Australian grain and produce are key export markets for the country, accounting for 12% of goods and services exported in 2020-1. Products grown in Australia are typically of great quality and in turn, have a high perceived value in the global market.
Sugar cane, wheat and barley are the most produced products grown in Australia, while beef and chicken account for the top proteins. These markets provide essential food sources both domestically and offshore, and it is essential that products are protected and contained from the time of harvest through shipping and transportation to their final destination to limit waste.
Preventing Food Waste
Food waste is a growing concern world-wide, with a third of food going to waste on average. Organic materials release methane gases into the atmosphere when they break down, which negatively affects our global climate. In Australia, food waste accounts for 3% of our emissions.
Packaging and handling of produce plays a key role in protecting food throughout the supply chain, and different products may require different types of protection. Bulk Bags/FIBCs can be supplied with wide open tops for larger produce like potatoes, oranges and apples, or crafted with a range of spouted bulk bag openings for containing and distributing product like seeds and grains. This type of bulk packaging will protect products until they reach their final manufacturing destinations.
Bulk Bags for Agri Producers
A key aspect of bulk bags used for produce is the performance of the bags themselves. The materials and structure of the bags need to be of high quality and toughness to withstand use in the agri space. The woven pp bag materials used for bulk bags are crafted to provide great material strength and puncture resistance, while options for UV treatments can protect the bulk bags from the harsh Australian sun, and ensure they remain in top condition if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time.
Not all FIBCs/bulk bags on the market are made to Australian standards, so it is important for Australian farmers and producers to confirm with their bulk bag supplier that they adhere to the correct standards.