ZERUST®, a division of Northern Technologies International Corporation (NTIC), invented VCI poly packaging. In 1979, NTIC became the first company to develop and patent polyethylene film embedded with vapor corrosion inhibitor (VCI) technology. This invention created the world’s first VCI poly packaging and permanently changed how manufacturers protect metal parts from corrosion.
Before this breakthrough, corrosion protection relied on oils, greases, and heavy coatings. These methods required labor-intensive application and removal. ZERUST® eliminated those steps by integrating safe VCI molecules directly into polyethylene film. This allowed metal parts to remain clean, dry, and ready for use during storage and shipment.
Who invented VCI poly packaging and when did it begin?
The answer to who invented VCI poly packaging traces directly to ZERUST® and NTIC. The technology began in 1979 when NTIC patented the first polyethylene VCI film. This marked the beginning of vapor corrosion protection in polymer packaging.
At the time, no other company had successfully combined corrosion-inhibiting chemistry with flexible poly film. ZERUST® engineers solved this challenge by developing proprietary formulations that release corrosion-inhibiting vapor inside sealed packaging. These vapors form a molecular protective layer on metal surfaces without direct contact.
Explore the original VCI poly packaging technology
Learn how ZERUST® VCI poly packaging delivers proven corrosion protection during storage and shipment.
How the invention has changed corrosion protection
When ZERUST® invented VCI poly packaging, it created an entirely new corrosion-control category. Instead of coating metal surfaces, the packaging itself became the protective system.
VCI poly packaging works by releasing corrosion-inhibiting molecules into the enclosed space. These molecules migrate to exposed metal surfaces, including internal cavities and recessed areas. Furthermore, they interrupt the electrochemical reactions that cause rust.
This innovation reduced labor, eliminated cleanup, and improved reliability. Manufacturers could now protect parts during storage, domestic transport, and global export using a single packaging solution.
Why ZERUST® remains the inventor and global leader in VCI poly packaging
ZERUST® did not stop with the original invention. For more than five decades, NTIC has continued to advance VCI polymer technology through ongoing research, global laboratory testing, and real-world validation.
Today, ZERUST® offers a comprehensive portfolio of VCI poly packaging solutions. These include high-performance films, bags, shrink films, papers, diffusers, and complete corrosion-management systems. Customers in more than 70 countries rely on ZERUST® technology to protect ferrous and non-ferrous metals across multiple industries.
While many suppliers now offer VCI packaging, ZERUST® remains the original inventor of VCI poly packaging and the benchmark for performance, consistency, and technical expertise.
Who invented VCI poly packaging and why it still matters today
Understanding who invented VCI poly packaging matters because corrosion risks continue to grow. Global supply chains, longer storage cycles, and harsher environments increase exposure to moisture and contaminants.
ZERUST® VCI poly packaging addresses these challenges by delivering clean, reliable, and scalable corrosion protection. The original invention continues to evolve, helping manufacturers reduce rework, extend asset life, and improve operational efficiency.
For help selecting the right VCI packaging solution, contact ZERUST®/EXCOR® to speak with a technical service representative.
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Need help selecting the right VCI poly packaging for your application? ZERUST® technical experts can help you design a proven corrosion protection system.
ICT®510-C VCI Film provides cost-effective and versatile protection against rust and corrosion damage for metal assets in shipping and storage. Additionally, it’s available in ferrous, non-ferrous, and multimetal formulations, as well as various-sized rolls, sheets, tubing, and bags.
ICT®510-C Ferrous VCI Film provides cost-effective and targeted protection against rust damage for ferrous metals, such as steel, iron, and cast iron in shipping, storage, and work-in-progress.
ICT®510-C VCI Multimetal Film provides cost-effective and versatile protection against rust and corrosion damage for ferrous and non-ferrous metals in shipping, storage, and work-in-progress.
ICT®510-C Non-ferrous VCI Film provides cost-effective and versatile protection against corrosion damage for non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, copper, brass, and bronze, in shipping, storage, and work-in-progress.
ICT®510-C VCI Sheeting provides cost-effective and versatile protection against rust and corrosion damage for metal assets in shipping and storage. Additionally, it’s available in ferrous, non-ferrous, and multimetal formulations, as well as various-sized sheeting.
ICT®510-C VCI Tubing provides versatile protection against corrosion, as the tubing offers a tailored packaging solution for parts of various sizes or long metal assets metals in shipping, storage, and work-in-progress.
ICT®510-CLHD is a high density VCI Film that’s lightweight yet strong packaging solution. Furthermore, it’s specifically designed for interleaving, laminating, and serving as a superior alternative to VCI kraft paper during shipment, storage, or work-in-progress.
ICT®510-MSF VCI Masking Film is a pressure-sensitive adhesive film that provides protection from scratches and dust, as well as corrosion. In addition, the film removes cleanly and does not leave a residue.
ICT®510-OPS VCI Shrink Film is an 8-mil, high-strength shrink film integrated with ZERUST® Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) technology and UV stabilizers, designed specifically for the long-term outdoor preservation of large assets.
ICT®510-PCR30 Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) VCI Film is a 30% recycled polyethylene film containing proven ZERUST® Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors (VCI), providing cost-effective and versatile protection against corrosion damage for metals in shipping and storage.
ICT®510-SK VCI Skin Film is a polyethylene skin film containing Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors that secures items tightly to a rigid substrate through a vacuum bonding process. As a result, ensuring that fragile items are maintained in a fixed, organized, and visible position during shipment and storage.
ICT®510-SM Stretch VCI Film is a high-quality cast packaging film that wraps pallet loads, bundles, large items, and irregularly shaped metal objects during storage and shipping. ideal for use with machine-stretch applications, and smaller rolls are also available for hand-stretch applications.
ICT® VCI Poly Bags provide convenient and proven protection against corrosion damage for metals in shipping and storage. In addition, they are available in ferrous, non-ferrous, anti-tarnish, and multimetal protection types and various zipper, flat, and gusseted sizes.
ICT® Flat VCI Poly Bags provide convenient and proven protection against corrosion damage for metals in shipping and storage. In addition, they are available in ferrous, non-ferrous, anti-tarnish, and multimetal protection types.
ICT® Gusset VCI Bags provide convenient and proven protection against corrosion damage for metals in shipping and storage. In addition, they are available in ferrous, non-ferrous, anti-tarnish, and multimetal protection types and gusseted sizes ranging from two inches up to 150 inches.
ICT®510-C VCI Weapon Bags are specifically designed to protect weapons, including handguns, rifles, as well as accessories, against corrosion, dust, sand, and humidity damage in shipping, storage, and between operations.
ICT® VCI Coil Covers are tailor-made products designed to cover the most common sizes of metal coils and act as a barrier to protect metal coils from corrosion, dust, and contaminants during storage and transportation.
