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Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a Single Trip and Multi-trip bulk bag? While it is somewhat obvious, the main difference is one bag is designed for a single use and the other is designed for use multiple times (each use is called a trip.) To ensure a bag can be used multiple times and remain safe, changes need to be made to the bag construction and the “Safety Factor.” A single trip bulk bag carries a 5:1 safety factor (the industry standard), and a multi-trip bulk bag carries a 6:1 safety factor. To make a single trip bulk bag a safe multi-trip bag, these are some of the adjustments that may be made:

• Higher Tensile Strength Lift Loops
• Heavier Fabric Weight
• Length of Lift Loops Sewn Down the Seam or Body Fabric 

You might be asking, “What does a 5:1 or 6:1 safety factor mean?” To simplify, a 5:1 safety factor rating means that the bag should not reach destruction until 5 times the safe working load is put to the bag. A 6:1 safety factor rating means that it should not reach destruction unless 6 times the safe working load is put into the bag. 

EX: 2,000 lbs bag with 5:1 SF = 10,000 lbs

    2,000 lbs bag with 6:1 SF = 12,000 lbs

Of course, it is not likely (or recommended) anyone would try to that much weight in their bags, but the industry standards are in place to prevent accidents associated with the weight put into a bulk bag. When using a bulk bag, it is important to adhere to the safe working load and these standards.  

A Top Lift Machine is used to determine if a bag meets 5:1 or 6:1 safety factor. At Global-Pak we take this very seriously and we are one of the few U.S. companies that has its own Top Lift Machine. We frequently use it to test the bags brought in or produced at our sewing facility in Ohio, to ensure our customers receive the quality and safety that meet or exceed the industry standards. If you’re interested in learning more about how a top lift test machine works, please follow this link: https://www.global-pak.com/blog-item-top-lift-testing

If you want to see if a multi-use bag is right for you, reach out to our team and we can help you determine the best route for your application.