The shelf life of VCI film depends on the product type, storage conditions, and whether the original packaging remains sealed. When stored correctly, most ZERUST® and EXCOR® VCI film products maintain full corrosion protection performance for several years.
What is the shelf life of VCI film under proper storage conditions?
Most ZERUST®/EXCOR® VCI film products have a shelf life of up to three years when stored in their original airtight packaging. To preserve performance, store VCI film out of direct sunlight, under shelter, and in a controlled indoor environment.
Exposure to heat, UV light, or open air can reduce the effectiveness of the corrosion-inhibiting chemistry over time. Keeping the packaging sealed until use is critical for achieving the full shelf life.
What storage conditions help maximize the shelf life?
To maximize the shelf life, follow these best practices:
- Store VCI film in its original sealed packaging
- Keep products indoors and protected from weather exposure
- Avoid direct sunlight and elevated temperatures
- Prevent punctures or partial opening of the packaging
- Use older inventory first to maintain proper stock rotation
These practices align with recommended VCI packaging storage guidelines and help ensure consistent corrosion protection when the film is deployed.
Best Practices for Maximizing the Shelf Life
Learn how proper storage conditions help preserve ZERUST® VCI performance and extend product shelf life.
Does the shelf life of VCI film change after opening?
Yes. Once the original packaging is opened, the shelf life of VCI film can be reduced. Exposure to air allows the corrosion-inhibiting molecules to slowly dissipate over time.
If partial rolls or sheets must be stored after opening, reseal them tightly in airtight containers or secondary barrier packaging. This helps retain the VCI chemistry until the film is ready for use.
How does the shelf life of VCI film compare to other VCI products?
While VCI film often offers up to three years of shelf life, other VCI products may have shorter storage limits:
- VCI kraft paper typically has a shorter shelf life than film
- VCI emitters and diffusers vary by formulation and packaging
- Liquid corrosion inhibitors and rust removers may have defined expiration dates
Always consult the specific product technical data sheet for accurate shelf life information and storage recommendations.
Compare ZERUST® VCI Products and Shelf Life Options
Explore ZERUST® VCI films, papers, emitters, and corrosion inhibitors to select the right solution for your storage and protection requirements.
What happens if used past its shelf life?
Using VCI film beyond its recommended shelf life can reduce corrosion protection performance. The film itself may appear unchanged, but the concentration of active corrosion-inhibiting molecules may no longer provide adequate vapor-phase protection.
For critical applications, long-term storage, or export shipments, using in-date VCI film helps ensure reliable and predictable corrosion control.
Where can I find the correct shelf life for a specific VCI film?
The most accurate shelf life information is listed on each product’s technical data sheet. ZERUST® provides detailed guidance for individual VCI films, papers, emitters, and corrosion protection products.
For additional best practices, refer to the ZERUST® blog article on proper VCI packaging storage and handling.
Need Help Selecting the Right VCI Solution?
ZERUST® corrosion experts can help you determine the best VCI film, packaging, and storage approach based on your application and shelf life requirements.
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 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®420 is an acid-free, pH-neutral, and non-abrasive VCI kraft paper that merges the practicality and cost-efficiency of paper-based packaging with advanced corrosion protection. Consequently, it streamlines the preservation of metals during work-in-progress, shipping, and storage.
ICT®420-35P VCI Poly Kraft Paper is an acid-free, pH-neutral, and non-abrasive kraft paper coated with a one-mil thick ZERUST® ICT® polyethylene layer containing Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors (VCIs). As a result, providing the kraft paper with increased tear and moisture resistance, making it an efficient and cost-effective solution for the corrosion protection of ferrous metals during work-in-progress, shipping, and storage.
ICT®432-35P is an acid-free, pH-neutral, and non-abrasive VCI kraft paper coated with a 3/4 mil plain polyethylene layer. As a result, providing the kraft paper with increased tear and moisture resistance, making it an efficient and cost-effective solution for the corrosion protection of multiple metal types during work-in-progress, shipping, and storage.
ICT®430-35SR VCI Scrim Paper is an acid-free, pH-neutral, and non-abrasive VCI kraft paper that’s scrim-reinforced (3/4 mil polyethylene layer and fiberglass scrim). As a result, providing effective corrosion protection with the convenience and affordability of a paper wrapping product with superior strength that avoids ripping and tearing during work-in-progress, shipping, and storage.
ICT®427 is an acid-free, pH-neutral, and non-abrasive premium VCI paper formulated to provide robust corrosion protection for demanding situations—such as high humidity and challenging metal parts during work-in-progress, shipping, and storage.
