V.C.I Wrap? What is it? When do I need it?

V.C.I is an acronym for Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor. V.C.I is a chemical (a film) applied to poly and paper products that provides rust protection against moisture and humidity for steel, iron and metallic components. In the picture above you can see the yellow poly film we use, this is the V.C.I wrap.

Gateway Crate and Freight utilizes V.C.I wrap when we ship these types of materials via ocean L.C.L (Less than Container Load) or full container load. We primarily utilize a poly wrap on these materials to protect the items from the damaging effects of salt water and the ocean humidity.

The V.C.I wrap works as a desiccant which is a hygroscopic substance used as a drying agent, if you have ever seen the little white canisters in medicine bottles or white packets these are filled with silica gel, an inert, nontoxic water insoluble solid that basically is there to protect your items from the damaging effects of moisture.

When shipping International or domestically on the ocean, even when packed in a shipping container, your products are exposed to an immense amount of damaging moisture. The V.C.I wrap exerts a chemical to suck the moisture out of the air and away from your materials.

We have seen a lot of packagers utilize V.C.I wrap inside vapor lock bags, but V.C.I actually eliminates the need for an air tight seal. The chemical will release over time and the particular product we use actually can protect 3 square feet of metal for every one square foot of coverage. V.C.I also comes in a paper form and a V.C.I Shrink wrap product, both which work well to protect your items.

Gateway Crate and Freight stocks a 48" V.C.I Poly wrap that we use for all of our ocean crating and packing jobs. For more information on why you should be using V.C.I wrapping on your international ocean shipment contact the packing professionals at www.gatewaycrateandfreight.com or call us Toll Free 855-474-4685.