Overview
EN ISO 21898:2024 - adopted by CEN as EN ISO 21898:2024 - is the current international/European standard for flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) intended for non-dangerous solid materials (powder, granular or paste forms). It specifies requirements for materials, construction and design, type testing, marking and provides guidance on selection and safe use of FIBCs designed to be lifted from above by integral or detachable devices. This edition supersedes the 2005 version and incorporates updated requirements for recycled materials, electrostatic protection and UV resistance.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and definitions: clear classification of FIBC types (single-trip, standard-duty reusable, heavy-duty reusable), safe working load (SWL) and safety factor (SF) definitions.
- Materials & construction: requirements for body fabric, linings and lifting devices, plus provisions for the use of recycled materials.
- Design requirements: guidance on filling height, lifting configurations and design considerations to ensure stability and integrity in handling and transport.
- Performance/type testing:
- Cyclic top lift test(s) to verify lifting strength and determine safety factor relative to SWL (detailed in Annex B).
- Compression/stacking tests to assess performance under stack loads and transport conditions (see Annex C and ISO 12048 reference).
- UV resistance evaluation and optional test methods (Annex A and Annex F) to ensure durability in sunlight exposure.
- Conditioning and preparation procedures for test samples, including guidance on non-standard filling materials.
- Electrostatic protection: cross-references to IEC 61340-4-4 for FIBCs requiring electrostatic classification and related test methods.
- Marking & conformity: label content and conformity statement requirements to communicate SWL, type, handling and safety information.
Applications and users
EN ISO 21898:2024 is essential for:
- FIBC manufacturers and designers - to design compliant containers and demonstrate type conformity.
- Packaging engineers and R&D teams - for selecting materials, defining lifting systems and validating durability (UV, mechanical, electrostatic).
- Logistics, warehousing and bulk-handling operations - to choose appropriate FIBC types for powders, granules and pastes and ensure safe handling and stacking.
- Quality, compliance and procurement specialists - to specify standards-compliant FIBCs and verify supplier declarations.
- Testing laboratories and certification bodies - to perform type testing and provide conformity assessment.
Related standards and references
Keywords: EN ISO 21898, ISO 21898:2024, FIBC, flexible intermediate bulk containers, packaging standard, non-dangerous goods, type testing, SWL, electrostatic FIBC, UV resistance, recycled materials.