: What Is It?

Strapping is defined as using a flat material to bundle items together to hold them in place. However, strapping can also be used to reinforce or fasten products and is ideal for shipping a large amount of product. Many industries strap, including construction, shipping, packaging, lumber, etc. Strapping is also extremely useful in the agricultural industry. When it comes to strapping, there are two broad options to choose from: steel and plastic.

Steel

Also known as steel banding, steel strapping was first introduced in the 19th century. Today, it is made by flattening the metal by rolling it. Steel banding comes from two types of rolling: hot rolling and cold rolling. Rolling can be done when the temperature of the metal is below the recrystallization of the metal and when it is higher than it. This is how hot rolling and cold rolling got their names.

Use of Steel Straps

Steel straps come in a plethora of thicknesses, widths, and variations in the grade of steel. Straps are built for regular duty, which can hold up to 12,500 pounds and high tensile and uses a low carbon steel to make a high strength and stretch strap for shock resistance. It is mainly used for heavy loads that need strength and minimal stretch. While useful in some cases, it does have its disadvantages, such as the possibility of rusting, tearing, or scratching of cargo, lashing and tightening of bounds, heavier weight, higher cost, and the possibility of injury.

Plastic

Plastic has much more variety, making it a viable option for a range of applications. Plastic straps come in three different types: nylon, polyester, and polypropylene.

Nylon

Nylon strapping has the greatest specific strength of the three plastics, according to its strength/weight ratio. Nylon is strong, but it is expensive.

Polyester

Polyester is another strong plastic product and can come in woven or nonwoven options. Woven polyester is the most popular choice of the two due to its filaments being weaved together to create a ratcheting tensioner and high joint efficient buckle.

Polypropylene

This type of strapping is considered light to medium-duty and is the most economical option for a variety of reasons. Polypropylene is the most commonly used of all the strapping materials and comes in different widths, thicknesses, and polymer variations. Polypropylene is recyclable, so it is a more environmentally-friendly option for your product. It has high elongation and recovery, but it does not retain its tension, which will be problematic for solid, heavy items such as a solid brick of products. Also, caution must be used if it will be exposed to UV rays for extended periods of time.

Polypropylene in Agriculture

Polypropylene strapping is best used in agriculture because the products that are being transported do not usually include heavy bricks of concrete or related materials. There a few main reasons that the agricultural industry uses polypropylene when strapping: affordability, durability, and a variety of applications.

Affordability

As mentioned above, polypropylene is the cheapest choice for strapping. Not only are they the cheapest choice but they are multi-functional. These straps can be used as promotional and marketing tools for your company. Polypropylene can be printed with your company name and logo so that your brand is seen at various locations. If your strapping needs do not require the ability to hold together large blocks of concrete, then you can save a buck, up your marketing efforts, and opt for this option.

Durability

Polypropylene is resistant to water and additional chemicals that may be present in your products, which makes it uniquely qualified to transfer goods, crops, soil, weeding chemicals, etc. Furthermore, because of its lightweight and ability to contract and expand, it will move with your items to ensure that they remain tightly packed and in their proper shapes – especially in variable temperatures. They can hold up to 2,000 pounds and can be sealed with friction welds, seals, buckles, and heat seals. They also do not require as much maintenance as the steel straps. All you have to remember is to keep the straps out of the sunlight because, as warned above, they can become compromised.

Variety of Applications

While the other options for strapping are more rigid and only used for basically one purpose (keeping together tough, heavy objects), polypropylene straps can be put to use for virtually anything. You can transport sacks, boxes, bags, crates, or whatever else you need to move.

Its unique ability to take the shape of your product makes it the most versatile choice, which, in agriculture, can be pretty useful. If polypropylene straps meet your needs, then the price and durability make it the best and most affordable option. Discover the myriad of benefits associated with using polypropylene straps in agriculture.

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Modern agriculture and farming techniques have evolved rapidly during the last few decades. Improvements have been made and are constantly being updated, in all facets of the agriculture industry. With the advent of more effective weed control, fertilizer, seeds, techniques, and strategies, agriculture has become a more streamlined, less wasteful enterprise. This includes the savvy use of bulk bags and bulk bag containers, also referred to as flexible intermediate bulk containers.

Bulk Bags are Designed to Fit Your Requirements

Waste and spillage have always had a negative effect on a farmer’s bottom line, but with advancing petrochemical (polypropylene) technology, more efficient methods of storage, transportation, and disposal, flexible Intermediate bulk containers (FIBC’s or bulk bags) have become an important part of today’s agriculture industry. Here are some of the many ways that bulk bags can improve the bottom line for today’s agriculture professionals.

Multiple Sizes Available

There are different sizes and load parameters available when considering a flexible intermediate bulk container. Normally, bulk bags will have a width between 45 and 48 inches which enables them to be loaded side-by-side in a standard 96-inch wide semi-trailer. With many different sizes available, agricultural professionals can maximize their storage or transportation requirements. For example, there are heavy-duty FIBCs and ones that can handle up to one ton of product.

Tremendous Weight to Load Ratio

Since they are considered “intermediate,” bulk bags are designed for loads of up to 5000 pounds. Bulk bags weigh between 5 – 7 lbs. per unit. Therefore, the amount of product which can be transported is increased significantly when compared to other storage products. This enables the transportation or storage of large amounts of material within a fairly small area, a factor which is crucial when considering your bottom line.

Multi-Use Bulk Bags

Most super sack variants are multiple-use designs. The 5:1 ratio bags are single-use bags and are capable of holding between 500 – 4000 pounds of product. Six to one ratio bags and UN approved 6:1 bags can be used multiple times.

Product Protection

Bag liners are available to add moisture protection when storing your product. They can be sewn into the fabric seams for permanent protection. Bulk bags with a bottom discharge can employ a liner which is “tabbed” into all eight corners of the container. Tabbing prevents the bag from slipping during discharge. Bag liners are constructed of polyethylene.

Sack Designs to Suit Your Needs

Different materials require different methods of loading or unloading a super sack. There are standard bag designs. However, if the need arises, bulk bags can also be customized to suit a customer’s needs. Bulk bags (FIBC’s) come in a duffle top, open-top, or spout top. Spouts can be customized to fit the particular filling apparatus. Bag bottoms are available in a number of different styles. For a faster unload, conical bottom bags are available. Bulk bags are also available with a closed bottom, diaper bottom, or fully open configurations.

Additional Customization for Bulk Bags

In addition to specifically designed bag bottoms, the lift loops can be tailored for forklift or crane lifting. Loops can be configured in a “corners,” “cross corners,” or “Stevedore” manner. Bulk bags can also be personalized by requesting custom logo printing or bag colors.

Bulk Bags Have Many Uses for Your Agricultural Needs

With the versatility of bulk bags in mind, there are ways FIBC’s can be used by agricultural businesses to help control the bottom line.

Transportation and Storage of Fertilizer

Without a doubt, any agricultural venture would be greatly hampered without fertilizer. FIBC’s protect the fertilizer as it is transported, ensuring that it will be effective when needed. The right fertilizer, stored in the proper manner is a must for a successful business. Bulk bags can store, protect, and transport fertilizer, and are of great utility in the distribution of this precious commodity. Whether an agricultural business uses organic or inorganic fertilizer, bulk bags are the safest, most economical way to protect this investment.

Transportation and Storage of Seed

Right behind fertilizer in agricultural importance is the seed. Without seeds, there is no crop to harvest. The seed can be adversely affected by so many factors including moisture, rodents, birds, and time. Proper storage is a must. When used in a cool, dry, environment, bulk bags will protect the seed for up to a year against adverse conditions and pests.

Crop Storage and Transportation

Harvesting ultimately requires the storage and transportation of the crops. Bulk bags can help businesses to get the most profit from their efforts. They are the most efficient, affordable, convenient, and cost-effective manner for transporting crops to their end destination.

A damaged product is a useless product. Super sack bulk containers will help protect harvested crops, even if storage is required until it is time for transportation. Businesses can count on a healthy, profitable harvest.

If you found us by searching the web for bulk bags for sale near you, we are happy you are here and thank you for reading our blog. How can we help you? Contact us today with any questions you may have and ask for our special price for bulk bags.

Agricultural packaging is essential to the food industry. Packaging prevents food from being spoiled or ruined by pests or toxins from packages. In a health conscious world demanding to know where our food comes from, the packaging is crucial. Some packages may not hold up very well, and may become susceptible to pests or the external elements such as wet weather. For these reasons, bulk bags are one of the most affordable and effective ways to store and transport dry goods and produce. Consider the packaging best used for agricultural bulk shipping.

The Importance of Agricultural Packaging

In the United States, there are over three million people farming and/or ranching. Many agricultural products, particularly dry goods and certain produce, are transported in bulk bags. Fresh products should be delivered to preserve the quality and integrity of the food. The freshness and taste are essential to selling excellent produce.

Eliminate Unnecessary Waste

About half of the food is wasted during the production process. Post-harvest treatment procedures and lack of storage or inadequate transportation also contribute to waste. The importance of agricultural packaging preserves as much food as possible. Excellent packaging can ensure short and long-term stability between farmers and the public.

Produce and Packaging

Produce should pair well with the type of packaging used. It helps the quality crop yields, especially for fresh produce. Different foods require different types of packaging. There are primary concerns that need to meet packaging standards. Ventilation is crucial to the packaging. Heat should be able to escape, and the produce should be able to cool quickly. Produce water loss should be minimized. It will help the produce stay fresh. When the produce spoils, it can become costly for the agricultural industry.

Safety Matters

The packaging should be safe to handle. Injuries should not occur from the packaging. It should be safe to transport and easy to handle. Bulk bags hold up to thousands of pounds of dry goods. The bulk bags are moved by machinery through the use of loops. These loops can be placed in certain locations for ease of operation. Bulk bags can be customized to meet the needs of all types of customers and shipments.

Special Packaging Is Often Required

Different products require different types of packaging. There should be a separate package for every single type of produce. There are several different types of packaging available. Case and carton, flexible packaging, and retail ready packaging are available. The packaging used for bulk shipments is a great concern as this is where the largest losses can occur. It must be durable, reliable, and suitable for the products being transported. For this reason, flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) are usually the containers of choice when companies are handling dry, flow-able goods such beans, rice, and more.

Improving the Shipment Processes

Packing that improves the shipment process is crucial. Packaging should be cost-effective as well and develop key branding. Bulk bags can be specially developed to accommodate the unique needs of each type of product being transported. For example, customized printing can be added to woven polypropylene bulk bags to help brand the business. This may include the company’s name, logo and/or slogan. The woven poly bulk bags can also be printed with the contents contained within to help keep regional, national, and international shipments well-organized.

Working With a Professional

Choosing the right packaging for your agricultural business’ needs can be a challenge. Measurements need to be taken. The types of products being transported and stored must be carefully considered. Wholesale bulk bags come in various sizes and materials. Work with a professional to determine which super sacks and configurations are ideal for your purposes. Western Packaging takes pride in helping its agricultural customers find the perfect solutions for their agricultural packaging needs.

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When you’re looking for agricultural packaging solutions, you’re probably considering numerous options from different brands to different materials and packaging styles. One option is to look for woven polypropylene bulk bags, which are quickly becoming the industry standard for packaging of all kinds, from feed to seed, grain to produce. Furthermore, you can opt to have your bulk bags custom printed with your brand name, logo, or any other information you desire – a strategy that can do wonders for your business brand and promotion strategy, as well as customer loyalty and retention. Here are five advantages of custom printed woven polypropylene bulk bags. Keep these in mind as you consider your options.

1. Durability

If you’re looking for bulk bags that will last, weathering heavy contents as well as transport and distribution, this is it. Woven polypropylene bulk bags are structured to support whatever is placed within them, which means that you can rest assured knowing that no rips or tears will befall your product’s packaging. Plus, you can select from almost any custom size to find the perfect option to fit your product and your needs. Long periods of storage will not wear down this durable material, which is extremely resistant to stress, temperature, most alkali and acid, organic solvents, degreasing agents and electrolytic attack.

2. Branding

The elusive concept of “branding” is all-important for any business, no matter how large or small. Simply put, branding is the process of creating an image for your business, or a way that your customers (and potential customers) perceive you. Building a brand involves not just the graphic elements, such as a logo and color scheme, but also the most subliminal aspects such as your overall message, mission, and business model. When your customers think of your business, they will have a certain image of you in mind, and it is this image that you want to be able to influence in the shape that you want it to take.

Branding is important because a business with a better brand attracts more customers, and is better able to retain the customers that it has. When you can immediately bring to mind positive qualities such as reliability, efficiency, and quality just by showing your brand’s logo, your customers will immediately go to you instead of searching out alternative options from your competitors. As a result, the custom printing option for woven polypropylene bulk bags is exactly what your business needs to build its brand. Inscribe your name, logo, slogan, or any other graphic that you know will help represent your business for your customers and build in their minds a positive image of your brand identity.

3. Promotion

Although it may seem obvious, few people realize exactly how much of an impact a custom printed package has on product promotion. When your customers purchase your product, you can be assured that others in the industry will see the package as well. Showing your name, logo, or other details on your bulk bags serve as a great promotion technique, raising awareness of your brand name and attracting more customers without spending a cent on
actual advertising.

4. Economy

Since polypropylene is so easy and quick to produce, it is an extremely affordable material. This means that you won’t have to spend so much of your budget on packaging, and instead, can allocate more money towards other aspects of your business. Ultimately, saving money is good both for your profits and for the impact that you can have on the areas you channel the extra money into, from marketing to product quality to production.

5. Versatility

With custom printed woven polypropylene bulk bags, you have a number of options to choose from to find the packaging that is right for you. For example, you can start with the standard woven poly bulk bag, which is flexible in both size and number – that means that you can order as many as you need for the agricultural products you are shipping, and also vary the sizes of the bags depending upon the quantity in each bulk package. Furthermore, you can choose from a number of different fabric colors and printing options depending upon your business’ design elements, the nature of the goods you are shipping, and the audience that you want to reach.

Ultimately, these decisions are all in your hands rather than set in a predetermined sequence, allowing you and your business to enjoy the versatility of these bags for your agricultural and farming needs.

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One of the industries that use bulk bags most often is agriculture. The size, shape, and configuration of these bags are conducive for many of the jobs that need to be accomplished in a normal day for farmers. Bulk bags also provide the perfect environment for agricultural products to be stored, used, and transported in a way that is beneficial to farmers, transporters, and end users. Bulk bags are incredibly versatile for the agricultural industry, as they have quite a number of varied uses. Following are six ways bulk bags are used in agriculture.

1. Crop storage

Bulk bags are ideal for storage. Farmers can store their crops in bulk bags until they are ready to ship. They also provide the perfect storage place for crops until they are ready for use or sale. Their storage capacity is not limited to crops. Bulk bags can also store other items that are essential to the agricultural industry. They are a great way for farmers and other agriculture professionals to remain organized.

2. Crop transportation

The agriculture industry relies heavily on the safe transportation of crops. If crops are unable to get from Point A to Point B without issue, they are no good to the end user. Vegetables are delicate, and if they are crushed or marred in any way, they will not be able to be sold to supermarkets or other outlets. Vegetables are not the only crops that are transported in bulk bags. Crops such as wheat, barley and nuts are also carried in them. Bulk bags provide the protection these products need to arrive at their final destination safely so they can be transformed into bread and other products consumers need.

3. Seed storage and transportation

Just as the transportation of crops is important to the agricultural industry, so is the transportation of seeds and fertilizer. Seeds need to be kept in a dry, well-conditioned, cool location for them to be usable. They also need to be kept away and protected from various animals, such as birds and rodents, which can eat the seeds. Any loss of these products can cost a farmer more money. Bulk bags are the ideal environment for seeds to be stored and transported. Many seeds can be stored for up to one year, although some seeds can be stored for an even longer period of time. For example, watermelon seeds can remain safe and usable for as many as eight years.

4. Fertilizer storage

Fertilizer is perhaps the most important tool for a farmer. Without it, crops simply will not grow. Bulk bags are ideal for storing fertilizer and distributing it among the crops. Not only are bulk bags large enough to hold a significant amount of fertilizer, but they are also pliable enough to move easily. Bulk bags are ideal for both organic and inorganic fertilizers.

5. Fertilizer transportation

Fertilizer can come in many forms, including liquid, semi-liquid, and dry. Each type of fertilizer needs to travel to its final destination in a safe and ecologically friendly manner that also allows it to be loaded and removed from a truck in a convenient way. Bulk bags provide a safe environment that will ensure the fertilizer does not get contaminated and become unusable. Further, the handles on the bulk bags make it easy to load and unload the fertilizer without much effort.

6. Green initiatives

People in the agricultural industry know and understand more than anyone how vital it is to the planet to take steps to conserve energy and help preserve the planet for future generations. By using bulk bags instead of paper bags for transportation and storage of seeds, beans, nuts and other products, the agricultural industry is making great strides in the conservation arena. Currently, many growers of soybeans have already made the switch to bulk bags, and the corn industry is starting to make headway as well. The move away from paper bags and cardboard boxes toward bulk bags is quickly changing the entire agriculture industry as a whole. Often bulk bags are reusable, making them an ideal green option.

The versatility of bulk bags makes them the perfect choice to be used in an abundance of applications on farms and in other agricultural settings. Their size, shape and pliability combined with their light weight and durability to create an economical way for the agricultural industry to get the job done. Plus, bulk bags can be customized to suit your unique needs as well as printed to brand your business or properly organize your products.

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Bulk bags, often referred to as flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs), provide a cost-efficient and inexpensive solution when it comes to material handling, storing, and transportation. Do you need a bulk bag? How do you determine the size you need? Bulk bags come in a range of sizes and dimensions as well as FIBC (Bulk Bag) specifications. Your bulk bag must be the right size for you, your material, and finally, your customer. Discover how to select the size of a bulk bag.

Consider the Material or Product

Let’s consider the following question. Which weighs more – one pound of feathers, or one pound of rocks? If you said rocks, you would have answered the question incorrectly. No matter how you look at it, one pound is one pound. It doesn’t matter if it’s rocks or feathers. They both weigh the same.

Low-Density Materials

The easiest way to determine if you have a low-density or high-density material is to determine its weight. It’s relatively easy to say that you need a bigger bag to carry one pound of feathers than you do one pound of rocks. You can probably carry a single pound of rocks in your bare hands. However, one pound of feathers requires a bag so big that it may require a truck to transport. Low-density materials weigh less, allowing you to choose a larger bag.

High-Density Materials

High-density materials weigh more. Therefore, your bag must be smaller. We’re not talking bags the size of shoe boxes. These are still bulk bags. If you have an unusually heavy product, you may want to consider a smaller bag. That way, the volume of the bag can handle more pressure per square inch without bursting or breaking.

Determine the Minimum and Maximum Dimensions

When you determine your bag size, remember that, when you transport it, the only part of the bag that is in contact with your carrier is the base of the bag. However, don’t neglect the fact that these are flexible bags. A properly filled bag will belly at the sides and increase your dimensions by up to 20 percent. You have the ability to prevent this – at an increased cost – by purchasing bags with internal baffles.

The Minimum Size

For this, you have to determine the minimum size of your carrier. In other words, where are you going to store the bag? How are you going to transport the bag? The only part of the bag that touches the carrier is the base. To ensure that your bags can fit inside your carrier, the width or length of your bags (whichever is longer) must be shorter than the capacity that your carrier can handle. For example, if the internal width of the tractor-trailer is 96 inches and you plan on putting two bags side-by-side, then the width of your bags must be shorter than 48 inches. If you put two 48 inch bags side-by-side, you will get 96 inches. Anything longer than that and your bulk bag and its dimensions will not fit in the trailer.

The Maximum Size

Now that we have the minimum size, we can use this to determine the maximum size. Take the figure for the width and add it to the value for the length. Multiply this number by two and divide by pi (3.14159) and you will have the diameter of the filled bag. For example, if your width is 34 inches and your length is 41 inches, you can add these two together to get 75. Multiply 75 x 2 and you get 150. If you divide 150 x 3.14159, you get 47.75. The diameter of the filled bag will not exceed 47.75 inches. If you plan on putting two bags side-by-side, it will be less than 96 inches – but only by one-half of an inch. It will barely fit, and it may give you a little bit of trouble.

Other Design Features to Consider

There is no standard when it comes to designing your bulk bag, including a super sack. However, there are other design features to consider depending on how you handle the material.

Lifting Loops

Lifting loops come in all sorts of sizes. Usually, the lifting loops are designed to go around the tines of a fork on a forklift. They usually hang loose on the side of the bag until they’re ready to be used. When they are used, they need an overhead clearance.

Filling Inlets

How do you intend on filling the bag? The filling inlet is usually on the top of the bag and can help you determine the size of the bag. When you fill your bag, never fill it 100 percent. Only fill it up to the 90 percent capacity line. This allows you to close your filling inlet completely.

Discharge Outlets

The discharge outlet is how your customer will empty the bag. Often times, the discharge outlet is held close with a drawstring. If you’re transporting packing peanuts, you may wish to have a large discharge outlet. However, if your product requires precise measurements, a smaller discharge outlet with a more controlled release may be necessary.

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One frequently asked question in logistics is, “What are flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs)?” Often FIBCs are referred to as bulk bags, super sacks, and totes. A flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC) is a container that has been used to transport bulk materials for manufacturers in the agricultural, chemical, and construction industries since the 1950s. But what is a bulk container used for? Conceptually, it is simply a very big bag – a bag that is designed to transport and store over 2000 pounds of a flowable material.

Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers Definition

FIBCs are large, cubic, flexible containers made out of a woven fabric, usually with four loops on each of the top four corners. When filled with material, these industrial bulk bags can weigh up to 2000 pounds or more. The loops are designed to be placed around the forks of a forklift to move the container from one location to another. You can also place the bag on a pallet and lift it up from underneath – an option that places considerably less stress on the bag itself. However, pallets are not necessarily needed.

What is a flowable material?

Flowable material means anything that is dry and granulated. For example, imagine an hourglass. The sand in an hourglass flows from one side to the other through a tiny opening. This is a perfect example of what a flowable material is. Other examples include dirt, cement, powdered chemicals, and even food.

A Short History of Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers

No one knows when FIBCs first came into widespread use. Their history has been traced to the 1950s, and they have been used for a variety of purposes. Initially, they were manufactured from PVC-coated nylon or polyester. With the advent of polypropylene in the 1960s, FIBCs started seeing widespread use throughout the chemical industries for storing powdered and granulated chemicals.

What Makes These Bags Popular?

The ratio of cost and benefit is one of the best that anyone can hope for. When the bag is empty, it weighs nothing more than five to seven pounds. When it is full, it will weigh as much as 2000 pounds and can transport a full metric ton of material. Although reusable, many people simply cut the bag open when they are ready to pour the transported material out. These bags are economical, inexpensive to own, and make managing loose, flowing materials simple and easy.

Maximize Your Space with a Smaller Footprint

When stacked side-by-side, your space is maximized with FIBCs. Since they are made out of a flexible material, you have a little bit of play in the container itself, enabling you to fit more material in a smaller footprint. When stacked in a semi-tractor trailer, two containers sitting side-by-side will fill the width of the truck perfectly.

Different Forms and Properties

So what types of FIBC bags are out there? These bags come in many different structural forms with various electrostatic properties. Structural forms refer to how the bag is made, its different features, and the specifications that comprise its structure. These can include construction types such as u-panel, circular, and baffle.

Common Uses

Just about any dry, granulated material can be securely stored and transported in an industrial bulk container. Primarily used by the chemical and agricultural industries, these bags can store and transport a variety of materials. Food products include seeds, cereal, starch, grains, beans, and peanuts. Other agricultural products that may be stored and transported in bulk bags are topsoil, fertilizers, gravel, and sand. Bulk bags are also used for chemicals and construction materials such as pigments, cement, fiberglass, plastics, detergents, and other powdered chemicals.

FIBCs are flexible, can often be disposable, and will get a job done efficiently and within budget. With FIBCs, users are given the ability to transport and store these materials at a much lower cost than any other possible option.

Thank you for reading our blog! How can we help you? Contact us today if you’re ready to place an order for our flexible intermediate bulk containers.