Why Do You Need to Use Desiccants?
Desiccants are substances that are used to draw moisture from their surroundings and maintain a dry environment. They are most commonly used for products that can become damaged or corroded as a result of a humid environment, meaning there is a high concentration of moisture in the air. This trapped moisture can cause degradation of materials such as electronics, clothing, food, and medicine. For these reasons and more, desiccants are widely used for the packaging, storage and transportation of these items.
At The Packaging Company, we value the products that your business is packaging and shipping and we want them to arrive at your customer’s door in pristine condition. We offer several different types of desiccants that can help control the humidity and moisture levels in your packaging. Continue reading to learn more.
Clay Desiccants
Clay desiccants packs are filled with naturally occurring clay that is mined and then activated. In order to achieve activation of this material, calcium bentonite clay is carefully dried to release moisture and in turn, make it an effective absorbent. As long as temperatures remain below 120℉ (49℃) a clay desiccant pack can be expected to absorb approximately 30% of its weight in water.
Clay desiccants are non-toxic, non-corrosive and are FDA approved making it the perfect solution for shipping and storing food, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, metals, electronics and more. Additionally, these natural clay desiccants can be used repeatedly, in order to reactivate the clay’s ability to absorb, it just needs to be baked.
Clay desiccants are one of the most affordable and effective options for controlling moisture levels in a packaged items assuming normal temperatures and 20-80% relative humidity.
Silica Gel Desiccants
Silica gel is one of the most commonly used desiccants across the world. It is another great drying agent that is highly effective for removing moisture from its environment. Unlike naturally sourced clay, silica gel is a synthetic material that is made up of a porous form of silicon dioxide. It is most commonly produced in bead form and is popularly sold in various sizes of individual packets.
Although silica gel desiccants are manufactured through a chemical process, it is a non-toxic product that is approved by the FDA for contact with food. It is also an effective desiccant for industries such as automotive, apparel, electronics, pharmaceutical and more.
Silica gel most efficient in room temperature environments with a relative humidity of 60-90%. However, it does work within a temperature range between 0-100℃ (32-212℉). It is estimated that silica gel can adsorb up to 40% of its weight in water, 15% of that in just the first 2 hours! Similar to clay desiccants, silica gel can also be reactivated simply by baking it in an oven at 130°C for 2-3 hours.
Container Dri® Desiccants
Container Dri® desiccants are specifically designed for more industrial and large-scale applications such as inside shipping containers, trailers and rail cars. They absorb moisture within the environment and help prevent “container rain” which is caused by high levels of moisture being held in the air. This moisture eventually builds up and causes condensation to drip from the ceiling of the shipping container and land on valuable products.
Container Dri® desiccants are made with calcium chloride and have a much high capacity for absorption. At 50% room humidity, calcium chloride is capable of absorbing 150% of its weight in water, compared to silica gel which on average only absorbs 25% of its weight in water in the same humidity conditions.
Industries such as automotive, wood, machinery, food, metals and more can benefit from the industrial application of Container Dri®. It comes in multiple designs including adhesive strips, hangable bags and individual packets.
Bottom Line
Desiccants are a vital component of packaging, shipping and storing products. It helps prevent the growth of mould, mildew and other bacteria on items such as clothing and food. As well as prevents the corrosion and degradation of items such as metal and electronic components. It is important to find the desiccant that is best suited for your product and needs.
Looking For Wholesale Desiccants For Your Business?
If you’re looking to buy desiccants for your business’s packaging, shipping and storage needs, visit The Packaging Company today! We are a leading provider of packaging and shipping solutions nationwide and we are proud to provide affordable, high-quality products for your business. Check out our wide selection of wholesale desiccants today!
