What is Bulk Packaging & Its Role in the Businesses?

Author:
katrine Smith

What is Bulk Packaging & Its Role in the Businesses?

In today’s world, bulk packaging is a great way to save time and money. You can buy in bulk, hoping that it will be less expensive than smaller quantities of single-serve packaging, but this should always be evaluated on an individual product basis.

Primary packaging is the first level of product protection for many products that you buy. It serves as a way to show what’s inside and also provides some form of storage while not in use.

For instance, cereal boxes have perforated openings so we can tear off individual pieces without opening up an entire box or bag at once; shampoo bottles are designed to squeeze out just enough liquid with each pump-a-perfect amount for one; detergent or snack bags open along six seams allowing easy access through two opposite sides which prevents accidental spilling onto our clothes or floors if tipped over during travel.

This article answers all questions related to bulk packaging, why it is used, in what forms it exists, and more.

What is Bulk Packaging

What is Bulk Packaging

Bulk packaging is often used in manufacturing to transport raw ingredients or finished goods. The containers can range from 5 gallons to 1000 liters and are also known as intermediate bulk containers. It allows companies to save money on shipping materials that would otherwise be tossed out due to expiration dates. 

Bulk packaging is often used in manufacturing to transport raw ingredients or finished goods. The containers can range from 5 gallons to 1000 liters and are also known as intermediate bulk containers. It allows companies to save money on shipping materials that would otherwise be tossed out due to expiration dates.

What are Intermediate Bulk Packaging Containers?

What are Intermediate Bulk Packaging Containers?

An intermediate bulk container (IBC) is a reusable, closed, and water-tight cylindrical or drum-shaped storage device used for storing liquids.

They are capable of stacking on top of each other when empty and can be moved by either an overhead crane, forklift truck, wheeled trolley with a jib arm, or hydraulic truck-mounted pump unit.

There are two types in which IBCs come: rigid plastic containers that have high impact strength against the weight put upon them; flexible fabric bags made from woven polypropylene material where they become more effective at carrying heavier loads as their volume increases.

Flexible IBCs are typically manufactured with woven material and exist in various designs. These containers have fill spouts that meet the needs of processors, making it easy to dispense contents into smaller containers or onto packaging lines for primary packaging.

Rigid IBCs can be made out of plastic, metal, or even cardboard with either a tap valve or dispenser port at the base where hoses can attach easily for transferring content into other vessels or hoppers on packing lines.

The Uses of Bulk Packaging Containers

Several supply chain manufacturers use bulk packaging for several items. It is mainly used for four major reasons, such as:

  • Production
  • Storage
  • Transport
  • Processing/ End Product Processing

We will come up with a list of product manufacturers that make bulk products in their plants to be delivered to other manufacturers. Its examples contain specialty chemicals for various products, such as makeup items or healthcare products. It also includes food products, such as baked items or eggs and cream.

Having bulk packaging ensures that brands safely store their product in their plant and ship the products safely and economically.

The benefits of intermediate bulk packaging are clear; it allows for the safe storage and transport of products. This is a major advantage to end-use processors, such as food manufacturers and personal care producers, who receive these types of bulk products from their suppliers in this form.

Bulk packaging also has significant advantages when used by companies that create product batches for dispensing into primary packages at point-of-sale locations where retail customers can purchase them or consumers may buy online orders.

What Does Bulk Packaging Mean for Industrial Use?

Numerous industries demand bulk packaging solutions, and each comes with a unique set of applications, requirements, and challenges. When it comes to deciding which type is best for your brand, identify what your product’s application will be in order to determine if that specific solution is right for you or not. Then, explore different options that meet your needs as well as the materials being packaged.

In order to provide the safest and most effective products, manufacturers of cosmetics must be able to store them properly. Bulk packaging is one way for these companies to do so in a cost-effective manner while also protecting the product line from contamination or spoilage by providing a barrier. These packaging are also FDA-compliant and ensure adequate protection.

To name a few of the industries that require bulk packaging for their dry and liquid products include food, chemical, industrial, beverage, and dairy. 

Challenges Due to Bulk Packaging

Bulk packaging is an industry that faces many challenges. One of the top issues within this space is residual product left in packages during filling operations, which leads to lost revenue and profit and waste from inefficient equipment usage due to expensive cleaning validation processes.

Researchers are developing new technologies to make our lives easier. One such innovation is a liquid dispensing platform that solves multiple problems at once, like product loss and environmental impact while improving labor productivity.

To Sum Up

The time has come for you to reconsider the options in bulk packaging. There are several packaging companies that are using modern technology which extracts more material and profit efficiently. We have mentioned in our article what bulk packaging is and how it is beneficial for various industries. Moreover, we also highlighted the challenges caused due to bulk packaging.

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between bulk and non-bulk packaging?

A: Non-bulk packaging has a small capacity as compared to bulk one. Bulk packaging exists in larger quantities to store a large number of products.

Q: What is non-retail bulk packaging?

A: Any packaging that comes with bubble wrap or blister packaging in a cardboard box is known as non-retail packaging. It is a cost-effective option for wholesalers. 

H3: What are the bulk packaging hazards?

A: There are various hazards such as shock drops, shock impacts, compressions, environmental elements, and more.