In the realm of environmental consciousness, Pacific Packaging Australia stands at the forefront, firmly embracing the ‘Go Green’ philosophy. At the heart of our commitment to sustainability lies the practice of recycling—a pivotal and foundational principle embedded in our day-to-day operations, contributing to a healthier planet. Recycling is one of the most important aspects of environmental sustainability. For us, sustainability is not confined to the material composition of our bags; it extends to the broader context of responsible business practices. We believe in fostering a greener future by encouraging recycling initiatives that go beyond the lifecycle of our products.
At Pacific Packaging, our FIBC bags are not just containers; they are a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability.
Recyclable Polypropylene Material
The cornerstone of the recyclability of our FIBC bags lies in their construction using polypropylene material. Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBC), commonly known as bulk bags are crafted from Polypropylene (PP) material, ensuring a composition that is not only durable but also 100% recyclable. The use of PP material in these bags serves as a key sustainability feature, offering an environmentally friendly solution.To quantify the impact, the recycling of each FIBC bag equates to saving at least one ton of plastic for every 7.4 cubic yards of landfill space. This substantial reduction in plastic waste not only minimises the environmental burden associated with landfills but also aligns with the principles of sustainable development. This synthetic thermoplastic polymer is chosen for its versatility, durability, and, most importantly, its recyclability. Polypropylene can undergo the recycling process, wherein used materials are collected, processed, and transformed into new, valuable resources.
Why is Recycling So Important?
Recycling serves as a cornerstone in the pursuit of environmental sustainability, and its significance cannot be overstated.
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Conservation of Natural Resources: Pacific's FIBC bags, crafted from recycled polypropylene, significantly diminish the need for virgin resources, thereby preserving valuable materials for future generations.
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Energy Conservation: Choosing recyclable materials, such as Pacific's FIBC bags, actively contributes to reducing the overall energy demand associated with manufacturing new plastic products.
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Waste Reduction in Landfills: By diverting plastic materials from landfills, this initiative reduces the environmental burden associated with waste disposal.
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Space Saving: Recycling just one ton of plastic can save the equivalent of 7.4 cubic yards of landfill space, addressing the spatial challenges brought about by rapid urbanisation.
Choosing the Right FIBC Bags for Reuse
One of the important features of bulk bags is that most of the modish styles & materials make them suitable for reuse. It implies that you can store or ship several loads of products, empty the bags when you're done, & either clean and use them multiple times or send them to a recycling facility. If you want to reuse your bags and get the most value for the initial costs, you have to make sure to choose the right types of bags in the first place. FIBCs have safety ratings that determine whether or not they are safe for reuse.
For Recycling Process the bags are divided into different recycling grades:
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Grade A: Clean and bright white.
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Grade B: No fully white but still predominantly white with minimal colouring.
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Grade C: Dirty and or colored.
The guidelines provided by the Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Association (FIBCA) for rejecting FIBC bags are crucial in ensuring safety and reliability in their use. When inspecting FIBC bags, it is essential to adhere to these standards to identify and eliminate any potential risks associated with damaged or compromised bags.
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Observable Damage on Lift Straps: Any visible damage to the lift straps, such as cuts, tears, fraying, or weakening, can compromise the bag's integrity and lifting capability. Rejecting bags with damaged lift straps ensures that the bags can safely bear the intended load without the risk of failure during handling or transportation.
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Outside Contamination: If there is evidence of contamination on the external surface of the FIBC bag, it may pose risks to the stored or transported materials. Outside contamination could include substances that are incompatible with the bag's contents or that may compromise the bag's structural integrity. Rejecting contaminated bags helps maintain the quality and safety of the stored materials.
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Dampness or Growth of Mould or Mildew: Dampness in FIBC bags can lead to the growth of mould or mildew, which not only affects the bag's physical properties but can also have adverse effects on the stored products. Rejecting bags with signs of dampness or microbial growth prevents the spread of contaminants and ensures the bags are suitable for safe use.
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Embedded Wood Splinters: FIBC bags are often used in industrial settings where they may come into contact with wooden pallets, platforms, or other structures. If there are embedded wood splinters in the bag material, it can compromise the bag's structural integrity and pose risks during handling or transportation. Rejecting bags with embedded wood splinters helps prevent potential hazards and ensures the bags meet safety standards.
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Reject: Reject any bag that doesn't fit the safety standards.
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Clean: Ensure that the bags are clean and no dust is present.
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Recondition: Replacing all the hampered or deteriorated components to provide strength and longevity to the bag.
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Track: The origin of each bag and the number of times it has been used should be tracked by all suppliers and stock managers.
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Test: Based on the uses of the bag a test about the strength of a bag must be conducted before reusing them. Once the bags cannot be reused anymore, they should be sent for recycling, which is done in the following steps.
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Collection: Bags are collected as per their grades.
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Sorting and Cleaning: Jumbo bags are often used to keep materials that range from sand to fertiliser to hazardous chemicals, so proper cleaning is a must-have. During this phase, the recycling facility should also remove all zips and buttons.
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Shredding: Once the prior steps are done, the bags go through a shredder, reducing them to small flakes of material. This stage makes the further processes highly manageable.
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Separation: During this stage, in the RP (Recycling Process), machines separate the shredded bag material and categories it based on colour, size, shape, melting point, or light absorption. They also expunge any impurities and contaminants from the polymers.
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Compounding: The last phase of the process is compounding, in which the polymers are recombined. Extruders melt down the ground-up material at a high temperature of 240 degrees Celsius, creating pellets or granules of the plastic. Thus, these pellets are used in new products, such as clothing & playground equipment. To strengthen the blend, recyclers usually add virgin PP, sometimes summing up to 50% of the blend.
Only about 1% of PP used worldwide is recycled, leaving the rest in landfills. The slow decomposition and immolation of PP in the surrounding environment release hazardous chemicals.
Taking a step towards the environment and building a Happy Future for all is what Pacific Packaging Australia strongly believes in and recommends. In the journey towards a sustainable future, recycling emerges as a powerful tool for change. Pacific Packaging Australia, through its commitment to recyclable FIBC bags, not only reduces its environmental impact but also inspires individuals and businesses to make choices that echo through generations.
Choose Pacific Packaging Australia for packaging solutions that don't just protect your products but also safeguard the planet. We supply myriad types of FIBC bags to cater & satisfy the diverse & customizable needs of our clients.
If you're ambiguous about which option is best for your requirements, get in contact with us to connect with one of our experts and receive the ideal FIBC/ Bulk bag variety for your business! We're here to help you find the ideal solution and ensure your packaging speaks volumes. Call us at 1300 234 235 or email [email protected] for expert assistance.
