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When it comes to packaging, managing the exposure of your items to moisture is as important as keeping them in formidable packaging. Controlling moisture and humidity plays an integral role in keeping your items safe during transit and storage, and not paying attention to it, especially if the delivery or storage involves areas with high humidity, can result in damaged goods and more expenses along the way. 

Below are some of the common types of moisture damage. 

Corrosion - Being exposed to moisture can lead to rusting for items with components that are made of iron. Rust is not easy to remove, and in most cases, doing so will cause further damage to the items. 

Dampening - Exposure to moisture can lead to dampened items, especially those that are highly absorbent of moisture such as paper and garments. This in turn can cause the items to soften and become discoloured. 

Musty smell - Increased moisture levels can cause some products to smell funky as a result of the growth of moulds, fungus and bacteria. Getting rid of the smell is not easy, especially if the products that are affected are books and clothing. 

With these in mind, it’s important to know what to do in order to protect your items from damages caused by moisture. It’s actually not hard, and all you will need are items that are designed to absorb moisture and keep your items dry. 

Items for reducing moisture damage 

1. Silica gel sachets 

Desiccants such as silica gel absorb moisture very well and are effective in keeping your items dry. They’re highly effective that placing just a handful of small sachets around the items inside your box is enough to eliminate the presence of moisture. They also don’t cost much and can be reused by reheating them. 

2. Newsprint 

Newsprint is inherently absorbent; they are made that way so that the ink can adhere to them. This high absorbency means it can also act as a cheap drying agent and can remove bad odours. You can use old newspapers for wrapping your items to keep them moisture-free. If you don’t have old newspapers, you can buy blank newsprint instead. 

3. Ziploc bags 

Ziploc bags provide airtight sealing for small items at a low cost, which is why they are widely used, especially when it comes to storing food. This airtightness also means that they can be used to protect items from moisture. Use Ziploc bags to keep bolts and nails from rusting, or to keep books from discolouration and bad odours. 

4. Laminated kraft paper 

Wrapping your items in kraft paper such as Sisalkraft is another effective way of keeping your items free from moisture during transit or storage. Sisalkraft paper is made up of layers of reinforced, bitumen laminated paper, which prevents moisture from passing through. The high moisture and vapour resistance means it will not dampen. 

If you’re looking for ways to keep your items dry during delivery and storage, Hunter Industrial Supplies is here for you! We offer a wide range of protective packaging products that help keep your items safe from damage caused by moisture. Visit the Hunter Industrial Supplies website today to view our full catalogue, and don’t forget to read our other blogs from more tips on protective packaging.