by Simin Xiang
A Type A FIBC bag is a flexible intermediate bulk container made from plain woven polypropylene with no static protection. It’s the most cost-effective bulk bag option, suitable only for non-flammable products in environments free of flammable gases, vapors, or dust.
This guide explains how Type A bags are made, which specifications buyers should review, where they work best, and when they should not be used.
This entry-level bulk container is woven from standard polypropylene fabric. It carries no special features to control or dissipate static electricity. Because of this simple construction, Type A bags are the entry-level option in the FIBC family and the most budget-friendly choice for many dry, non-hazardous products.
Type A bags are made by weaving polypropylene tapes into a strong, flexible fabric. The fabric can be coated for a moisture barrier or left uncoated for breathability. Standard lifting loops, fill spouts, and discharge spouts are added based on how the bag will be filled and emptied. No conductive or anti-static threads are used in the weave.
During filling and discharge, fine powders moving through a bag can build up static electricity. Type A bags have no way to safely release that charge. If a static spark occurs near flammable materials or in a combustible atmosphere, it could trigger ignition. For this reason, Type A bags should only be used with non-flammable products in non-hazardous environments.
The table below outlines the typical specifications for this type. Exact figures vary by order and application.
| Parameter | Typical Specification |
| Fabric Weight | 110–200 GSM (grams per square meter) |
| Safe Working Load (SWL) | 500 kg – 2,000 kg |
| Safety Factor (SF) | 5:1 (single-use) or 6:1 (multi-use) |
| Construction | U-Panel, Circular, 4-Panel, Baffle |
| Coating | Coated (moisture barrier) or uncoated (breathable) |
| Liner | Optional PE liner for fine powders or moisture-sensitive goods |
The Safety Factor shows the tested strength margin compared with the bag’s rated load. For example, a 5:1 safety factor means the bag is tested at five times its rated load under controlled conditions.
Type A bags work well for dry, non-flammable products handled in safe environments. Common uses include:
Do not use Type A bags when:
Real case example: A construction supplier shipping dry sand and gravel to job sites can safely use Type A bags. The material is non-flammable, and the work site has no combustible atmosphere. By contrast, a chemical plant handling flammable resin powders near solvent vapors would need a Type C or Type D bag to prevent ignition risk.
The main reason is cost. Type A bags use the simplest materials and construction, making them the most affordable FIBC option. For buyers moving large volumes of safe, dry materials, this keeps packaging budgets low without sacrificing load capacity.
The table below compares the four FIBC types:
| Type | Static Protection | Best For | Relative Cost |
| Type A | None | Non-flammable products, safe environments | Lowest |
| Type B | Prevents brush discharges (low breakdown voltage fabric) | Dry flammable powders, no flammable atmosphere | Low |
| Type C | Conductive, must be grounded | Flammable products and/or flammable atmospheres | Higher |
| Type D | Anti-static, no grounding needed | Flammable products and/or flammable atmospheres | Highest |
Choose Type A if your material is non-flammable and your handling environment is free of flammable gases and combustible dust. If any flammable risk exists, move up to a Type B, C, or D bag.
Type A bags are a practical choice when the product is dry, non-flammable, and handled in a non-hazardous environment. They support cost control through simpler construction, flexible specifications, and efficient bulk logistics.
XIFA Group manufactures packaging products, including PP fabric, BOPP bags, FIBC big bags, and PE film bags. Since 1998, we have supported industrial buyers with customized packaging orders and large-scale production. Our facilities include 72,000 m² of workshop space, more than 800 workers, QR-code traceability, and certifications including ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO45001, and BRCGS for relevant operations.
Explore our PP Fabric, FIBC Big Bag, and our Capabilities pages to compare available structures and customization options.
They are used for dry, non-flammable bulk materials in non-hazardous environments, such as sand, gravel, and some inert raw materials.
No. They are made from non-conductive polypropylene and do not safely dissipate electrostatic charge.
No. They should not be used where flammable materials, vapors, gases, or combustible dust hazards are present.
They usually cost less than static-protective FIBC types because the fabric and construction are simpler.
