type c fibc bulk bag
Capro Industries supplies Type C FIBCs — also called conductive bulk bags or groundable FIBCs — designed for the safe handling of flammable powders, dusts, and solids in environments where electrostatic discharge poses an ignition risk. Type C bags are manufactured with an interconnected network of conductive carbon threads woven into the fabric and grounding tabs that must be connected to earth ground during filling and emptying. In stock for same-day shipping from Los Angeles, Dallas, and New Hampshire.
Description
Type C FIBCs are specially engineered to control electrostatic charges through grounding. The conductive carbon tape woven throughout the fabric creates a continuous collection path for static charges, which are safely discharged to earth through the grounding tabs — eliminating the risk of incendiary spark discharge during filling and emptying operations.
Features
Interconnected conductive carbon tape woven throughout the fabric provides a continuous charge collection path. Grounding tabs must be connected to a verified earth ground during all filling and discharge operations. Approved for use in Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas when properly grounded. Resistance to ground: less than 10⁷ ohms per IEC 61340-4-4.
WHEN TO USE TYPE C
Type C is required when handling flammable products in the presence of flammable vapors, gases, or combustible dust — including Zone 1 and Zone 2 classified areas. Grounding is mandatory. If grounding cannot be guaranteed at every point in the operation, Type D (Crohmiq) should be considered instead.
Sizing Calculator
To help you choose a standard size bag, our cubic calculator is a great place to begin.
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FIBC / Bulk Bag Styles
How Type C FIBCs work
Type C FIBCs contain a grid of conductive carbon threads woven at regular intervals throughout the polypropylene fabric. These threads are interconnected and terminate at grounding tabs located at the base or loops of the bag. When the grounding tab is connected to a verified earth ground, static charges that accumulate during filling and emptying are continuously and safely dissipated — preventing the buildup that could otherwise result in an incendiary electrostatic discharge.
The key requirement: grounding must be verified and connected before every fill and discharge cycle. An ungrounded Type C bag provides no protection and can be more dangerous than a standard bag because operators may assume protection exists when it does not.
Applications
Chemical manufacturing
Powders, granules, and bulk solids with ignition sensitivity — including sulfur, aluminum powder, carbon black, chemical intermediates, and reactive organic compounds — require grounded FIBC handling in classified areas.
Pharmaceutical & nutraceutical
Fine active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, and vitamin powders with low minimum ignition energies require electrostatic control throughout the packaging and transfer process.
Food processing — flammable dusts
Flour, sugar, starch, and dried milk powder all have combustible dust classifications. Type C bags are used where these materials are handled in environments with potential ignition sources.
Plastics & polymers
Plastic pellets, polymer powders, and resin compounds can generate significant static during pneumatic conveying and bulk transfer. Type C bags provide the grounding path required in Zone 1 and Zone 2 rated areas.
Mining & minerals
Fine mineral powders and mining byproducts that carry combustible or ignition-sensitive classifications require grounded bulk bag handling in compliant facilities.
Type C vs. Type D — which do you need?
Type C (conductive, groundable) — requires a physical connection to earth ground at every fill and discharge point. Best for operations with fixed grounding infrastructure and verified grounding procedures. Lower unit cost than Type D.
Type D (Crohmiq) — dissipates static safely without requiring a ground connection, using quasi-conductive threads that prevent brush discharges. Best for operations where grounding cannot be guaranteed or where mobile or variable filling locations make consistent grounding impractical.
If your operation can guarantee verified grounding at every point of use, Type C is appropriate. If there is any risk of grounding being skipped, missed, or impractical, Type D is the safer choice.
Technical specifications
Fabric: woven polypropylene with interconnected conductive carbon thread grid
Resistance to ground: ≤ 10⁷ ohms (per IEC 61340-4-4)
Grounding tabs: minimum one, typically located at base or loop attachment points
Safe working load: 500 kg to 2,000 kg (1,100 lb to 4,400 lb)
Safety factor: 5:1 or 6:1
Approved zones: Zone 1 and Zone 2 when properly grounded
Liner options: PE liner available — must be conductive or dissipative to maintain ESD protection
Closures: spout top, duffle top — spout bottom and flat bottom options
Printing: up to 4 colors; grounding instruction labels available
Why engineers and EHS managers choose Capro for Type C FIBCs
Technically compliant construction — our Type C FIBCs meet IEC 61340-4-4 resistance requirements with verified interconnected conductive thread grids
In-stock availability — no lead time waiting. Type C bags ship same day from our US warehouses
Expert specification support — our team works with EHS managers, process engineers, and procurement to confirm the right bag construction, liner type, and grounding configuration for your specific classified area and material
Full documentation — resistance test data and technical data sheets available for every Type C product line
Three US warehouse locations — Los Angeles, Dallas, and New Hampshire for fast delivery to any region
Contact Capro Industries to request technical documentation, samples, or a quote on Type C conductive FIBC bulk bags. Our packaging specialists work directly with EHS managers, process engineers, and plant procurement teams to ensure your electrostatic discharge protection meets the requirements of your facility's classified area designation and material handling process.