Jumbo bags, also known as Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs), are essential for transporting and storing bulk materials in a wide range of industries around the world. This article explores FIBC weight capacity and FIBC safety standards using Southeast Asia, specifically Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam, as a reference. These countries rely on jumbo bags for handling oleochemicals, petrochemicals, food products, and more. However, understanding Safe Working Load (SWL) and Safety Factor (SF) is essential for ensuring compliance, safety, and efficiency worldwide.
To maintain safety and reliability of FIBCs, various tests are applied based on their classification. These tests form the foundation of FIBC safety standards that help minimize risk during transport and storage. For example, UN-certified FIBCs, the required Safety Factor (SF) is always 6:1. Meanwhile, non-UN bags can have an SF of 5:1, 6:1, or 8:1, depending on their specific classification:
Single-trip FIBCs: Designed for one-time use with an SF of 5:1, single-trip FIBC’s are for example made from polypropylene fabrics, coated or uncoated, with or without an inner liner of plastic film.
Standard-duty reusable FIBCs: For example, are made from polypropylene fabric, coated or uncoated, with or without an inner liner of plastic film, mainly used in a closed-loop system between filling and discharge. These are intended for multiple uses with an SF of 6:1.
Heavy-duty reusable FIBCs: These are intended for multiple use with an SF of 8:1 and are for example are made from polypropylene fabric continuously coated with plastic material (such as polypropylene) for enhanced durability and designed for reuse.
UN-certified and non-UN-certified bags undergo different testing protocols. UN-certified FIBCs are subjected to tests such as the Top Lift Test to ensure they meet their declared SWL and SF, along with Drop, Topple, Righting, Stacking, and Tear tests (as per UN Recommendations). Non-UN bags undergo Cyclic Top Lift and Stacking tests based on ISO 21898:2024. These are all part of rigorous FIBC safety standards that apply across industries and regions.
The Safe Working Load (SWL) defines the maximum weight a big bag can safely carry under normal conditions. This measurement is a key indicator of FIBC weight capacity, which determines the appropriate use and strength of each bag. The Safety Factor (SF) represents the ratio between the bag’s tested breaking strength and its SWL, ensuring durability and safety. A 5:1 SF means the bag is tested to withstand five times its SWL. For example, a bag with an SWL of 500 kg has been tested to hold up to 2500 kg under controlled conditions but is only rated for single use. A 6:1 SF indicates that the bag can withstand six times its SWL, making it suitable for multiple uses. Finally, an 8:1 SF applies to heavy-duty reusable bags, which must withstand eight times their SWL.
Different industries across Southeast Asia rely on FIBCs for specialized applications. For this, companies use jumbo bags with tailored FIBC weight capacities for specific needs. In Singapore, the petrochemical sector uses bulk packaging that can handle hazardous materials. These types of bulk bags often require customized liners and anti-static properties to meet strict FIBC safety standards. Since UN-certified bags always have a Safety Factor (SF) of 6:1, they undergo rigorous safety testing to meet regulatory requirements. Meanwhile, in Malaysia and Indonesia, where FIBCs are used in the oleochemical, coating, and cosmetics industries, moisture-resistant liners help preserve product integrity. In Vietnam, the food industry frequently uses FIBCs to transport nuts (pistachios, cashews) and coffee, making hygiene-certified food-grade jumbo bags a necessity.
FPS offers tailored FIBC solutions with different weight capacities and features, including PE liners, to improve product safety and regulatory compliance. Understanding FIBC weight capacity helps industries select bags that are compatible with their material density and handling requirements. For example, businesses in the Vietnamese food industry that require hygienic transport for bulk coffee can benefit from food-grade FIBCs with an SWL of 250 kg to 3000 kg, protecting product safety during transport. Similarly, Singapore’s petrochemical sector dealing with hazardous materials often requires UN-certified FIBCs with an SWL of 100 kg to 2000 kg, providing additional security during transport and storage. Choosing the right bag with an appropriate SWL ensures that products remain protected while meeting industry standards.
FPS Jumbo Bags are available in different designs and strengths, tailored to industry needs. Below are our typical FIBC weight capacities:
| FIBC Type | Safe Working Load (SWL) | Safety Factor (SF) |
| Standard 4-Loop FIBC | 250 kg – 3000 kg | 5:1 (Single Use) |
| Standard 4-Loop FIBC | 250 kg – 3000 kg | 6:1 (Multi-Use) |
| Food-Grade FIBC | 250 kg – 3000 kg | 5:1, 6:1, or 8:1 |
| UN-Certified FIBC (Hazardous) | 100 kg – 2000 kg | 6:1 (Always for UN bags) |
| Formstable FIBC | 200 kg – 2000 kg | 5:1, 6:1, or 8:1 |
Understanding FIBC weight capacity and safety standards of jumbo bags is crucial for any industry dealing with bulk material handling, whether in Southeast Asia or around the world. This guide has explored how Safe Working Load (SWL) and Safety Factors (SF) ensure not only the structural integrity of FIBCs but also compliance with FIBC safety standards, industry regulations, and safe operations.
We’ve seen that:
SWL defines the maximum safe load a bag can carry, while SF ensures the bag can withstand multiple times that load under controlled testing. Testing standards like ISO 21898:2024 and UN Recommendations are used to verify the SF (Safety factor), forming a core part of global FIBC safety standards and regulatory compliance frameworks.
Different FIBC classifications – from single-use to heavy-duty reusable and UN-certified, require different SF ratings (5:1, 6:1, or 8:1), each suited to specific use cases.
In Southeast Asia, industry-specific applications, from Singapore’s petrochemicals to Vietnam’s food exports, highlight the importance of tailored solutions like food-grade certification or moisture barriers.
Ultimately, choosing the right FIBC means understanding your filling product’s requirements. At FPS, we offer customized FIBC solutions to meet diverse needs, with SWLs ranging from 100 kg to 3000 kg and safety options to suit single-use or multi-use applications.
For a safe, compliant, and efficient bulk storage and transportation solution, the right jumbo bag makes all the difference.
Are you also interested in learning more about how UV protection and Humidity resistance play a key role in ensuring the safety and durability of filled products in jumbo bags, particularly in markets like Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia? Read our related blog here.
Alternatively, would you like to learn more about FPS Jumbo Bags tailored to your industry? Speak with an industry expert today:
About FPS 
Recycling Hub
