Why 25 kg bags should be replaced by big bags > spoiler: FOOTPRINT!

The reasons for using 25 kg bags are wide-ranging: big bags cannot be ordered from the producer (because the whole production process is geared towards this), the batches are too small, they are easy to work with because we can cut the bags open easily. Finally, the fact is that 25 kg actually exceeds the general health and safety norm of 23 kg.

Sustainability
If we look closely at the footprint of the 25 kg bags, it is far greater than that of the big bags. This is for the following reasons:

1. Material consumption: approximately 2 kg of big bag (1 big bag) or 8 kg of 25 kg bags (80 bags) are required to store 2 m³ of material. So 4 times as much plastic material is needed when using 25 kg bags.
2. Reusability: big bags can be reused, especially in combination with a big bag handling system like the Indus Neva, with barely any pressure on the lifting loops. 25 kg bags are almost always cut to pieces and are therefore not reusable. This also means fewer transport movements.

It is useful to carry out a Lifecycle Analysis (LCA) to analyse the footprint of your packaging material. The analysis looks at different stages of the lifecycle, such as origin (raw materials), production, processing, transport, use and wastage.

Other benefits
In addition to the environmental benefits, there are also benefits in terms of efficiency when using the big bags compared to the 25 kg bags:

1. Efficiency and time savings: The use of big bags means fewer loose bags have to be processed. This speeds up the production process. The filling and emptying of big bags is usually faster than the processing of many smaller bags.
2. Production continuity: with the use of big bags, material is available for processing in production for a longer period of time. To process 2 m³ of material in production, 80 actions are required with 25 kg bags, compared to emptying a big bag once.
3. Space savings: big bags can easily be stacked in 2-4 layers with the aid of a handling system like the Indus Neva, saving up to 70.25% in space. Pallets with 25 kg bags cannot be stacked (safely).
4. Less wastage: less material is wasted when using big bags, and the packaging material generates less waste.
5. Less staff downtime: the handling of big bags in a safe system specially developed for this is better for employees than continuously lifting 25 kg bags. This reduces the risk of injuries and accidents. Employees are obliged to take measures to ensure lifting or carrying does not pose health risks.

The abovementioned points will have a different impact on each factory, so consult an expert to find out about the benefits for your factory and production process.

Indus strives to accelerate the transformation to sustainable, accessible and safe handling of solids in the industry. Do you need advice on the appropriate use of big bags in your storage or production facility? Don’t hesitate to contact us.