Container Desiccants from Clariant Avoid Losses Due to Moisture as Food Exports Grow

As more agricultural products are shipped overseas, patented Container Dri® II container desiccants from Süd-Chemie Performance Packaging, a member of Clariant’s Functional Materials Business Unit, can protect valuable goods from the harmful effects of moisture during lengthy travel.

The Container Dri II product line features a full array of configurations (bags, strips, poles, packs); a unique formulation that traps moisture in a no-spill gel; and the ability to reduce the dew point to avoid “container rain”. This solution offers shippers unmatched flexibility, choice and performance.

For example, food shipments are expected to play a leading role in achieving U.S. President Obama’s goal of doubling global exports by 2015. Exporters are particularly looking to the Asian marketplace due to its increasingly affluent population that favors Western foods. However, long-distance intermodal shipments face significant challenges from the damaging effects of humidity, including mold, mildew and spoilage. Similarly, non-food shipments can face warpage and corrosion.

Especially as commodity prices increase, it is no longer an option for shippers to discard a portion of their valuable cargo, simply as a cost of doing business. It is important to customers’ profitability and market image to avoid losses due to moisture.

“Clariant’s Container Dri II desiccants make it simpler and less risky to ship goods to distant locations through various temperature and humidity conditions,” said Johanna Knyrim, Container Dri II global product specialist. “Performance Packaging works with customers to determine the optimal type and amount of desiccant required to protect goods for the duration of their journey. We’re proud to offer specialized, high-performance technology along with expert service to help customers improve their bottom line and maintain their brand equity.”

Container Dri II desiccants absorb up to three times its weight in moisture and, through an advanced formula, traps it as a thick gel. By aggressively absorbing moisture from the air, this technology reduces the dew point temperature below the surface temperature to prevent condensation from forming. With Container Dri II desiccants, the container’s interior – and the cargo – remain dry.