VCI PAPER OR VCI POLYTHENE – WHICH IS THE RIGHT CHOICE?

​The choice between the use of VCI paper or VCI poly (film) can be a difficult one. It can be determined by the answers to three questions: 
1. What is the application? 
2. Where is the product being shipped and stored? 
3. How demanding is the shipment? 

What is the application? 
Is the metal object to be protected a single part or multiple parts? 
Is the metal object in a returnable container or a corrugated one-way box? 
Is the object a large piece of machinery or a small gear? 
How long from when packaging is completed, will it be shipped?
What are the process conditions?

​Typically, VCI film is easier and more cost-effective to produce into bags compared to paper. When multiple parts are in need of protection, the use of a poly bag is a simple and easy alternative to wrapping them in VCI paper. In the case of returnable containers, a VCI poly bag is often used to enclose the entire container and depending upon the returnable trays or layers, paper or film may be used. 
If the item is a large piece of equipment, it is not feasible to wrap the entire piece in paper because the paper can become wet and break down. In these situations, a combination of both is recommended -- use VCI paper on the inside for sensitive areas and VCI film on the outside to enclose the unit and provide barrier properties. 

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Where is the product being shipped and stored? 
Is the metal item being shipped from Nottingham to Newcastle or from Manchester to Michigan? Is the item going to be stored for three months inside a controlled warehouse or four years? 
As a general rule, if something is going to be exported, the items should be protected in an enclosed bag. A VCI poly bag will provide moisture and oxygen protection as well as the VCI corrosion inhibitor. Using a non-VCI bag and VCI paper is another alternative. Making the choice will be based on cost, on the level of protection required, on the ease of the packaging process as well as other factors.
That said, if a part is being packaged in a humid environment and then shipped, a combination of VCI paper and VCI poly may be necessary – see ‘Some facts..’ below. Additional VCI paper would be used inside the package with VCI poly encompassing the outside of the entire package to provide a moisture and oxygen barrier. 

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How demanding is the shipment? 
Has there been an ongoing rust problem? Are the metals highly sensitive to corrosion? In the case of ongoing rust problems, Technology Packaging typically leads with VCI paper as the first line of defence. Paper is used as a “carrier” of the VCI chemical because paper is more porous than film. Paper allows the VCI to leave it more rapidly providing quicker protection to the metal surface. In the case of flash-rust concerns for example, VCI paper is a better option.

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Some facts about VCI polythene films: 
• Offers the combined benefit of barrier materials with anti-corrosion properties. 
• Ideal for large bulk items in bins (nuts, bolts, etc.) such as a bin liner bag. 
• Great for large equipment that cannot be wrapped in paper. 
• Film, especially high-density polyethylene, is conformable and may be a better fit as a tray liner for trays with cavities. 
• Film has more flexibility to be converted into more convenient packaging methods such as zipper bags, tubing and elastic bonnets. 

Some facts about VCI paper:
• Provides a quicker vapour corrosion inhibitor. Paper as a carrier is more porous and allows the VCI chemical to leave the paper faster than film and fill the enclosed air-space more quickly than VCI film. 
• TechCorro™[P] papers are impregnated with VCI which allows for easy interleaving between layers of parts (top and bottom). 
• VCI papers are better at protecting highly sensitive parts that allow for a full wrap. 
• VCI papers provide some secondary absorption properties due to the fact that the paper as a carrier is porous. 
• VCI paper works at a greater distance than VCI film

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Get advice:
Technology Packaging experienced staff are trained in asking the right questions and providing sound, objective and free reports allowing for the best-fit solutions. 
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To obtain a quote, request a sample or technical support
please call +44 (0) 203 598 19 19 or visit our enquiry page.

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