The application relates to an earthable flexible intermediate bulk container comprising a container 1 made of a flexible material, which has a dissipative or conductive grid of conductive threads 5, or alternatively is dissipative or conductive over the full surface area, and at least one carrying strap 2 connected to the container 1 by means of a carrying seam 3, characterized in that at least one carrying strap 2 is provided over the full surface area, at least from the carrying seam 3 to the suspension point 4, with a dissipative or conductive material in a surface resistance range, measured in accordance with TRBS 2153, of 0.1 to 10.sup.8 ohms.

A method, apparatus and system is provided for both (1) decreasing electrostatic discharges to reduce the potential for incendiary discharges caused by electrostatic charges in flexible containers such as flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) and (2) decreasing the induction on isolated conductors nearby the container to reduce the potential for incendiary discharges from the isolated conductors

A method, apparatus and system is provided for both (1) decreasing electrostatic discharges to reduce the potential for incendiary discharges caused by electrostatic charges in flexible containers such as flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) and (2) decreasing the induction on isolated conductors nearby the container to reduce the potential for incendiary discharges from the isolated conductors.