Abstract: A bag filling apparatus comprises a filling head, a structure providing suspension points for suspending a bag in registry with the filling head and a rigging arrangement for sealing the bag with the filling head. The rigging arrangement includes a rigging ring for use in locating an inlet of the bag. The support structure and the rigging ring are movable independently of the filling head between a lower position facilitating rigging of the bag loops and the bag inlet to the suspension points and the rigging ring and an upper position in which the bag loops are raised and the rigging ring is registered with the filling head.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for discharging bags in which a full bag with an outlet is supported outlet lowermost over a hopper via which its contents are discharged with the outlet secured to the hopper inlet, and the emptied bag is evacuated via the hopper and collapsed before the outlet is removed from the hopper inlet.