As global supply chain shortages create delays with container transit times caused by the world pandemic, food and beverage stock shipped face challenges from the damaging effects of increased humidity exposure due to the delayed shipping times. The type of risk for cargo goods includes (but are not limited) to damage, wet packaging and spoiled product. Food and beverage manufacturers are seeing the importance of investing in moisture prevention solutions, which keeps cargo safe from moisture damage, also called ‘Container Rain’, during transit and prepped for any delays along the way.
Container Rain
The term ‘Container Rain’ describes the build-up of condensation, which occurs when cargo is subjected to significant temperature fluctuations during transit periods.
As the temperature inside the container increases, the entrapped air can absorb more moisture. When the container temperature decreases, the air cannot hold the moisture build-up, which then releases in the form of condensation. Through this process, manufacturers risk various types of moisture damage.
Types of Container Moisture Damage.
- Damaged/collapsed packaging
- Peeled labels
- Increased product damage
- Corrosion damage in canned goods
- Mould and mildew to cardboard
Australia is prone to be a more humid and tropical climate. Exporting local goods have increased moisture in the air that is sealed when loading into a container. Increased air moisture will develop into condensation sooner during transit to its destination, so choosing the right desiccants for the journey is essential, providing the right amount of absorption and preventing damage from Container Rain.
What are Desiccants?
Container Desiccants are hydrating agents that attract and retains moisture from the atmosphere, reducing the relative humidity inside a shipping container. Little desiccant packets are seen when you open some food goods. Container desiccants are a larger version that hangs from the lashing points inside shipping containers.
How do Desiccants work?
Desiccants actively attract moisture from the surrounding air, which reduces the dew point. The dew point is the temperature at which condensation takes place. As you can imagine, this often happens inside a container once the doors shut and the product inside is prone to moisture.
How to Determine Which Desiccant Product to Use.
When transporting cargo, each shipment is unique and requires a specific approach in determining the optimum amount of desiccant needed.
Factors to Consider:
- The number of days your goods are in transit
- Temperature variances
- Mode of Transport
- Moisture Content
If less effective cargo desiccants are chosen, the container will not tolerate the large volume of humidity and will reach total capacity before its destination.
Choosing the right Absorption Level.
Based on an absorbent gel formula, container desiccants are varied on the market and have different absorption levels, which changes the speed and capacity of each desiccant product.
As an example:
Silica gel desiccants absorb approximately 40% of their weight.
Minimal desiccant products are a mix of calcium chloride and clay and offer 100% of their weight.
Desiccant bags made from calcium chloride only provide the most significant capacity, absorbing 300% of its weight.
Container Desiccant Solutions
X-Pak offers a range of desiccant solutions for both short and long-haul trips.
We stock products that are manufactured through renowned plants globally and tested to strict quality levels. Our PAK-DRY container desiccants are a unique 100% Leak-Proof. PAK-DRY has a 300% absorption capacity, the highest capacity in the market and is easily installed with a unique hanger tool. Learn more about our range here.
