Protect containers from humidity

It's called "container rain," it happens often, and it's easy to ruin things shipped or stored in containers. Even if it's not raining, too much condensation can cause mold to grow, labels to come off, boxes to get damaged, and goods to go bad.

Dehydrating chains, also called container bags, are inexpensive and easy-to-use ways to keep containers from getting wet.

Are the containers enough to keep the goods safe?

Goods that are shipped by or stay in warehouses for a long time (maybe waiting for customs clearance) are usually put in container desiccant.

Containers are used for both protection and transportation. The container is hermetically sealed, so we might think that nothing interesting happens inside it and that everything stays still. However, this is not true.

The container stays open to the weather, and its metal walls make changes in the weather even more noticeable. The direct sun quickly raises the temperature to very high levels (think about what happens inside a simple parked car, which also has windows). Still, a little wind or the fall of the evening is all needed to get the temperature back to normal just as quickly.

Let's add that the humidity inside is easy to get to 100%: when it gets hot, it rises and turns into water vapor. But when the temperature drops, this vapor condenses into drops of water that fall on the contents of the container.

Inside our container, in practice, it rains. Even though it seems strange, it rains a lot. This happens often enough that people have given it a name: "container rain." Even if it doesn't rain, the water droplets may be enough to cause damage, even if the value is very high.

Rain damage from shipping containers

It's easy to picture the damage caused by container rain. Labels peel off, cartons get wet, metal rusts, and wood warps.

Damaged packaging can cause logistical problems, like making it hard to move loads and putting the goods inside at risk, especially certain types of goods.

One is also led to believe this happens while the goods are in transit, maybe on a ship. But that's not all. A container waiting for days in a storage yard is exposed to the same bad weather and problems as one in the middle of the ocean. The problem is caused by the humidity inside, not the humidity outside.

The solution: high-absorption desiccant chains

Since everyone knows about the problem and how sneaky it is, all the containers are already set up for the solution: they all have slots inside that can hook up the container chains.

These are "chains" of highly hygroscopic absorbent bags filled with calcium chloride and a thickener made from plants. This material can hold moisture and keep it at a low level.

These dehydrating chains can soak up much more moisture than silica gel or other absorbent materials, but that's not the only good thing about them.

The truth is that container chains:

• They soak up moisture but don't start working until the humidity rate goes over 40%, which is about what it is on a nice spring day. This is the threshold value above which degenerative things like mold, corrosion, bad smells, and large condensation can start happening.
• They don't take up too much room. Their thinness makes it easy to hook them onto the high fastening slots on the sides of the container that do not consume valuable internal space.

Lastly, remember that it is a one-time-use item. Using new chains for every transport means the container will always be as safe as possible.

We recommend you to visit protective packaging company like Britwrap for buying protective packaging products.

How many container bags are necessary for each journey?

Desiccant chains are sold in standard packaging that depends on the size of the container. This differs from other desiccant products, for which the amount needed must be accurately calculated.

Each desiccant chain comprises six 120 g bags and has a strong hook at the top so it can be hung from the hooks inside each container.

At the time of purchase, just tell us if you want the dose for a 20-foot or 40-foot container, and we'll already have everything we need to ship each order safely.

Their high absorbency makes them easy to use, and the container size lets us know that the goods will be protected well no matter what kind of transportation is used.

How and where to order chains for container protection?

Our online shop, of course. Just look at how many containers there are and how big they are; you want to protect and order the right product for your needs based on that information. Your order will be shipped within 24 hours of receipt, and the company will respond as soon as possible.