Description
The four-sling FIBC big bag is the most widely used flexible intermediate bulk container design in Europe. Four full-length lifting loops, one woven into each corner of the bag, allow a forklift to approach and pick up the bag from any direction. This makes the four-sling the most operationally flexible and fastest-handling FIBC design for warehouse, agricultural, chemical, and food processing environments.
NovoPacks supplies four-sling FIBC big bags direct from the manufacturer across Europe. We cover safe working loads from 500 kg up to 2,000 kg with a standard 5:1 safety factor. For UN-certified hazardous goods transport, 6:1 and 8:1 safety factor options are available, meeting the requirements of ISO 21898 and ADR/RID Group II and Group III classification.
Construction and Fabric
Our four-sling FIBCs are woven from high-tenacity polypropylene tape to a fabric weight matched to your load and application. Standard GSM options run from 100 to 200 GSM, with heavier fabric specified for abrasive or sharp materials, rough handling conditions, or multi-trip use. The four lifting loops are woven into the fabric body at each corner during manufacturing, not stitched on as a secondary operation, which gives them the same tensile strength as the bag fabric itself and ensures the full rated SWL is carried through the lifting points.
Top and Bottom Configurations
The right combination of top and bottom depends on your filling and discharge equipment. We supply four-sling FIBCs with open top, duffle or skirt top for dust containment, or a fill spout (35 to 50 cm diameter) for pneumatic or gravity nozzle filling. On the discharge side, options include flat bottom for standard pallet stacking, a discharge spout with star or bunny-ear closure for controlled gravity discharge, and a pallet base for improved stability on smooth warehouse floors.
Liners and Coatings
PE liners from 60 to 150 microns are available as loose-fit tube liners or custom form-fit liners manufactured to your bag dimensions. Loose-fit liners are the most economical option for most dry powder and granulate applications. Form-fit liners sit flush against the inner walls of the bag, maximising fill volume and producing a cleaner discharge with no loose film at the spout. For high-barrier applications, EVOH co-extruded liners and aluminium composite liners are available.
Food Grade and UN Certified Options
Food-grade four-sling FIBC bags are manufactured from virgin PP in a controlled environment, complying with EU Regulation 10/2011 on plastic materials for food contact. These are suitable for grain, flour, sugar, starch, salt, and other bulk food ingredients, and can be supplied with HACCP and FSSC 22000 documentation on request.
For hazardous materials transport, our UN-certified four-sling bags carry UN 13H3 markings and have been drop-tested, top-lift tested, and stacking-tested to UN standards at a 6:1 safety factor. These bags are suitable for ADR/RID dangerous goods in Groups II and III.
Static Protection
We supply four-sling FIBCs in all four static classifications. Type A bags carry no static protection and are suitable for non-flammable materials only. Type B bags dissipate low-level charge and are used for dry flammable powders with no grounding requirement. Type C bags have interwoven conductive threads and must be grounded during filling and discharge, suitable for use around flammable vapours and explosive atmospheres. Type D bags are dissipative without requiring grounding, providing antistatic protection for use in flammable environments without the risk of a broken ground connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard SWL for a four-sling FIBC big bag?
The most common safe working load for a four-sling FIBC is 1,000 kg (one tonne). Our range covers 500 kg up to 2,000 kg. The safety factor is 5:1 as standard for single-trip use, meaning a 1,000 kg SWL bag has a minimum breaking load of 5,000 kg. UN-certified versions carry a 6:1 or 8:1 safety factor.
What is the difference between a four-sling and a four-loop FIBC?
They are the same product. Four-sling, four-loop, four-belt, and four-panel FIBC are all common names for the same bag design with one lifting loop at each corner. The naming varies by industry and region but describes the same product.
Can a four-sling FIBC be food grade?
Yes. Food-grade four-sling FIBCs are manufactured from virgin polypropylene only, in a controlled environment, and comply with EU Regulation 10/2011 on plastic materials for food contact. They are suitable for direct contact with food ingredients including grain, flour, sugar, starch, salt, and dairy powders.
Can four-sling FIBCs be used for hazardous goods transport?
Yes, with the correct UN certification. Our UN-certified four-sling bags meet ADR/RID requirements for dangerous goods and carry UN 13H3 markings. The 6:1 safety factor version is used for Groups II and III hazardous goods classified under the ADR/RID regulations.
How long does delivery to Europe take?
A full truck of four-sling FIBC big bags typically reaches most EU destinations within 14 days of order confirmation. For repeat buyers, we offer stock reservation and call-off delivery arrangements to keep lead times to a minimum.