www.matconibc.com IBCS VS BIG BAGS

Finding the right balance between manufacturing flexibility, cost &

hygiene standards can be difficult

When moving away from fixed mixers and in-line conveying systems to using a decoupled processing solution, the choice is often between using rigid IBCs and Big Bags.

But which is most suitable?

At first sight, keeping the initial capex costs down may seem the most attractive option. But is this the correct measure of suitability? What about the real ongoing cost of operating the system?

www.matconibc.com PROS & CONS OF BIG BAGS & IBCS

• Lower capital cost

• Low packaging weight, lighter to ship

• Easy storage of empty bags

• One way transportation

• No cleaning as throw away

• No contamination risk as single use

• Familiar as used for raw materials

Advantages

Drawbacks

• On-going cost of replacement

• Dusty operation, contamination risk

• Limited control over discharge

• Risk of segregation of blends

• Environmental charges for disposal

Advantages

Drawbacks

• Fully contained, no dust

• Controlled & automatic discharge

• Full & partial discharge possible

• No segregation of blend

• Becomes the blending vessel for fast recipe changeovers

• Cleanable & reusable

• Low operating costs

• Variety of sizes

• Air-wash or wet wash

• Higher capex expenditure

• Not economical for site to site transfer

• Storage & logistics constraints

www.matconibc.com THE COSTS OF BIG BAGS VS IBCS

What are the costs associated with each system?

Often the initial capital investment alone favours the selection of the Big Bags. Then again, have you considered their lifetime cost?

What view do you take if you consider the following in your cost calculations:

– Expenditure on bag replacement

– Cost of bag disposal

– Yield losses

– Number of unit movements

– Labour requirements for making/breaking connections

We have developed a calculation for comparing the full cost of life of FIBCs vs IBCs

Give us a call today and let us run the numbers for you

+44 1386 769000

matcon_sales@idexcorp.com