Desiccant bags for containers: the solution against condensation and humidity at sea

During maritime transport, containers pass through extreme environmental conditions. Temperature variations between day and night generate a phenomenon known as "container rain" inside the units, which is condensation that settles on walls, floors, and even the goods themselves. This humidity can cause serious damage to the transported products, compromising entire shipments and leading to economic losses.

To avoid all this, the most effective and safe solution is represented by container desiccant bags: devices designed to absorb excess humidity and ensure a dry and stable environment throughout the duration of the journey.

 

Why humidity forms in containers

Containers are closed, metallic spaces, often exposed to the sun during the day and lower temperatures at night. This thermal shock creates a microclimate inside where humid air condenses and turns into water droplets. The problem is accentuated when the transported goods are hygroscopic (i.e., they absorb and release moisture), such as:

• Textiles and leather
• Dry food products
• Household appliances and electronics
• Paper and cardboard
• Furniture and natural materials
• Metals and mechanical components

Without an adequate protection system, materials can quickly deteriorate due to mold, corrosion, oxidation, or swelling.

 

Container desiccant bags: how they work

Desiccant bags for maritime use contain highly absorbent materials (such as calcium chloride, silica gel, or activated clays) that capture the water vapor present inside the container. Once absorbed, the humidity is retained in solid or liquid form, preventing the formation of condensation.

 

These bags are designed to:

• Absorb large quantities of humidity for long periods (up to 60 days)
• Resist conditions of high RH (relative humidity) and thermal shocks
• Prevent leaks thanks to multi-layer materials and internal safety containers
• Be easily applied to the container walls with hooks or adhesives

 

The advantages of Silital desiccant bags

Silital offers professional desiccant bags for containers developed to meet the needs of companies operating in maritime export. The main advantages include:

• High absorption capacity: up to 400% of their own weight, and even more in extreme environmental conditions
• Total protection against condensation, mold, and corrosion
• Customizable sizes and weights, for hanging, positioning at the base or on top of the material
• Certified materials, safe for all types of cargo
• Long-term efficiency, even on intercontinental routes

Combined solutions are also available, which combine the desiccant action with a barrier action, for complete control of the internal microclimate.

 

When and where to use them

Silital container desiccant bags are suitable for all sea shipments, particularly for:

• 20’ and 40’ containers
• Storage in humid or poorly ventilated environments
• Transport of condensation-sensitive goods
• Temporary deposits in ports, customs, or offshore warehouses
• Customer personalization with logo printing, for refined and recognizable technical packaging

Thanks to their effectiveness, they can also be used in industrial environments, refrigerated containers (reefer), open top containers, or containers used as temporary warehouses.

Relying on container desiccant bags is a strategic choice for protecting goods during maritime transport. With Silital's experience and a catalog of customized solutions, companies can count on a reliable, durable protection system that complies with international logistics standards.

Contact the Silital team to receive personalized advice and discover the most suitable product for your container and your goods.