Sometimes FIBC's are the only acceptable method to carry and store bulk consignments for remote sites. I reviewed the monstrously expensive fiasco which Technip had imposed on a proposed nickel mine in the Indonesian Spice Islands. Wait for it!! FIBC's were flavour of the month there regarding dry chemical storage (My grouse was with the handling methods, all of them!).

Consignment stock in bulk bags is very good in situations where delivery is irregular yet large quantities are required and these quantities are consumed at uniform rates. Those customers that experience slack in their delivery times can order overlap. Bags can remain closed until needed and most stock will remain usable under those circumstances. The trick is to maintain accessibility to remnant bags: rather like a mass flow bin: first in first out. ■

Couldn't agree more John! ■