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Container Desiccants Against Moisture: Dry Bags as Dehumidifiers for Containers

Sources of moisture in containers are in most cases damp wooden pallets or high humidity. The moisture contained in the stored pallets as well as in the air can condense during a transport of several weeks as so-called "container sweat" and damage the cargo and/or the packaging of the goods. Container desiccants bind the moisture, prevent the formation of sweat and condensation water, and thus avoid damage to pallets and cardboard boxes.

Desiccants are essential to prevent moisture damage during transport. Especially with long transport times in containers, condensed moisture can lead to significant damage to the loaded goods. Desiccant bags, also known as dry bags, offer an effective solution to bind moisture and thus protect the quality and integrity of the goods.

Desiccant Chains, Desiccant Rods, Desiccant Blankets


The following products are constantly available from stock. If a desired size cannot be found here, please contact us.

Properties and Advantages of Desiccants

  • High absorption capacity: Desiccants such as calcium chloride and starch can absorb up to 380% of their own weight in moisture, making them a reliable choice for use in containers.
  • Versatile applications: Desiccant bags are ideal for use in ocean freight containers, warehouses, archives, and anywhere moisture is a problem. They prevent the formation of sweat and condensation water, effectively protecting your goods.
  • Easy to attach: Thanks to integrated hooks, desiccant bags and desiccant chains can easily be attached inside containers, allowing for a quick and problem-free application.
  • Robust packaging: The desiccants are packed in high-quality and robust packaging that offers durability and protection against external influences.

Product Specifications

Our desiccant products include:

  • Desiccant bags 1x100g and 1x125g: These compact bags are ideal for small spaces and offer excellent moisture absorption.
  • Desiccant chains 3x100g, 3x125g, 6x100g, 6x125g, 8x100g and 8x125g: These chains are particularly effective in larger containers and storage areas. They are easy to install and provide large-area moisture control.

Main Applications of Container Desiccants

The use of moisture protection is particularly recommended when transporting metal parts, metal drums, metal canisters, or even high-quality electronics. To avoid corrosion damage, you should create a dry climate inside your container. By creating a dry climate, you can prevent moisture damage in your container. The desiccants therefore serve as dehumidifiers for containers.


Container Desiccant Instructions

ATTACHING THE DESICCANT

Moisture usually always collects in the upper area of the ocean container. For this reason, the desiccant for export packaging is attached at the top of the container (usually at the existing lashing points). The container desiccant has sturdy hanging hooks so that a quick and trouble-free placement of the desiccant can easily be carried out. The container desiccant is available in the form of chains for hanging into the container corrugations or as a blanket that is placed on top of the goods.

Application Guide:

  • Installation: Moisture collects in the upper area of the container, so desiccants should be attached at the top of the container. Use the existing lashing points for fastening.
  • Recommended quantity: For a 20-foot container, 32-36 desiccant bags are recommended; for a 40-foot container, 64-72 bags. This quantity ensures that moisture is effectively controlled.
Container ship at sea

Protection Against Container Sweat and Condensation

During international transport, goods are often exposed to significant fluctuations in temperature and humidity. As a result, moisture can accumulate inside the container and condense on the walls, ceiling, or packaging materials. This so-called “container sweat” can soften cardboard boxes, damage pallets, cause metal parts to rust, and render sensitive goods unusable. Container desiccants absorb excess humidity and help reduce condensation during transport. They are therefore particularly important for ocean freight, extended storage periods, export packaging, and shipments through different climate zones. With the right desiccant pouches, desiccant chains, or desiccant sticks, you can reliably protect your goods from moisture damage.
Container with open doors

Desiccant Packs and Chains for Flexible Applications

Desiccant packs are highly versatile and are suitable for individual packaging units as well as for containers, storage areas, or sensitive shipping goods. Thanks to their compact design, they can be placed in gaps, cardboard boxes, crates, or shipping containers to save space. Variants with hooks are particularly easy to attach and remain securely in place during transport. Desiccant chains are ideal for larger transport and storage areas. They can be hung inside a container and distribute moisture absorption more evenly throughout the cargo unit. This makes them particularly suitable for ocean freight containers, truck transport, warehouses, and export packaging, where reliable moisture control is required over extended periods.
Moisture on the window frame

Moisture Protection for Sensitive Goods and Packaging

Many products are sensitive to moisture. These include machinery, metal parts, electronics, spare parts, textiles, leather goods, paper products, wooden packaging, and cardboard boxes. Even small amounts of condensation can cause rust, mold, warping, odors, or cosmetic damage. Desiccants for containers and packaging help minimize these risks and protect the goods throughout the entire transport process. Moisture protection is a critical quality factor, particularly in export packaging. The right combination of sturdy packaging, proper load securing, and suitable desiccants ensures that goods arrive at their destination safe, dry, and in saleable condition. Sandax offers practical desiccant solutions for industry, logistics, retail, ocean freight, and warehousing.

Container Desiccants

In closed containers, your goods are subject to severe climate fluctuations, which can cause moisture damage due to condensation. Sandax Sansorb offers your cargo optimal protection. The Sansorb desiccant chains are simply hung into the container eyes. Due to a diffusion-tight film on the back, all Sansorb variants can, unlike many other products, also be placed directly on top of the goods to be protected if there is no possibility of hanging them up.


Frequently Asked Questions About Desiccants

Below you will find important questions and answers about desiccants, desiccant bags, container desiccants, and moisture protection for export packaging, sea freight, and storage.

What are desiccants?

Desiccants are moisture-absorbing products used to protect goods, packaging, and shipping containers against moisture. They absorb moisture from the surrounding air, helping to reduce the risk of condensation, rust, mould, mildew stains, and damaged packaging.

What are container desiccants used for?

Container desiccants are used to absorb moisture during long journeys. During sea freight, export shipments, and container journeys lasting several weeks, temperature changes and high humidity can cause a phenomenon known as container sweat. Desiccants help absorb this moisture and protect the cargo.

What is container sweat?

Container sweat occurs when moisture from the air or damp pallets and packaging condenses inside a shipping container. Temperature differences can cause water to form on the container walls or ceiling and then drip onto the cargo. This can damage cartons, pallets, machinery, metal components, textiles, and paper products.

What are the advantages of desiccant bags with hooks?

Desiccant bags with hooks can be attached easily to suitable points inside containers, trucks, warehouse shelving, or packaging. This allows them to hang freely, absorb moisture effectively, and save space without being placed directly on the cargo.

What is the difference between a desiccant bag and a desiccant chain?

A desiccant bag is a single unit containing moisture-absorbing material. A desiccant chain consists of several connected units and is particularly suitable for larger containers, long transport routes, or areas where moisture needs to be absorbed across a wider space.

Which goods should be protected with desiccants?

Desiccants are particularly useful for moisture-sensitive goods such as machinery, metal components, electronics, textiles, leather goods, paper products, cartons, wooden packaging, spare parts, tools, and export cargo. Moisture protection is also often advisable for goods transported in sea freight containers or stored for extended periods.

How many desiccant bags are needed per shipping container?

The required quantity depends on container size, transit time, humidity, packaging, pallet material, and climatic conditions. For certain Absorex desiccant bags, Sandax recommends 32 to 36 units for a 20-foot container and 64 to 72 units for a 40-foot container.

What are container desiccants made of?

Many container desiccants contain highly moisture-absorbing substances such as calcium chloride, often combined with carrier materials or starch. This mixture can absorb and retain large amounts of moisture, reducing the risk of condensation and moisture damage.

Where should desiccants be placed inside a shipping container?

Desiccants should be distributed evenly throughout the container and placed where they can function effectively without being damaged. Bags with hooks can be attached to suitable lashing points, container walls, or mounting points. Make sure that potential leakage or abrasion cannot affect sensitive cargo.

Can desiccants also be used in warehouses?

Yes, desiccants can also be used in storage rooms, on shelves, in archives, in temporary storage areas, or inside closed packaging. They help control humidity and protect moisture-sensitive products against damage during storage or interim storage.

Do desiccants replace waterproof packaging?

No, desiccants do not replace waterproof or seaworthy packaging. They provide additional moisture protection and should be combined with suitable packaging, protective film, VCI protection, barrier packaging, or other protective measures for sensitive export goods.

Can I buy desiccants directly from Sandax?

Yes, you can buy desiccant bags, desiccant chains, and container desiccants directly from the Sandax online shop. If you are unsure which quantity or product type is suitable for your shipping container, export packaging, or stored goods, Sandax can provide expert advice.

Do you have any questions about our Container Desiccants?

In our online shop for load securing, you will find a 10-piece and a 6-piece version of our Sansorb desiccant bag, which serve as dehumidifiers for containers. Depending on the container size, remaining free space, transport duration, and type of goods, the desiccant is used in appropriate quantities to protect against moisture and moisture damage. Ask us for the optimal solution - we will be happy to advise you!