What Are Desiccant Packs and Their Benefits?

There’s nothing more important than protecting your product. Your customers have invested their time, money, and trust on your product, and they deserve to receive said item in perfect condition. There are many ways you can do this, but one of our favorites is to add desiccant packs to your ecommerce product packaging. In this article, we will answer this important question: what are desiccant packs and their benefits?

Desiccant Packs Defined

A desiccant packet is a hygroscopic material that helps to preserve a product’s dryness. They get rid of humidity from the air surrounding the product and sustain an environment free of moisture. You likely know of them as the little bags that come with many of your favorite products. Desiccant bags are necessary because moist air can cause damage to items like electronics, apparel, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, food, and more!
It’s important to keep in mind that there is no desiccant solution that’s perfect for every situation. That’s why there are several types, each one designed to defend against many different types of dampness and air quality.

Desiccant Pack Types

There are many different types of desiccants that you can use to help preserve the quality of your products during the shipping process. They can come in a variety of containers like packets, caps, and canisters. Beyond that, they can be made from a number of different materials.
  • Silica Gel Beads: Silica gel is a granular form of silicon dioxide which is made synthetically from sodium silicate. In its desiccant form, it works through the process of absorption. Any water in the air around it is absorbed between tiny passages.
  • Molecular Sieve: A molecular sieve (or zeolite) has very small, uniform holes which work to block large molecules and allow small molecules to pass through. A molecular sieve desiccant also employs the process of absorption. It’s one of the more popular options because it has the capacity to dry out the air to an extreme level.
  • Activated Alumina: Activated alumina is made from aluminum hydroxide by dehydroxylating it to produce highly porous material. When it’s used as a desiccant, it works through absorption by getting water in the air to stick to the alumina itself.
There are even more types of moisture absorbers on the market today than the ones listed here. Because there are so many options, it’s all about finding what works best for you and your product and asking for help from packaging professionals.

Benefits of Packaging with Desiccants

There are many benefits to be gained from including desiccants in your product packaging. Arguably, the most important one is that they keep moisture from harming your product. They can absorb a variety of natural elements including humidity, moisture, and odors. Each of these elements can cause damage to your product unless you prevent them with the help of a desiccant.
Another benefit of packaging with desiccant packs is that they are reusable. They can last for a very long time and can even be repurposed! You can use desiccants to recover your cell phone from any water damage or help save important papers from being damaged by moisture or direct water splashes. Trust us, your customers will be thrilled to receive a desiccant pack along with the product they ordered.
One final benefit we love about desiccant packs is that they are an affordable and effective option for keeping your product safe. They don’t cost very much but they are a powerful means of protection. The last thing you want is for a customer to receive your product and reveal that it is ruined. Many businesses don’t realize the damage moisture can cause, so adding desiccants to your product packaging will even give you a competitive advantage!

We hope you’ve found this article to be helpful and that you will consider adding desiccants to your product packaging in the future. Of course, you’ll want to consult with a packaging professional, like ACC Packaging, before you make a final decision on the type of desiccant to include with your product. If you would like to learn more about ACC Packaging products, please fill out our contact form.

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