Frequently Asked Questions About Bioprocess Totes & Fluid Handling

Bagbox Foldable plastic totes are made from thermoplastic moulded and moveable parts.  The moulded material varies dependant on the volume of tote.

• Polypropylene (PP): PP is a widely used thermoplastic polymer known for its durability, chemical resistance, and ability to withstand a range of temperatures. It is often chosen for its strength and lightweight properties.
• High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): HDPE is another popular material for foldable plastic totes. It offers excellent strength, impact resistance, and resistance to chemicals. HDPE is known for its toughness and ability to withstand repeated use.

All the specific materials for each Bagbox tote are noted on our product drawing.

Yes, our Bagbox foldable plastic totes are often designed with features to prevent contamination and ensure a secure seal with sterile liners or bags. Here are some common design elements that contribute to maintaining sterility and achieving a secure seal:

• Smooth Surfaces: Bagbox foldable plastic totes are typically designed with smooth, non-porous surfaces that are easy to clean and disinfect. This helps prevent the build-up of contaminants and facilitates proper sterilisation.
• Tight-Fitting Lids or Covers: Our Bagbox foldable plastic totes all come with lids or covers that fit securely and tightly, providing an additional barrier against contaminants. These lids or covers help protect the contents of the tote from exposure to airborne particles or contaminants during use, storage, or transportation.
• Gasket Seals: Some of our Bagbox Special totes feature gasket seals, which are rubber or silicone strips that create an airtight or watertight seal when the tote is closed. These gasket seals enhance the integrity of the enclosure, preventing the entry of contaminants and maintaining the sterility of the liners or bags.
• Latching Mechanisms: Bagbox foldable plastic totes may include latching mechanisms such as clips, snaps, or locks that securely hold the lids or covers in place. These mechanisms provide added security and prevent accidental opening, ensuring that the sterile liners or bags remain sealed and protected.

It's important to note that the level of contamination prevention and seal security can vary among different Bagbox tote volumes. When selecting Bagbox foldable plastic totes, it is recommended to review the product specifications, consult with us, and consider your specific sterility requirements to ensure that the totes meet your needs in terms of contamination.

The dimensions and weight capacity of foldable plastic totes can vary depending on the specific product and manufacturer. To obtain accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to contact us directly for a specific drawing for your application. Whilst some applications may require a 1000L capacity we have a range of base size totes to suit differing requirements.  And remember, Bagbox can fabricate to about any size possible.

The size and range of capacities are available on our tote choosing page but just contact us if you have something out with the standard range.

Foldable plastic totes can have additional features that contribute to maintaining sterility in specific environments. While the availability of such features can vary depending on the Bagbox product we do have options to made products bespoke for specific products. Here are a couple of additional features you may come across:

• Anti-Static Properties: Some of our foldable plastic totes can have anti-static properties incorporated into their design. These totes are designed to dissipate static charges, which can help prevent the build-up of electrostatic discharge (ESD) that could potentially collect and attract airborne dust particles.
• UV Resistance: In certain applications where Bagbox foldable plastic totes are exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) radiation like during transport or storage, UV-resistant properties may be incorporated into the Bagbox totes' material. UV resistance helps to prevent degradation or discoloration of the totes when exposed to UV rays, ensuring their long-term durability, and maintaining their sterility.

It's important to note that our standard range of Bagbox foldable plastic totes will not have these additional features, and their availability may depend on the specific requirements and volume of your application.

In essence, yes.  We have a range of totes for specifically Cleanroom environments that allow ease of access to the bottom discharge tubes.  We also can offer bespoke and fully welded totes for products environments where we can minimise the ability for bacteria to grow.  When assessing the suitability of foldable plastic totes for sterile cleanroom environments, consider the following:

Because the Bagbox tote is used along with the 3D bag it is unlike a stainless-steel tote in that our product becomes the host carrier for the 3D disposable bag therefore reducing the contamination area and keeping your media within a controlled bag environment.

The compatibility of Bagbox foldable plastic totes with different sizes and types of sterile liners and 3D bags can vary depending on the specific design and dimensions of our totes, as well as the sizes and types of liners or bags being used. It is crucial to consider the following factors when assessing compatibility:

• Size: Check if the internal dimensions of the Bagbox tote is suitable for accommodating your desired size of sterile liners or bags. Consider the internal length, width, and height of the tote and compare them to the dimensions of your chosen bag supplier on one you intend to use. Ensure that there is sufficient space within the tote to accommodate the bags without compromising their integrity.  Normally a rule of thumb is to add on 20mm to the internal width and length of the Bagbox tote to have a suitable size of 3D bag for your media.  This will then not stretch the bag and have the host Bagbox tote be the medium for supporting the forces of liquid in storage and transport.
• Fastening Mechanisms: The Bagbox totes have been designed purposely for the use in this environment and the fastening mechanisms and closures of the Bagbox totes can securely hold the liners or bags in place with moving parts of drop doors or port holes positioned according to requirements.  Our systems are tried and tested.
• Load Capacity: Consider the weight-bearing and cubic capacity of the Bagbox tote and ensure it is suitable for the loaded liners or 3D bags. Our Bagbox totes have been used for years in this environment and our ratings for cubic volume should allow you peace of mind to be certain that a Working Load Limit has been assessed and used previously.  Our Bagbox totes can handle the combined weight of the liners or 3D bags and their contents without compromising its structural integrity.
• It is recommended that you consult with Bagbox Group to confirm the compatibility of our Bagbox foldable plastic totes with the sizes and types of 3D bags you plan to use. We can provide detailed information and guidance to ensure proper compatibility and functionality in your intended application.

Our Bagbox foldable plastic tote range is designed for multi trip use and of course can be reusable. The exact number of cycles a tote can withstand before needing replacement can vary depending on several factors, including the specific design and construction of the tote, the handling and usage conditions, and the nature of the environment in which they are used.  We have manufactured totes that have been in use for many years.

The durability and lifespan of the Bagbox totes can also depend on factors such as load capacity, frequency of use, exposure to harsh conditions (e.g., extreme temperatures, chemicals), and the maintenance and cleaning practices followed.

Regular inspection of the Bagbox totes for signs of wear, damage, or degradation is also important. If any issues are identified that could compromise the integrity or sterility of the totes, they should be replaced accordingly to ensure safe and reliable usage.

Overall, the lifespan of Bagbox foldable plastic totes can vary, and it is best to rely on our best practice guidance and your own evaluation of the condition of the totes over time to determine when replacements are necessary.

Yes.  Bagbox totes are designed to be stacked for transport or storage to save space.  There is of course a maximum storage ratio when loaded with liquid media. While many foldable plastic totes are designed to be stackable, it is essential to verify the Bagbox specifications and guidelines to ensure safe stacking in both transport and cleanroom environments.

With the Bagbox totes being manufactured from a thermoplastic Autoclaving will have a higher temperature than the usable range of the tote so the Bagbox totes cannot be used in an autoclave. 

We do offer a 1-year limited warranty on our products and specific to being used in a controlled, pre-requisite and defined environment.

The limited warranty for the performance of Bagbox foldable plastic totes in sterile environments would be determined by Bagbox separately. Each client will have their own specific warranty requirements for the performance and functionality of our products, and we ask you speak with us about the daily use of the Bagboxes and its environment so we can specify the correct product which in turn would have a best fit for purpose extended life.  Bagbox have an ethos on manufacturing and supplying products that are “Belt and Braces” to ensure extended life of our products.

Yes of course.  This would be considered a 1off order and would be run on the same parameters as a larger quantity.  Bagbox could also offer a first off production sample from the production order to ensure we have everything correct before serial production and so that there are no glitches your end in your production environment and facility.  We do not accept samples on loan as we cannot verify the foreign environment and use, and we would not be able to have returned product for resale.

To obtain samples or references from Bagbox customers who have used our Bagbox totes with 3D bags, we recommend reaching out to Bagbox directly. They will be able to provide you with information on their customer references and experiences of Bagbox Group as a quality vendor.

Send an email or give us a call so we can put you in touch with your local Bagbox salesperson who will have experience in Bagbox products and your liquid management. Our details can be found on our Contact Us page.

The lead time for manufacturing and delivering foldable plastic totes can vary depending on several factors, including the specific volume of tote, the quantity and any customisation requirements of the order, the availability of materials, and the current Bagbox production schedule. It is best to contact Bagbox directly to enquire about our lead times as we can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information readily.  We do have a large stock of base totes on hand that we modify to suit the product requirements and we replenish stock frequently to accommodate quicker turnarounds.  We have a fast-track service too where you could, if necessary, ask us to work on a fast-track basis.  

When Bagbox please provide us with as much detail as possible about your specific event horizon requirements so we can adapt our vendors supplies and production facility in accordance with your requirements.  We will then be able to assess and try and best accommodate your requirements.

It's important for Bagbox and our customers to plan and consider lead times in advance of and when placing orders for our Bagbox foldable plastic totes, especially if you have specific time constraints or project deadlines.

We can have structured regular meetings to work with your project team to update on production weekly.

Yes of course.  Bagbox are original equipment manufacturers, (OEM), of bespoke materials handling and storage solutions for Bagboxes for biopharma and pharmaceutical liquid drug media and facility equipment.  We make both standard and bespoke carts to meet your facility requirements. Bagbox are originators and designers of these plastic concepts and experts in design & build into the pharma industry.