As competition within the global logistics market continues to grow, margins need to be squeezed to ensure quotes can remain comparable with rival firms. This has led to an increase in the popularity of baffle bags. Baffle bags, or Q Bags as they’re also known, can provide a much more cost-effective solution for the shipping and storage of many categories due to the construction of the product.

Because they feature an internal webbing structure and a series of baffles, which help them maintain their shape, they aren’t prone to the bulging seen with other industrial packaging. This, in turn, means that there is a reduction in the space that each filled bag takes up in a storage container and therefore each container can be filled to its maximum capacity. They are also much easier to stack because they hold their shape better than other packaging alternatives and they are relatively lightweight due to the durable material they are made from.

As well as helping to reduce transportation costs, baffle bags are also a cost-effective solution, as they are highly reusable and the sturdy nature of the materials they are constructed from also helps to prolong their life. When a baffle bag does come to the end of its life, there are guidelines that must be adhered to for its disposal, as they are made from plastic.

This type of industrial packaging is often popular for products such as food, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, but they can be used to transport a wide variety of products. As with any container used for the storage and transportation of these types of products, the correct legislation must still be adhered to. For food products, the bags must be produced in a clean room environment where there is full traceability and the manufacturer has a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system in place. When storing and transporting chemical products in baffle bags, the correct UN Certification protocol still needs to be used.

While baffle bags are a great solution for shipping most products, it should be noted that they can’t be used for the storage and transportation of liquids.

The design of baffle bags, which includes lifting loops, also makes them easy to move and store while not in transportation. Most are specifically designed to fit on standard sized pallets and the loops are positioned for use with forklift trucks. Baffle bags are also generally offered with a variety of filling and emptying options so that you can choose the one most suited to your needs.

Currently, North America leads the baffle bag market, closely followed by the Asia Pacific region. However, the UK and Europe are set to see significant growth over the coming years and it’s easy to see why. Baffle bags offer an extremely cost-effective, durable solution to the logistics industry that not only maximises container space but also allows for ease of storage. Of course, their recyclability will be appealing to any business that wishes to minimise waste and improve its green credentials.