Best Practice for Filling and Sealing Bulk Bags on the Farm

Bulk bags, also known as FIBCs (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers), play a significant role in the agricultural sector of South Africa. Using bulk bags for the storage and transportation of products like sugarcane, peanuts, and animal feed enhances operational efficiency and streamlines processes. To ensure optimal value and durability from these bags, it is essential to focus on proper filling and sealing techniques. In this article, we explore the best practices for filling and sealing bulk bags on the farm.

Trunel Bags is a leading supplier of silage sheeting. We also offer plastic sheeting.

Preparing to Fill Bulk Bags

Before filling a bulk bag, check that it is the correct type for the specific material and environmental conditions. Bags designed for sugarcane may need to meet different requirements than those used for what flour or animal feed. Some bags are designed with UV resistance for outdoor storage, while others have liners to protect against moisture.

Choose the Right Bulk Bag Type: Bulk bags come in different designs—standard, baffle, and coated bags. Coated bags, for instance, offer moisture resistance, making them ideal for storing peanuts in high-humidity areas like Mpumalanga.

Inspect Bags for Damage: Before filling, check each bag for any signs of wear or tears. Even a small hole can lead to product spillage or contamination. In South Africa, particularly in areas prone to pests, it’s crucial to ensure that bags are intact to prevent spoilage.

Ensure Proper Support and Stability: Using a sturdy, elevated support frame ensures the bulk bag is held securely while filling. This is particularly important for heavier loads like animal feed or sugarcane. Using a filling station can prevent bag collapse, which might lead to uneven filling and wasted space.

Best Practices for Filling Bulk Bags

Once the bulk bags are ready, following the right filling practices can make a big difference in efficiency and product safety.

Use a Filling Spout: Bulk bags are designed with filling spouts that allow for easy and controlled filling. Connecting the spout to a hopper or filling station reduces dust and minimises the risk of spillage. For crops like wheat, where dust can be a concern, using a filling spout can also improve worker safety by reducing airborne particles.

Fill Bags Slowly and Evenly: To avoid creating pockets of air that can cause instability, fill the bag slowly and ensure the material is distributed evenly. For example, with coffee beans, which can easily settle unevenly, a controlled fill helps distribute the weight uniformly, reducing the risk of bag tipping or collapsing.

Weigh During Filling: Bulk bags used for trade or transport are often filled to precise weights to meet market or regulatory standards. Using a scale at the filling station can help ensure consistency, which is essential for compliance in exports. According to the South African Peanut Crop Certification Scheme, accurate weights are also essential for maintaining quality and pricing.

Compact Materials as Needed: For certain products like animal feed, compacting during filling can help fit more into each bag. A vibratory or air-assisted filling process can help compress the material, making the most of space within the bag and reducing the need for additional bags.

Best Practices for Sealing Bulk Bags

Once the bag is filled, sealing it properly is crucial to maintain product quality, prevent spillage, and protect against environmental factors.

Use Proper Closure Methods: Bulk bags often come with duffel tops or drawstring closures that allow for a tight seal. For materials sensitive to moisture or contamination, an additional liner inside the bulk bag can be twisted and tied before closing the outer top. This double-seal method is especially useful for high-value crops, which are sensitive to humidity and pests.

Consider Heat-Sealing for High-Moisture Products: If the product requires a high level of moisture protection, like certain types of animal feed, heat-sealing the inner liner provides a strong, airtight seal. Heat-sealing can add initial costs but offers a robust barrier against spoilage, especially when stored for long periods.

Tie Securely: When using bulk bags for commodities like sugarcane, securing the top tightly is essential to prevent spillage during transport. A simple tie might suffice for short distances, but for longer hauls, a tightly knotted closure or a cable tie offers greater security.

Handling and Storing Filled Bulk Bags

Once filled and sealed, proper handling and storage ensure the longevity of the bags and the quality of the contents.

Use Forklifts and Pallets: Bulk bags are designed with lifting loops, allowing for easy handling with forklifts. Using pallets not only makes stacking safer but also prevents direct contact with the ground, protecting the bags from moisture. South African farmers, especially in the sugarcane industry, often use palletized bulk bags for easier handling during harvesting and processing.

Store in a Dry, Covered Area: Humidity and rain are common concerns in regions like KwaZulu-Natal. Storing bulk bags under a covered area or tarp can protect them from moisture, which can lead to mold and product degradation.

Follow Stack Height Guidelines: Over-stacking can lead to bag rupture or collapse. A typical recommendation is not to stack bulk bags more than three high, especially for heavier materials. According to safety guidelines from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), proper stack heights reduce the risk of accidents and make retrieval safer and easier.

Regularly Inspect for Wear and Tear: Whether bags are stored or in transit, regular checks for damage, especially around the lifting loops and seams, are essential. In South Africa, bags used for long-term storage of feed often face sun exposure, which can weaken the fabric. UV-resistant bags offer a longer lifespan under these conditions, but they still need regular inspection.

We also share insight into the ultimate guide to silage sheeting.