With corrosion-related damage estimated to cost global supply chains billions each year, Antalis Packaging is encouraging manufacturers to review how they protect metal components during storage and transportation.
An estimated 2–4% of products shipped by ocean freight arrive damaged, costing around £50–60 billion every year. Of this damage, humidity or condensation-related water damage represents an estimated £6–8 billion in annual supply-chain losses.
For manufacturers shipping metal components, corrosion can become costly. Temperature and humidity changes during sea or air freight, as well as long-term storage, can create condensation and moisture inside packaging.
But according to Jason Poxon, Head of Design at Antalis Packaging, simply adding more desiccant isn’t necessarily the answer: “Effective corrosion protection starts with understanding exactly what you are trying to protect and the conditions that product will experience,” says Jason. “There is no universal solution. A component travelling by sea will face very different conditions from one stored in a controlled warehouse.”
Getting the protection level right
One common mistake is assuming that more desiccant automatically means better protection. The quantity required depends on factors including the dimensions of the packaging, the weight and nature of the product, and how and where it will be stored and transported.
“The amount of desiccant required should be calculated for the specific application rather than simply using a standard quantity based on what has always been done,” explains Jason .
Choosing the right materials
Desiccants and VCI products work differently, so selecting the right solution requires understanding the application. The choice should consider not only performance, but also the wider environmental impact of the packaging solution.
“It’s about finding the right balance between protection, cost, efficiency and sustainability,” says Jason.
Look beyond the packaging
Importantly, corrosion is not always the result of a packaging failure. Handling practices, storage conditions and other processes can all contribute.In one example, metal components developed finger stains and initial investigations suggested the packaging was at fault. However, an investigation found that employees had cut the fingers off their gloves to improve grip, transferring fingerprints and causing acid damage.
“Sometimes what appears to be a packaging problem is actually happening somewhere else in the process,” says Jason. “You have to look at the complete journey of the product.”
Packaging as part of the supply chain
VCIs and desiccants can work alone, but in many applications the most effective approach combines them with the appropriate films, boxes, or other packaging materials. Changing the packaging approach can also remove processes such as applying grease or oil, potentially reducing labour and packing time while simplifying the overall operation.
For manufacturers experiencing corrosion issues, the starting point should be a review of the complete packaging process. “Technology and packaging solutions continue to develop, so processes that have been used for years shouldn’t necessarily be the only option,” concludes Jason. “By looking at the product, the environment and the complete supply chain, manufacturers can develop a solution that provides the required protection while also considering cost, efficiency, labour and sustainability.”
Antalis Packaging can work with manufacturers, taking a consultative approach that considers the product, packaging, storage conditions and transportation environment, developing solutions tailored to individual applications.
Transport & Logistics Magazine – Driving The Industry Forward
