It is amazing how these small polymer pellets are transformed into a bulk bag.
We are fortunate to be partnered with a manufacturer who has fully integrated production in their factories.
This means that the polymer arrives in pellets and then extruded to meet the requirements of the end product. The tapes are then woven into a range of fabric weights on circular loams.
The fabric is then cut to size and sewn into our range of bulk bags.
Of course, the above has simplified the process and there is a great amount of work goes into it with lots of technical input to ensure that the polymer mixes are correct, UV stabiliser additive is suitable to for the country the bags will be used in, the fabric weight will be suitable for the product and SWL, etc. It is amazing how these small pellets are transformed into – what is essentially – lifting equipment to hold up to 2000kgs – it is impressive.
Polymer is used for many other products such as car parts, furniture, plastic containers and even used for bread packets and other consumable items. A very versatile product indeed.
The challenge now is to be able to reduce the amount of virgin polymer in all packaging and replacing it with recycled plastics. Here in the UK, it is hoped that all plastic packaging will have at least 30% recycled plastic in them by April 2022.
This is quite a challenge, especially for bulk bags. The reason is because if too much recycled product is put into the mix, the integrity of the fabric is compromised and could lead to failures.
Rest assured, we are working on this already. We are currently testing bags that have 30% recycled product in them. So, watch this space!
Whilst we are still at the early stages of this process, we are working with Flexituff, who are continually at the cutting edge of our industry and will continue to focus on the recycling requirements until a solution is found.
