15 Apr 2024
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What are The Benefits of Polypropylene Bulk Bags?

When it comes to shipping, you need to be sure that your products are protected and shipped properly. This means using bags that are going to ensure safe transit from one location to another. Polypropylene bulk bags are a great way to move products such as fertilizer and grain from location to location.

These bags are tough and durable, protecting the rigors of transportation. With their sturdy construction and ability to withstand heavy loads, polypropylene bulk bags give you peace of mind knowing that your products will arrive at their destination intact and undamaged. Plus, their versatility means they can be used for a wide range of materials.

What Is Polypropylene?

Polypropylene (also known as PP) is a thermoplastic made from a combination of propylene monomers. You can find polypropylene in a myriad of products, and it’s commonly used in packaging, special devices, and textiles. Here are some polypropylene advantages and why polypropylene is a good choice for a bulk bag:

Chemical resistance – Diluted bases and acids don’t react with polypropylene making it a strong choice when shipping cleaning agents, certain liquids, and more
Elasticity – Polypropylene is a tough material that can deform and stress without breaking. The material is more flexible than plastic, although it does experience plastic deformation early in the deformation process
Fatigue resistance – Polypropylene holds its shape and form after torsion, bending, and flexing, making it a sturdy option

Polypropylene is a great choice because of its toughness and durability. When shipping products, it’s important that you can rely on your bags to hold the product. With polypropylene, you rarely have to worry about the bag breaking or collapsing due to the weight.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF POLYPROPYLENE BAGS?

Polypropylene bulk bags, also known as FIBCs (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers) or simply big bags, offer a range of benefits for various industries. Here’s why they’re a popular choice:

Polypropylene bulk bags are strong and durable, able to withstand thousands of pounds. This makes them ideal for transporting and storing bulk materials.
Compared to traditional packaging options like boxes or drums, polypropylene bulk bags are often more cost-effective. They require less material for production and can be reused multiple times.
FIBCs are designed to maximize storage space. Their flexible nature allows them to conform to irregular shapes and sizes.
Polypropylene bulk bags are available in a variety of designs, and sizes to suit different applications and industries. They can be customized with features like spouts, liners, and closures to meet specific requirements for handling, filling, and discharging various types of materials.
Many polypropylene bulk bags are recyclable and reusable, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to single-use options. Their lightweight design also reduces transportation costs and carbon emissions compared to heavier packaging materials.
FIBCs provide excellent protection and containment for bulk materials, shielding them from moisture, contamination, and exposure to the elements
Polypropylene bulk bags are lightweight and easy to handle, making them suitable for manual filling, lifting, and transportation. They can be equipped with lifting loops or straps for convenient handling using forklifts, cranes, or hoists.

Bulk bags have a winning combination of advantages that make them an indispensable packaging solution for a wide range of industries and applications.

WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?

Polypropylene bulk bags help you move a large number of products, such as grain, fertilizer, and dirt. Wholesale bulk bags (also commonly known as FIBCS) come with liners that are designed to prevent moisture from forming inside the polypropylene big bag. If too much moisture is generated, it can quickly deteriorate the product.

Millions of items are shipped each year, and nearly 10% of products are thrown away due to water damage. This results in thousands of dollars worth of damage which can be devastating to your company. Selecting a sturdy polypropylene bag (PP bag) can help instill confidence when your items are being shipped and could even help save money on potentially damaged goods.

What Are Bulk Bags Used For?

Several different industries rely on bulk bags to safely and confidently ship their items from one destination to another. The food industry is one of the biggest users of bulk bags because the products shipped are often flakey, granular, or powdery products. Polypropylene (PP) wholesale is cheaper to manufacture and produce than custom, small-scale orders as well. In the US alone, nearly one billion bushels of winter, spring, and durum wheat were produced last year.

This wheat typically needs to be shipped from one side of the country to another. Bulk bags are used to transfer this wheat because they are the most reliant product to use during shipping. Other items that also require bulk bags include sugar, seed, nuts, potatoes, and flour.

Other Types

Several different types of bulk bags can be used in different situations. First and foremost, it’s important to understand just how much you plan to be shipping in each bag. Certain bags can only handle a certain weight, making it important you don’t overstuff a bag. Here are some of the types of FIBCs:

U-Panel Bags
Four-Panel Bags
Circular Woven Bags
Conical Bags
Form-Stable Bags

LESSER KNOWN FACTS ABOUT BULK BAGS

Some polypropylene bulk bags are treated with UV inhibitors to protect them from degradation caused by exposure to sunlight.
Certain polypropylene bulk bags are designed with anti-static properties to prevent the buildup of static electricity. This is particularly important when handling materials that are sensitive to electrostatic discharge like powders or chemicals.
While polypropylene bulk bags are commonly used for industrial applications, there are also food-grade options available that comply with strict regulations for handling and transporting food products.
Conductive Bags: In addition to anti-static bags, there are also conductive polypropylene bulk bags available. They are specifically designed to dissipate static electricity more effectively, providing enhanced protection for sensitive electronic components during transportation and storage.
Many polypropylene bulk bags are recyclable and can be melted down and repurposed into new products, contributing to sustainability efforts and reducing environmental impact.

We Offer Bulk Bags

Here at Western Packaging, we offer polypropylene bulk bags as well as fill spouts. Our training certification enables us to supply UN-certified FIBCs and other sources of flexible packaging products. Reach out to us if you need bulk bags. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized service and finding the perfect packaging solution to meet your specific requirements.

Contact Us

You can trust Western Packaging to provide you with the perfect solution for your packaging needs. With our expertise and quality products, we ensure that your shipping needs are met with reliability and efficiency. Whether you’re transporting agricultural products, construction materials, or industrial goods, our polypropylene bulk bags are designed to meet the highest standards of durability and performance. Call our office today.

05 Mar 2024
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What Can Bulk Bags Be Used For?

Bulk bags are a staple of the shipping industry and can be used to store and transport a wide range of goods. No matter the material you need to store or move around, bulk bag containers provide a versatile and secure way of storage. Our team here at Western Packaging recommends bulk bag products when you need to store a large number of products.

What Are Bulk Bags?

A bulk bag is a heavy-duty material handling bag or industrial container that is designed to transport free-flowing goods. These bags are designed with safe transport in mind. Bulk bags allow you to transport small materials by conducting varying levels of static.

The reason why these bags are popular in the transport business is because of their flexibility, strength, and efficient loading and transportation. If your company regularly loads a large amount of materials, such as sand, grain, or chemical materials, bulk bags are a great choice. These bags will make your life much easier. Here are some of the things bulk bag products can be used for:

The Food Industry

If you’re transporting materials that are flakey, granular, or powdery, bulk bags can come in handy. The United States often produces a billion bushels of winter, spring, and drum wheat each season. The majority of these are shipped across the country or exported to other countries.

Bulk bags’ flexibility and strength are big reasons why bulk bags are popular in the food industry. Other goods frequently transported by the food industry include sugar, seeds, nuts, potatoes, and flour. Most bulk bags used for shipping are also compliant with food safety standards set by the AIB, BRC, and the Global Food Safety Initiative.

The Construction Industry

The versatility bulk bags provide makes bulk bags the optimal shipping solution in the construction industry. When you’re shipping goods in the construction industry, the goods are usually heavy and irregularly shaped. Bulk bags are strong and versatile and can store a wide range of materials.

Potential uses of small or large bulk bags in the construction industry include shipping gravel, cement, resin, pallets, minerals, slag, and clay. The reason why bulk bags are popular in the construction industry is because bulk bags can withstand between 2,000 and 3,000 pounds each. If you’re looking to ship heavy or irregularly shaped products, bulk bag products may be the best choice for you.

The Chemical Industry

Bulk bags are designed to withstand electric charges and hazardous materials, making them an optimal choice for shipping chemical industry goods. Different degrees of static charge can be handled and dissipated using Type A, B, C, and D bulk bags. Specifically, Type C and D bags work most effectively for this usage. In Type D, sparks and discharges are prevented without grounding, as the fabric is anti-static and static dissipative.

In Type C, non-conductive polypropylene textiles are woven in a grid pattern with a grounding point. Other shipping options in the chemical industry, such as Gaylord boxes, don’t provide the flexibility that anti-static bulk bags do. Bulk bags can also act as hazardous waste removal bags.

FIBC Types And Manufacturing

Static electricity might build up when finely ground materials are poured into or released from FIBCs (or bulk bags). When packing flammable and combustible substances or in an area where combustible dust exists, it is crucial to prevent or remove the build-up of electrical charges. FIBCs come in four different types, each with distinctive features to ensure safe use. Here is some more information about the various FIBC fabric types and how to most effectively utilize them.

Type A Bulk Bags

Polypropylene with a standard weave and other non-conductive materials are used to make Type A FIBCs. As products or materials are filling or being removed from these bags, they may brush against or pass over the interior surface of the bulk bag, generating static electricity. Type A FIBCs do not offer any static protection if or when this occurs.

The area surrounding a Type A FIBC should be kept free from any flammable gasses or liquids. Type A bulk bag packaging should not be used for or in scenarios when:

When there is a flammable atmosphere present with a minimum ignition energy of ≤1,000mJ.
When the FIBC is in an area that has flammable solvents or gases present.
Storing or transporting any flammable product or materials.

Non-flammable materials and products can be transported safely by utilizing type A bulk bags.

Type B Bulk Bags

Because they are composed of non-conductive materials such as plain-woven polypropylene textiles, Type B FIBCs are similar to Type A bulk bags. Like Type A bulk bags, Type B bags cannot dissipate static electricity and its build-up. To prevent a situation where highly energetic and dangerous propagating brush discharges develop, Type B FIBCs are constructed from materials with a low breakdown voltage, unlike Type A’s. Type B bulk bags are safe for use when:

The immediate environment contains dust with ignition energies that are less than 3mJ.
There are no flammable solvents or gases in the immediate vicinity of the bag.
For safely transporting dry, flammable powders.

Despite its ability to stop brush discharges from spreading, Type B bulk bag containers are not regarded as anti-static bulk bags as they remain unable to eliminate electrostatic charges. For this reason, it is not recommended to utilize these bags in any circumstance or area where there may be flammable gases or solvents.

Type C Bulk Bags

Type C bulk bags are constructed from non-conductive polypropylene textiles interlaced with conducting threads that are often sewed in a grid pattern. They are also referred to as conductive FIBCs, anti-static bulk bags, or ground-able FIBCs. During filling and emptying, these conducting threads have to be linked to a specified earth/ground and be electrically interconnected. Type C bulk bags should not be used in instances when:

There is resistance between a groundable point and any FIBC location.
Whenever ground connection has been damaged or is completely nonexistent.

The safe usage of Type C bulk bags needs to have this connection to the earth/ground while filling and emptying. When this is present, these bags can safely be used to transport flammable powders and in areas where flammable gases, vapors, and dust exist.

Type D Bulk Bags

To safely avoid incendiary sparks, brush discharges, and propagating brush discharges, Type D FIBCs are constructed from antistatic and static dissipative fabrics. The fabric used to make Type D anti-static bulk bags has quasi-conductive threads in it, which safely release static electricity into the atmosphere through a low-energy corona discharge. This means that there is no need to link the FIBC to a designated ground/earth.

Type D FIBCs can safely and securely be used for:

Packaging and handling flammable products or materials, such as flammable powders.
Ideal for use in flammable and combustible environments where dusts, gases, and vapors may be present.

When conductive elements, such as grease or other flammable or combustible compounds, are present on the surface of the FIBC, they are not recommended to be used.

Western Package Offers Bulk Bags

Our team here at Western Packaging offers bulk bag containers to help you ship heavy and irregularly shaped goods. Bulk bags come in a wide range of sizes but can also be custom-made to fit a specific filling machine. Our bags used for shipping are made with liners designed to prevent moisture from forming in the bags.

Our single-trip, large bulk bags are made with a 5:1 safety ratio and can withhold a working load between 500-4,000 pounds. Multi-trips are made with a 6:1 ratio and can withhold a working load up to 5,000 pounds. Here at Western Packaging, our number one goal is to make sure your shipping needs are always met.

24 Mar 2023
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The Benefits of Using FIBC Bulk Bags for Your Business

Finding the right solution for storing or transporting materials can be quite challenging, as well as costly. The good news is here at Western Packaging, we offer customers quality service, products, and prices. A few of the products we offer include BOPP bags, woven poly bags, and FIBC bulk bags. We can even custom print content and brands on the bags for your business. So, don’t let your business suffer from poor storage or transportation options. Choose the brand that delivers excellence and provides solutions when you need them most. Time is money after all, and in business, you cannot afford to waste either. Let’s look at a few major benefits that using FIBC bulk bags can provide your business.

A Flexible Space And Money Saver

Many facilities often turn to rigid containers for their storage and transportation needs. But these often square containers do not flex and change shape to accommodate the contents being placed inside as an FIBC bag can. Bulk bags stretch and bend allowing as much material as possible to be safely and conveniently stored or transported. This advantage helps you save space in your facility and save money when transporting. The more you can pack in, the more you can transport in one trip. And with your business making fewer trips and transporting lighter loads thanks to lightweight FIBC bags, your company will be saving more money.

Can Be Used In Multiple Industries

FIBC bulk bags can be used to safely store or transport many different items and products, as well as hazardous and non-hazardous waste materials depending on their design. Because these bags are lightweight, strong, and durable they are a safe and smart option for various industries including:

Agriculture
Pharma
Manufacturing
Construction
Engineering
Mining
Chemical
And many more.

The fabrics used in the manufacturing of FIBCs are resistant to puncture and tearing, as well as extreme temperature changes. The unique design of these bags allows them to prevent spills and accidents, as well as contamination of products or the environment.

Reusable And Recyclable

By being reusable and recyclable, FIBC bulk bags are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. Made from a highly durable and long-lasting synthetic fabric, these bags can be used again and again versus single-use plastics. This keeps money in your pocket and unnecessary waste out of landfills. And with such a heavy focus on going green and environmental health today, what is good for the environment is good for your business!

Contact Us For Your Next Bulk Bag Order

When it comes to the safe and efficient handling and storage of your material, the choice is clear. Our high-quality products are designed to meet your business’s shipping and packaging needs. Whether you need feed bags, shipping sacks, or bulk bags, we can provide them for you! So what are you waiting for? Contact us today to learn more about the products we offer and to get started on placing your first order.

16 Aug 2021
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What Are Bulk Bags Used For?

Bulk bags are commonly used to store dry goods. They are sturdy and strong enough to hold the load. If you are in the market for bulk bags, Western Packaging can supply you with great products. Our company is happy to help you with all of your agricultural needs.

What Are Bulk Bags?

Bulk bags are designed to help you secure your products. The design, the loops at the top, offer a stress-free ability in loading up a trailer. They can also be stored on the shelves of your warehouse and can be used as additional storage spaces for less commonly used items.

The bags are designed to be used one time for shipping loads. Some bulk bags are designed with a different ratio and can be used more than once. Some of the other names that people use to refer to bulk bags are:

FIBC’s (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers)
Big Bags
Jumbo Bags

What Can Bulk Bags Hold?

There are a large variety of substances that can be stored in bulk bags. With these bags being able to hold anywhere from 500 to 4,000 lbs, and in some cases more, they are the perfect solution to large loads. It is typically all dry goods that they are used for.

When deciding on the bulk bag style and design you need, you need to consider what you’ll be storing in one. Everything from chemicals, pharmaceuticals to agricultural products can be stored in bulk bags. Some other examples are:

Sand
Flour
Ash
Fertilizer
Dry Beans
Plastic Granules
Coffee beans
Gravel
Grain

How Are Bulk Bags Made?

FIBC bags are strong, durable, and lightweight to make the best solution to shipping your dry goods. Not only is it a more economical way to ship items, but it can also save your company money. They are not designed to be waterproof or resistant, but can be equipped with a poly liner to help deter water.

These large shipping bags are made out of polypropylene resin. The plastic is woven together to create a strong bond. You can purchase these bags in different sizes to best fit the needs you have.

Who Uses Bulk Bags?

Many shipping companies will use bulk bags for loading and unloading. Due to the simplicity and ease, they give to the process. Food grade companies will use the bags to ship items in bulk, along with construction companies.

Wood and paper companies will use these strong and reliable bags to transport pieces of wood. There are specifically designed FIBC bags designed to be fireproof that can be used to transport petroleum-based products. All in all, these bags are extremely beneficial to a variety of different businesses.

Contact Western Packaging Today

If you want to purchase bulk bags, contact Western Packaging today. We are a reputable and reliable company for you to do business with. It would be our pleasure to answer any questions or concerns that you have. If you need advice, one of our knowledgeable employees can surely help you.

02 Apr 2021
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What Are The Different Types of Bulk Bags

There are different classifications and styles of bulk bags that you can choose from. When purchasing bulk bags, you need to have the items in mind that you will be storing in them. That is because it will play a big role in which ones you choose. Western Packaging is a company that can give you excellent information and service when wanting to purchase these bags.

Classifications Of Bulk Bags

Bulk bags are classified in four alphabetical letters. This is what you will go by when you are purchasing them. Each one is going to serve a different purpose and work better for certain situations.

Some are made from standard polypropylene and some have antistatic fabric. There are also certain ones that are approved for food grade. The different types are:

Type A
Type B
Type C
Type D

Types Of Bulk Bags

The names of the different types of bulk bags are an indication of how they are made. Once you know the classification of the bag that you are needing, you can look at the type you want to use. You can even get bags with liners in them to help protect from moisture damaging what is inside of them.

These liners are sewn in or tabbed at the corners. This is a safety precaution to keep the liner in place. The weight of what you are putting inside of them matters, along with the number of times you want to use the bag. Some of the types of bags you can get are explained below.

Circular Woven Bags

Circular bags are ones that are known to be fairly easy to load and unload with the forklift. It typically has 4 loop handles at the top and only one seam due to its shape. You can have these bags designed in the size capacity that you are needing.

Four-Panel Bags

Four-panel bags are your typical square tote. There are 4 handles to use when loading and unloading with the forklift. If you plan to stack your bags for loading or storage, these are the best option. These bags are going to hold their shape the best for continual usage.

Conical Bags

This bag is not designed for storage options. It is more for items that need to be emptied upon arrival to the destination. The spout at the bottom is designed to let you empty the bag completely and not have any residue left over. There are 3 handles at the top to allow it to be lifted during the emptying process.

Form Stable Bags

This bag is very similar to the four-panel bag, but with extra support added to it. There are form stable inserts added at each corner seam. You are able to get better usage and ore storage out of these bags due to their added strength.

U-Panel Bags

The most commonly purchased bulk bag is the U-panel. It is affordable and efficient in the needs that people have for it. The name describes exactly what it looks like when you load it. It is very easy to lift and load with 4 loops at the top.

Contact Western Packaging Today

If you are looking for the best choice in bulk bags for your business, give us a call today. We can help you decide on the perfect fit for your needs. Our staff is skilled and knowledgeable to give you the best advice we possibly can. Contact one of our representatives today to get more information about the bulk bags that we carry.

07 Jan 2021
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How Are Bulk Bags Beneficial To The Business Industry?

Many industries use bulk bags for storage and transport of various supplies. These bags are large and very sturdy. They are designed to hold large amounts of supplies, crops, seeds, or even dirt just to name a few.

What is a Bulk Bag?

A bulk bag is a large, durable sack that is designed to hold large amounts of products. These bags can have loops sewn into the corners for lifting with a forklift. They can also have a liner sewn into them if a business is concerned with moisture control.

Bulk bags are often used by farmers to hold things like fertilizers, dirt, seeds, or grains. Fill spouts and dispensing spouts can be customized to meet your company’s needs.

How do Bulk Bags Help in Different Industries?

How do businesses use bulk bags? Below are a few different bulk bag applications:

Agricultural products: Many agricultural products are destined for use in livestock feed or animal food or human consumption, so chemical-free bags that have been certified to be safe for food products make transporting these products easy and worry-free.
Chemical companies: Products used in the chemical industry can be hazardous, but bulk bags come in a variety of options for carrying hazardous materials and reducing the risk of static shock. Western Packaging is proud to have accomplished the requirements to produce hazmat bulk bags that are used for the transportation of hazardous materials or dangerous goods.
Food processing: Because many transported foods are dry bulk products, bulk bags are the perfect vessels for transporting food products. Many bulk bags are specifically designed for this application and are certified to be safe for transporting human food-grade products.
Construction and mining: Bulk bags are also ideal for transporting construction materials and mining products. Successful construction projects often require huge amounts of raw materials, and successful mining operations generate tons of product. Bulk bags are strong, versatile, and durable enough to get them where they need to go.

Different Types of Bulk Bags

The construction of these durable bags is very important. They are made out of woven plastic fibers. This type of material provides the following benefits:
Lightweight: polypropylene is one of the lightest commercial plastics, and bulk bags typically weigh only approximately 5-7 pounds. The lightness of the material makes the bags user-friendly and convenient for storage and transport of materials.
Durability: Woven plastic is resistant to shrinkage, stretching, humidity, and heat. Even in a hot, demanding environment, woven plastic bulk bags will keep their shape and retain their ability to hold goods safely and effectively.
Flexibility: Woven plastic is soft and pliable, so woven plastic bulk bags are user-friendly because of their flexibility. They can fold into compact shapes for storage, so they leave plenty of space for work on the warehouse or factory floor.
Strength: As the fibers weave over, under, and between one another, they create durable, dense layers that perform very well. They are designed to hold anywhere from 500 to 4000 pounds.

Give us a Call Now!

Western Packaging is eager to meet your needs, no matter what type of bulk bags your business needs. We have specialized bags to help your business run smoothly and efficiently. Our specialists are ready to answer any questions you may have about choosing the proper bags for your business.

Need a special type of dispensing spout? Give us a call to allow us the opportunity to find out your company’s specific needs and design your customizable bags. Giving you exceptional customer service is our goal. Please contact us today.

21 Jun 2020
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5 Ways To Recycle Bulk Bags

Bulk bags are also referred to as FIBC bags, which stands for flexible intermediate bulk containers. These bags are used to store and deliver bulk items to places. The bulk bags are made to be more affordable, and you can recycle them, which is better for the environment. If you are in need of bulk bags you can contact Western Packaging and they would be glad to answer any questions you have.

What Are Bulk Bags

Bulk bags are used to hold large amounts of materials needed to transport. They can hold a lot of weight in a bag also. You can order them to hold up to the amount of weight that you need it to. You are usually able to customize the sizing that you need as well. There are 4 different types of bags that you can get.

U-Panel
Four-Panel
Circular
Baffle

What Are Bulk Bags Made Of

The bags are usually made of strands of polypropylene sewn into the fabric. This makes the bags very durable and able to uphold the weight they will be holding. These bags and the materials they are made out of are very affordable. There is a large variety of ways that these bags can benefit your business and be reused over again. Some ways you can benefit from bulk bags:

Storing Bulking Items
Heavy Duty
Mold and Mildew Prevention
Reusable
Recyclable
Save Money

Recycling Your Bulk Bags

Being able to get the most use out of your bulk bags, you need to make informed decisions about your purchases. Making sure that you are getting ones with a good safety rating. This will help you understand better about the number of times you can use these bags before they are not able to hold up to their weight limit.

With these bulk bags being made out of mostly plastic, they can be recycled. If you have decided that your bulk bags have done their job, and it is time to recycle them, there are some things you can do. There are a few ways you need to do this:

You will want to take some time and sort your bags. Separating them into 3 different categories A, B, and C. By doing this you are going to put together the ones that are in good condition, intermediate condition, and worse condition.
Now making sure the bags are sanitized is the next step. Depending on the company that these bags came from, determined what they contained. Some places may have toxic material in it, so we need to make sure things are thoroughly cleaned.
Revamping these bags will enable them to function the same as before. Replacing broken pieces or worn out areas is best to be sure they are safe for reuse.
Keeping a record of what each bag has contained is helpful. Also, tracking exactly how many times these bags have been reused, this will allow you to make better judgement of the safety of that bag.
You will want to schedule regular bag tests. This is where you will test the durability of the bag every so often to ensure it is safe for use. It is up to the company on how often they decide to do these safety tests, you just want to make sure you set special time aside to do this.

Call Us Today

The team at Western Packaging strives to give our customers the best service possible. Making sure that you are confident of the information that we are providing you with. Call us today and let us help you with all your bulk bag purchases.