
A desiccant in packaging is a special material. It helps keep things dry by taking in water from the air inside a package. You often see these in boxes with electronics, food, or clothes. Water can hurt products when they are shipped or stored. For example:
10% of the $500 billion in goods ruined each year during shipping is because of water damage.
You can see why Packaging Desiccant is important for many businesses:
Industry | Market Size (2023) | CAGR (%) | Expected Market Size (2034) |
---|---|---|---|
Desiccant Market | 5.7 | US$ 1.0 billion | |
Pharmaceutical | US$ 99.9 billion | 14.4 | N/A |
전자 제품 | US$ 989.33 billion | 5.3 | N/A |
주요 내용
Desiccants keep packages dry by taking in water from the air. This helps protect things from getting damaged by water.
Some common desiccants are silica gel, clay, and molecular sieves. Each one soaks up water in its own way.
Using the right desiccant can make products last longer. It keeps food fresh and keeps electronics safe.
Putting desiccants in the right place and using enough makes them work better. This helps control moisture.
Desiccants stop problems like rust, mold, and spoilage. They help products get to you in good shape.
Picking the best desiccant depends on the product, how it is stored, and the packaging used.
Always use desiccants safely, especially with food and medicine packaging.
Desiccant packaging saves money. It cuts down on waste and damage and keeps products good.
Desiccant definition
What is a desiccant?
When you open a box, you might see a small packet that says “Do Not Eat.” This packet helps keep your things safe by soaking up water from the air. A desiccant is a material that grabs water molecules and keeps the inside of packages dry. You can find desiccants like silica gel, clay, and molecular sieves. These help protect electronics, food, and clothes from getting ruined by moisture.
Royco Packaging and Multisorb are top companies for moisture-absorbing desiccants. Their products help keep your stuff dry when shipping or storing.
Desiccants are hygroscopic substances. This means they pull in water from around them. Makers often put desiccants in Tyvek or kraft paper. This keeps them safe and easy to use.
Desiccants keep the air inside packages dry.
They soak up water from the air to stop damage.
You use desiccants to keep things dry and safe.
Moisture-absorbing properties
Desiccants are great at soaking up water. They work by pulling water out of the air and holding it inside. This keeps your packaged items dry and safe.
Desiccant Material | Performance Characteristics | |
---|---|---|
클레이 | Works well in normal conditions | Can be reused, costs less |
Silica Gel | Takes in up to 40% of its weight in water | Works best below 77°F (25°C), does not cause rust |
Molecular Sieves | Takes in more water when air is dry | Holds water tightly, does not let it go easily when it gets warmer |
Silica gel can soak up a lot of water. Clay works well in most places and is cheap. Molecular sieves are best when the air is dry and temperatures change.
Common materials
There are different kinds of desiccants used in packaging. Each kind has its own job and benefits.
건조제 유형 | Moisture Absorption Capacity |
---|---|
Molecular Sieve | 20% of its weight |
Indicating Silica Gel | Same as regular silica gel |
Silica Gel | 40% of its weight |
Calcium Chloride | Soaks up a lot, turns water into liquid |
Montmorillonite Clay | 30-40% of its weight |
You often see silica gel and clay in small packets. Calcium chloride soaks up lots of water and makes it into liquid. Molecular sieves work best when the air is very dry.
Tip: Pick desiccants packed in Tyvek or kraft paper. These keep the desiccant safe and stop leaks.
You can buy desiccants from many companies. Royco Packaging and Multisorb make good desiccants for different needs. There are also big suppliers in places like Guangdong and Shandong. They make lots of silica gel and clay desiccants.
How desiccant works
Moisture control mechanism
Desiccant packets are in many packages. They help keep things safe from water. These packets take water vapor out of sealed boxes. When you put a desiccant inside, it starts to grab moisture from the air. This happens at a tiny level. The surface of the desiccant pulls water molecules close and holds them tight. This keeps the air inside dry.
Multi-layer adsorption means thin layers of water stick to the desiccant’s surface. The desiccant has lots of tiny holes and a big surface. This helps it hold more water.
Capillary condensation fills small holes with water. Surface tension makes water gather in these spaces.
Silica gel is often packed in Tyvek pouches or zip-lock bags. These bags let water vapor move in but keep the desiccant inside. This helps protect your products from moisture.
Placement in packaging
You need to put desiccant packets in the right spot. If you place them near your product or spread them out, they work faster. The number of packets you use is important. More packets can slow down how fast humidity goes up. This keeps your things safe for longer. Always match the amount of desiccant to the package size and product type. Good placement and the right amount help keep things stable while storing.
Impact on product safety
Desiccant packets help keep products safe. They make the inside of packages dry. This stops mold, rust, and spoilage. You protect electronics, food, and other items from water damage. Silica gel grabs moisture and keeps packages dry. This helps keep your products good and safe.
증거 설명 |
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They stop mold, damage, and rust in products. |
Good moisture control keeps flavor, smell, and quality. |
Packets soak up water and stop rust and damage. |
Silica gel grabs water and keeps products safe. |
Different desiccants help protect your things. Good moisture control keeps products safe and helps them last longer.
Why use packaging desiccant
Preventing damage
When you store or ship things, many problems can happen. Water in the air can cause big trouble. If you do not use a desiccant, metal and electronics can rust. Mold can grow on food, wood, and fabric. Labels might fall off, so you cannot read them. Humidity can bend wood and make powders stick together. You want to stop these problems and keep your things safe.
Labels that fall off or cannot be read
Wood that bends or changes shape
Powders that stick together or form lumps
Food that goes bad
Electronics that stop working
A desiccant helps take in water and stops these problems. Your products stay safe and keep their good quality.
Extending shelf life
Desiccant packets help your products last longer. They keep things fresh and safe by controlling water in the air. Each kind of desiccant works for a different amount of time. You can see how long each one lasts in this table:
건조제 유형 | Usable Duration |
---|---|
Silica Gel | 2-3 months to about a year |
Clay-based | Several months to a year |
Molecular Sieves | Up to 2 years under proper conditions |
You want your things to last a long time. Picking the right desiccant keeps water low and stops things from going bad. This helps your products stay good while you store or ship them.
Protecting hygroscopic products
Some things soak up water from the air very easily. These are called hygroscopic products. You need to be extra careful when you pack these items. Desiccant packets help keep water out and control humidity. You can use Tyvek pouches, hard canisters, sticky labels, or soft sheets. The type you pick depends on your package.
You should pick the right packet size for your box or bag. For example, a 2-gram packet is good for a 1-gallon container. Here are some sizes for different desiccants:
Size | Non-Indicating Silica Gel | Indicating Silica Gel | Molecular Sieve |
---|---|---|---|
0.25g | 30,000/case, 3,000/pack | 30,000/case, 3,000/pack | 30,000/case, 3,000/pack |
0.5g | 20,000/case, 2,000/pack | 20,000/case, 2,000/pack | 20,000/case, 2,000/pack |
0.75g | 15,000/case, 1,500/pack | 15,000/case, 1,500/pack | 15,000/case, 1,500/pack |
Using the right size helps you control water better. This keeps sensitive things safe and in good shape.
Tip: Always look at your product and package before picking a desiccant. You want the best protection and longest shelf life.
Types of desiccant packaging

When you check packaging, you will see different desiccants. Each kind works best for certain things. You can pick the right one by learning about what they do.
Silica gel
Silica gel is a very common desiccant. You often find it in shoe boxes, electronics, and food packages. Silica gel can soak up lots of water, up to 40% of its weight. This helps keep things dry. It works well when the air is not too wet. Silica gel does not cause rust. It is safe for food. Many companies use silica gel to control moisture.
Here is a table that shows how silica gel compares to other desiccants:
건조제 유형 | Effectiveness at Low Humidity | Effectiveness at High Humidity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Silica Gel | 높음 | Drops as temperature goes up | Soaks up 40% of its weight in water; safe and does not cause rust. |
Silica gel comes in many shapes. Multisorb sells packets, canisters, and bulk silica gel. These choices help you match the desiccant to your needs.
Clay desiccant
Clay desiccant is also used a lot. It works well when the air is normal. Clay costs less than other types. Clay can soak up water but may let it go if it gets hot. You see clay desiccant in food, electronics, and medicine packages. It helps protect things when shipping and storing.
건조제 유형 | Effectiveness at Low Humidity | Effectiveness at High Humidity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
클레이 | Moderate | Lets go of water as it gets hotter | Cheap; works well in normal air. |
Clay desiccant is good if you want simple moisture protection and want to save money. You can get it in packets or bags. These are easy to put in boxes or containers.
Molecular sieve
Molecular sieve is a special desiccant. It can soak up water even when the air is very dry. Molecular sieves hold water tightly and do not let it go, even if it gets hot. You find molecular sieves in electronics and medicine packages. These need strong moisture control to stay good.
건조제 유형 | Effectiveness at Low Humidity | Effectiveness at High Humidity | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Molecular Sieves | 매우 높음 | Stays strong even as air gets wetter | Holds water tightly; great for dry air. |
You can pick molecular sieves when you need the best protection from water. Multisorb and other brands have packets, canisters, and special shapes for small spaces.
Tip: Always pick the right desiccant for your product and package. This helps keep your things safe and keeps them in good shape.
Other options
You can pick from many desiccants for packaging. Some products need extra protection. There are other choices besides silica gel, clay, or molecular sieves. Here are some you might use:
Calcium chloride
Calcium chloride is good for soaking up lots of water. You see it in shipping containers and storage rooms. It turns water into liquid. This helps in very wet places. Use it for things that travel far or face high humidity.
Activated carbon
Activated carbon does more than control water. It also takes away bad smells and some gases. You can use it for food or shoes. It helps things smell fresh. Activated carbon traps odors and keeps packages clean. You find it in packets or small cans.
Montmorillonite clay
Montmorillonite clay is a natural desiccant. It works well in normal air. You can use it for food, vitamins, or electronics. This clay is safe for the earth. Pick it if you want an eco-friendly choice.
Specialty desiccants
Some products need special protection. Some desiccants change color when wet. These are called indicating desiccants. You can tell when to replace them. Other special desiccants protect against chemicals or strong smells. Use these for medicine or sensitive electronics.
Tip: Always check your product and storage needs before you choose a desiccant. Some work better for certain items or places.
Here is a table to help you compare these choices:
건조제 유형 | Main Use | Special Feature | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Calcium Chloride | Soaks up lots of water | Turns water into liquid | Shipping, storage |
활성탄 | Removes odors and gases | Traps smells and chemicals | Food, shoes, textiles |
Montmorillonite Clay | Controls moisture | Natural and eco-friendly | Food, electronics |
Indicating Silica Gel | Shows when wet | Changes color when full | Medicines, electronics |
You can get these desiccants in packets, cans, or sheets. Brands like Multisorb make special solutions for different needs. Sometimes you need more than one kind for the best protection.
If you want to keep your things safe, learn about all your choices. Pick the right desiccant for your package and storage. This helps you protect your items and keep them in good shape.
Benefits of desiccant packaging
For manufacturers
When you put desiccant packs or canisters in your products, you stop moisture from hurting them. This keeps your products safe while they travel or sit in storage. You will have fewer returns and complaints from customers. Here are some ways desiccant packaging helps you as a manufacturer:
Fewer products come back because they arrive in good shape.
Your brand looks better when people get nice items.
You save money since you do not need to replace broken goods.
You spend less time fixing problems for customers.
Over time, buying desiccants costs less than fixing water damage.
Desiccant packaging gives strong protection for food, electronics, and clothes. You can trust your products will stay safe and fresh until customers get them.
For consumers
Desiccant packaging helps you as a buyer too. When you buy food, electronics, or clothes, you want them to be fresh and look good. Desiccants pull in water and keep the air dry inside the package. This keeps your things safe from getting ruined. Here is how you benefit:
Snacks stay crisp, and powders do not clump.
Electronics work well because they stay dry.
Clothes come clean and do not smell musty or moldy.
Desiccants help keep food fresh from the factory to your home. You get better quality and longer shelf life for what you buy.
Tip: Always look for desiccant packets in your food packages. They help keep your food safe and fresh.
Cost-effectiveness
You want to save money and keep your products safe. Desiccant packaging is a smart way to do this. Salt is one cheap desiccant. It is easy to find and works well for big amounts of food. Salt is also good for the earth if you change it often.
Picking the right desiccant can be hard. Moisture control depends on your product and how much water is in the air. Sometimes, people try different desiccants to find the best one. This can cost more money. If you pick the right desiccant, you save money by stopping damage and waste.
Desiccant absorption helps you protect your products and keep costs down. You get good protection for food, electronics, and clothes without spending too much.
Choosing the right packaging desiccant
Product type
Think about what you are packing before picking a desiccant. Every product needs something different. Electronics can break if they get wet. You need a desiccant that keeps the air very dry. Food needs desiccants that are safe and approved by the FDA. Medicines and vitamins need desiccants that follow strict rules, like USP standards. Snacks and chips have lots of moisture. They need desiccants that soak up more water.
Here are some things to think about when you choose a desiccant:
Moisture sensitivity: Electronics need strong control. Food needs safe desiccants.
Environmental and humidity levels: Some desiccants work better in wet air. Others are best for dry air.
Packaging and storage conditions: Small items use packets. Big items use larger bags.
Regulatory compliance: Food and medicine must use approved desiccants.
Cost and reusability: Some desiccants can be used again. Others work only once.
Shelf life: The type and storage affect how long it lasts.
Tip: Always check what your product needs before picking a desiccant. This helps keep your product safe and keeps it good.
Packaging material
The packaging you use changes how well your desiccant works. Some materials let in more water than others. High-barrier laminate keeps water out better than regular plastic. If you use strong packaging, you can use smaller packets. If your packaging lets in more water, you need bigger packets.
Here is a table that shows how packaging material affects desiccant performance:
Packaging Material | MVTR (g/m²/day) | Impact on Desiccant Performance |
---|---|---|
High-barrier laminate | ≈ 0.2 | Keeps out water well, so you need smaller packets |
Standard PET/PE | ≈ 1.0 | Lets in more water, so you need bigger packets |
Some desiccants, like molecular sieve, work even when the air is wet. Clay desiccants may not work as well if the air is very wet. Foil-foil blisters stop most water from getting in. Thin plastic bottles can let in water over time.
Note: The packaging you pick helps decide how much desiccant you need. Stronger packaging means less water gets inside.
Storage conditions
Where you store your products matters a lot. If you keep things in a hot, wet place, you need more desiccant. If you store food in a cool, dry room, you can use less. How long you store things also changes how much desiccant you need. Longer storage means you need more power to soak up water.
Think about these things when you decide how much desiccant to use:
Type of food and how much water it has
How much water the packaging lets in
Local humidity and temperature
How long you will store it
How sensitive the food is to water
Here is a chart that shows how many desiccant units you need for different container sizes:

If you want extra protection, you can add more packets. This helps control water better and keeps your product good. Always match the desiccant type and amount to your packaging and storage needs.
Sizing guidelines
Choosing the right size for your desiccant packets helps you protect your products from moisture. You want to match the packet size to your product, packaging, and how long you plan to keep things in storage. If you use too little desiccant, moisture can build up and damage your items. If you use too much, you might waste money and space.
Start by looking at the volume of your package. Measure the inside space, not just the outside. Most desiccant makers give you charts or calculators to help you pick the right size. For example, a 2-gram silica gel packet works well for a 1-gallon container. If you have a bigger box, you need more packets or larger ones.
You also need to think about what you are packing. Some products, like food, soak up water easily. These need more desiccant. Electronics and medicines often need strong moisture control. If you pack food in a plastic bag, you might need extra packets because plastic lets in more water than foil.
Here is a simple table to help you choose packet sizes:
Container Size | Recommended Silica Gel Packet Size | Best For |
---|---|---|
1 quart | 0.5 gram | Small electronics |
1 gallon | 2 grams | Food, vitamins |
5 gallons | 10 grams | Bulk food, textiles |
55 gallons | 200 grams | Large storage bins |
You can use more packets for better moisture control. Place them in different spots inside the package. This helps the desiccant work faster and keeps humidity low everywhere. If you store products for a long time, add extra packets to make sure they stay dry.
Tip: Always check the humidity in your storage area. If you live in a wet climate, use bigger packets or more of them. If you pack food for shipping, use enough desiccant to last until it reaches the customer.
Some desiccants come with color indicators. These show you when the packet is full and needs replacing. You can check these packets and swap them out when needed. This helps you keep your products safe over time.
When you choose packet sizes, think about your product, packaging, and storage conditions. Use charts, ask suppliers, and test different sizes if you are not sure. You want to keep your food, electronics, and other items safe from moisture.
Safety and usage tips
Handling precautions
You should be careful with desiccant packets. Always keep them away from kids and pets. Silica gel packets say “Do Not Eat” because they are not food. Wash your hands after touching a packet, before you eat or drink. Never open the packets or pour out what is inside. The beads or powder can bother your skin or eyes. If you drop a packet, pick it up fast and look for damage.
Tip: Put unused desiccant packets in a sealed box. This keeps them dry and ready to use.
When you pack food or medicine, use desiccants that meet safety rules. Silica gel is safe for food packaging, but do not eat it. Always read the packet for warnings and directions.
Disposal recommendations
You need to throw away desiccant packets the right way. How you do this depends on the type and if it is dirty. Here are some safe ways to get rid of used packets:
Silica Gel Desiccants: You can put clean packets in the trash. You may also reuse or recycle them after drying.
Clay Desiccants: You can put clean clay packets in the trash or compost if they have no chemicals.
Calcium Chloride Desiccants: Do not put these in the regular trash. If the packet is dirty, use hazardous waste disposal. You can reuse or recycle them after drying.
If you are not sure, check local rules for throwing away waste. Some places have special bins for chemicals or hazardous waste. Always keep used packets away from food and water.
Avoiding contamination
You want to keep your products safe from germs or mold. Desiccant packets help control moisture, but you must use them right. If water gets inside food or medicine, it can cause problems:
Changes in how medicine works
Growth of harmful germs or mold
Always use enough desiccant for your package. Make sure packets stay sealed and do not break open. If a packet leaks, take it out and clean the spot. Keep packets away from touching food or medicine. Use only food-grade desiccants for food and medicine.
Note: Good moisture control keeps your products safe and helps them last longer. Always check packets for damage before you use them.
Regulatory considerations
When you use desiccants in packaging, you have to follow rules. These rules help keep people and the earth safe. You should learn about laws and standards before picking a desiccant.
Food Packaging Regulations
If you pack food, you need desiccants that are safe for food. The FDA says which desiccants are okay for food contact. Silica gel is one that the FDA allows. You can use silica gel in food packages, but it cannot touch the food. The packet must stay closed and say “Do Not Eat.” People should never eat the desiccant.
Pharmaceutical and Medical Packaging
Medicines and vitamins need special care. The USP makes strict rules for desiccants in medicine bottles. You must use desiccants that pass USP safety tests. The packet cannot leak or break. Always check the label for USP approval before using a desiccant in medicine.
Consumer Product Safety
Desiccants are also used in electronics, shoes, and clothes. You must follow safety rules from groups like the CPSC. Use packets that are strong and do not break. Keep packets away from kids and pets. Some packets have bitter tastes or bright colors to warn people not to eat them.
팁: Always read the label and safety sheet before using a desiccant. Look for FDA, USP, or CPSC marks. These marks show the product is safe.
Environmental Regulations
You must think about the earth when throwing away desiccant packets. Some places have rules for chemical trash. Calcium chloride and other strong desiccants may need special disposal. Check local laws before throwing away a lot of packets. You can recycle silica gel and clay if they are clean.
Labeling and Documentation
Desiccant packets must have clear labels. The label should say “Do Not Eat” and list what is inside. You should keep records of the desiccants you use. This helps you prove you follow safety rules if someone asks.
Regulatory Body | Area of Control | What You Should Check |
---|---|---|
FDA | Food packaging | Food-grade approval, labeling |
USP | Medicines, vitamins | USP standards, purity |
CPSC | Consumer products | Child safety, packet strength |
EPA/Local Laws | Disposal, environment | Chemical waste, recycling |
You must follow these rules to keep your products safe and legal. Using approved desiccants and following safety steps protects your customers and your business.
You use packaging desiccant to keep things safe and fresh. Desiccant packaging takes in water from the air. This protects electronics, food, and medicine from getting ruined. When you use packaging desiccant, you help keep flavor and quality. Many businesses, like medicine makers, use it to stop mold and rust. Every product needs a long shelf life, so desiccant packaging is a smart choice. It helps you save money and keeps things good for longer. What is desiccant in packaging? It is a material that soaks up water and keeps products safe and lasting longer.