Overview
ISO 21898:2024 - Packaging - Flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) for non-dangerous goods specifies requirements for the materials, construction, design, type testing and marking of FIBCs intended to contain non-dangerous solid materials (powder, granular or paste form). The standard covers FIBCs designed to be lifted from above (integral or detachable devices) and provides guidance on selection and safe use.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and definitions: Clear categorization of FIBC types (single-trip, standard-duty reusable, heavy-duty reusable), parts (walls, base, top, liner), and terminology such as safe working load (SWL) and safety factor (SF).
- Materials: Requirements for written specifications and batch conformity statements. Load-bearing materials must retain at least 50% of initial force/elongation after UV exposure testing (see Annex A/F).
- Construction and design: Stitching, seam protection, welding/gluing cleanliness, recommended design filling height, and recovery-promoting joins. Annex E contains design examples.
- Recycled materials: Permits use of recycled mono-materials (≥95% same polymer) provided recycled FIBCs meet the same test criteria as virgin-material FIBCs.
- Electrostatic protection: Addresses electrostatic protective treatments and references IEC 61340-4-4 for electrostatic classification and testing.
- Performance and type testing:
- Cyclic top lift test(s) (Annex B) to verify lifting performance and derive safety factor.
- Compression/stacking test (Annex C) for transport and storage stability.
- UV resistance evaluation (Annex A) and optional UV test methods (Annex F).
- Marking and conformity: Requirements for marking filled FIBCs and issuing statements of conformity (Clause 6–7).
- Guidance: Informative Annex D covers selection and safe usage best practices.
Applications and users
ISO 21898 is practical for:
- FIBC manufacturers - to design and certify containers that meet international performance and marking requirements.
- Packaging engineers and designers - to specify materials, construction and lifting systems.
- Quality, compliance and procurement teams - to verify supplier conformity, batch documentation and safe working load labelling.
- Logistics, warehouse and safety officers - to apply stacking, handling and lifting guidelines for powders, granules and pastes.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies - to perform cyclic lift, stacking and UV tests in accordance with the standard.
Related standards
ISO 21898:2024 is an essential packaging standard for ensuring FIBC safety, durability and regulatory conformity when handling non-dangerous bulk solids.
