Can you use desiccants with VCI?

The short answer is yes, desiccants and VCI can be used together if applied correctly.

Both technologies help reduce corrosion risk, but they work in different ways. VCI releases corrosion-inhibiting molecules that protect the metal surface, while desiccants absorb moisture from the atmosphere to reduce the electrolyte that drives corrosion.

Because these two technologies perform different functions, desiccants and VCI do not interfere with each other. VCI will not stop desiccants from absorbing moisture, and desiccants will not prevent VCI chemistry from protecting the metal surface.

However, using desiccants with VCI packaging requires proper handling and placement. If used incorrectly, desiccants can actually increase the risk of corrosion inside a package.

Why Desiccants and VCI Work Together

When used properly, desiccants VCI packaging systems provide complementary corrosion protection.

• VCI technology protects metal surfaces by forming an invisible molecular layer that slows the corrosion process.
• Desiccants remove moisture from the air inside the package, reducing humidity that can accelerate corrosion reactions.

By combining these approaches, manufacturers can protect metal parts during long-term storage, export shipping, or exposure to humid environments.

The key is handling desiccants correctly and placing them in the proper location inside the package.

Proper Storage and Handling of Desiccants

One of the most common mistakes when using desiccants with VCI packaging occurs before operators even place the desiccant inside the container.

In many facilities, boxes, pails, or drums of desiccants sit open at packaging workstations. When this happens, the desiccant immediately begins absorbing moisture from the surrounding air.

Workers may place a desiccant that has already partially saturated with moisture inside the shipping container.

High humidity levels in the facility can significantly reduce the effectiveness and lifespan of the desiccant before workers even use it.

The solution is simple.

Always keep desiccant containers closed and sealed when not in use to prevent premature moisture absorption.

Avoid Direct Contact Between Desiccants and Metal

Another critical factor when using desiccants VCI packaging systems is the placement of the desiccant inside the container.

Never place desiccants in direct contact with bare metal parts.

As desiccants absorb moisture, they draw humidity toward themselves. If a desiccant touches metal, the moisture concentration at that point increases and may accelerate corrosion at the contact location.

Instead, desiccants should be positioned so they can absorb moisture from the surrounding air without touching the metal components.

A Proven Packaging Method Using Desiccants and VCI

For export shipments and overseas transportation, an effective packaging design combines VCI protection with desiccants in a layered packaging system.

A common method uses two liner bags inside the shipping container.

1. The inner liner bag contains the metal parts and is made from VCI film.
2. The outer liner bag is typically standard polyethylene film.
3. Desiccants are placed between the two liners.

This configuration allows the desiccants to reduce humidity inside the container while the VCI packaging protects the metal surfaces directly.

The desiccants control moisture levels while the VCI chemistry forms a protective barrier on the metal.

Together, they create a reliable corrosion prevention system for long shipping routes, ocean transport, and high-humidity environments.

Improve Corrosion Protection with ZERUST®

ZERUST®/EXCOR® offers a full line of corrosion prevention solutions, including VCI packaging, corrosion inhibitors, and expert corrosion management support.

ZERUST® invented VCI poly technology and provides corrosion prevention solutions in more than 70 countries worldwide.

For over 50 years, ZERUST® has helped companies reduce corrosion damage during manufacturing, storage, and global shipping.

If you are designing packaging systems that combine desiccants and VCI protection, ZERUST® corrosion specialists can help evaluate your process and recommend the most effective solution.

Jennifer Humes

Jennifer Humes served as Sales Director at ZERUST® for more than 20 years, specializing in corrosion prevention solutions for manufacturers across the southeastern United States. Now retired, Jennifer leaves behind a legacy of helping organizations implement effective, long-term corrosion protection strategies tailored to their specific operational needs.

Throughout her career, Jennifer worked closely with manufacturers, engineers, and supply chain teams to develop and implement corrosion management programs that protected valuable metal assets during production, storage, and shipment. Her expertise included recommending ZERUST® Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) packaging, rust preventative coatings, and integrated corrosion control solutions designed to improve reliability and reduce costly damage.

Jennifer’s strength was her ability to build lasting customer relationships while delivering practical, results-driven solutions. She understood the unique challenges faced by manufacturers in industries such as automotive, metalworking, and industrial equipment, and she helped organizations optimize their corrosion prevention processes to improve efficiency, extend equipment lifespan, and minimize downtime.

In addition to her commercial leadership, Jennifer played an important role in guiding customers through the implementation of ZERUST® technologies, ensuring that solutions were both technically effective and easy to integrate into existing operations.

Jennifer’s contributions to the ZERUST® blog reflect her deep industry experience and customer-focused approach. Her insights continue to support manufacturers in making informed decisions about corrosion prevention, reinforcing ZERUST®’s reputation as a trusted partner in protecting metal assets worldwide.

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