VCI stands for Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors, which are substances that slowly release a corrosion preventative compound into a sealed air space, effectively protecting exposed metal surfaces from rust and corrosion. In addition to being highly effective, VCI molecules are invisible, odorless, and safe. When enclosed with metal components, they release a protective vapor that settles on exposed surfaces and interrupts the electrochemical reaction that causes corrosion. For this reason, VCIs are often used in situations where it is impractical or undesired to use rust preventative liquids or other surface treatments.
ZERUST® invented poly VCI packaging over 50 years ago and has since protected millions of tons of metal parts across industries worldwide.
How VCI Works
When metal parts are sealed in a VCI packaging or an enclosure, VCI molecules volatilize into the air space inside. These molecules are attracted to the surface of the metal and form a thin molecular layer that blocks moisture, oxygen, and contaminants such as chlorides and sulfur.
- Non-contact protection: No need to coat the part in oil or grease.
- Clean and dry: Parts stay ready for immediate use without messy clean-up.
- Restoring protection: If the packaging is opened briefly, the molecular shield reforms.
Benefits of VCI Protection
- Time & Cost Savings: No need for secondary cleaning before use or assembly.
- Sustainability: Recyclable films and innovative PCR/compostable options available.
- Versatility: Protects ferrous and non-ferrous metals in complex assemblies.
- Global Proven Technology: Trusted by automotive, aerospace, electronics, oil & gas, and heavy equipment manufacturers worldwide.
Applications of VCI
Nearly every industry that relies on metal components uses VCI packaging and products.:
- Automotive: engines, transmissions, stampings, and service parts.
- Electronics: circuit boards, inverters, and connectors.
- Heavy Equipment: agricultural machinery, mining equipment, and rail parts.
- Energy & Power Generation: turbines, gearboxes, and offshore equipment.
- Military & Aerospace: weapons systems, aircraft components, and long-term storage.
ZERUST®: The Inventor and Leader in VCI Packaging
While many companies provide VCI packaging, ZERUST® invented the technology and remains the global leader. Therefore, our solutions include:
- VCI Films & Bags: flat bags, gusseted bags, zipper bags, tubing, shrink film, coil covers, stretch wrap, and more.
- VCI Papers: kraft paper infused with proprietary inhibitors for wrapping, interleaving, or lining.
- VCI Emitters & Diffusers: convenient capsules and packets for cabinets, electrical boxes, and enclosures.
- VCI Rust Preventatives & Cleaners: water- and oil-based inhibitors to complement packaging.
Why Choose ZERUST®?
- Proven Track Record: Protecting metals for 50+ years in 70+ countries.
- Global Network: Local joint ventures ensure tailored support and fast delivery.
- Innovation in Sustainability: PCR films, compostable films, and moisture-control capsules.
- Expert Support: Our corrosion engineers help identify the most effective and cost-efficient protection plan.
Find the Right Rust Prevention Solution
Every corrosion challenge is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why ZERUST®/EXCOR® works closely with manufacturers around the world to design tailored solutions that fit specific metals, storage environments, and shipping requirements. Whether you need protection for a single component or a global supply chain program, our corrosion experts are here to help. Therefore, contact ZERUST®/EXCOR® today to discuss your rust prevention needs and find the most effective, cost-efficient solution for your business.
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®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®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®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.
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®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®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®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.
Vapor Capsules are portable VCI emitter diffusers containing proven ZERUST® Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors (VCI). They protect metals in hard-to-reach areas of control panels, electrical cabinets, or other enclosed spaces from corrosion, even when they are in operation. Additionally, use these VCI emitter diffusers as a supplement to other ZERUST® VCI packaging products for added protection.
ActivPak® is a versatile and powerful fast-acting VCI sachet designed to address flash rust and corrosion concerns in demanding scenarios, including overseas shipping and polluted factory environments.
ActivPak®(LS) Flash Corrosion VCI Emitters offer fast-acting corrosion protection in challenging conditions, such as factories, marine environments, waste treatment facilities, and power plants.
Axxanol™ 750 is a rust prevention spray containing Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors (VCI). When shipped or stored in enclosed packaging, Axxanol™ 750 forms a clear, thin, oily film that provides a moisture barrier and contact inhibitor with ZERUST® VCI chemistry that migrates to metal surfaces in hard-to-reach voids, crevices, and chambers, providing powerful corrosion protection.
