Frequently Asked Questions

A desiccant is a hygroscopic substance that induces or sustains a state of dryness in its local vicinity. Our desiccants, like silica gel and clay-based options, work by adsorbing moisture from the surrounding air, effectively lowering the relative humidity inside a container or package, which prevents condensation, corrosion, and moisture damage to your goods.

The primary difference lies in their mechanism and capacity: Silica Gel Adsorbs moisture; Moderate capacity approx. 30-40% of its weight); Widely used for in-box protection of e-commerce or consumer goods. Calcium Chloride absorbs moisture, turning to brine; Very High capacity (Up to 300% of its weight); Used for large-scale, demanding environments, mainly shipping containers. Molecular Sieve Adsorbs selectively by size; High capacity at low humidity; Used for critical industrial drying and specialty chemical processes.

Our original DRY-BAG I® has an adsorption capacity of up to 80%, which equates to 1.6 litres of water per 2kg desiccant.

Moclay is a special type of clay, only found in a small area in Denmark. Moclay's unique porous, granular structure gives it excellent adsorption capabilities, meaning it can attract and hold moisture on its large internal surface area. Unlike some other desiccants that absorb quickly and then reach saturation rapidly, Moclay is known for its slow and gradual moisture absorption over an extended period. This is a significant advantage in long-duration applications like sea transport, where moisture protection is needed for weeks or even months. It is a natural resource, and sourced locally, allowing DRY-BAG to be among the most sustainable desiccants worldwide. It is chemically inert and can be disposed of as regular household waste after use. In summary, Moclay provides a sustainable, safe, and highly effective solution for long-term moisture control.

The original DRY-BAG I and DRY-BAG Retail can both be reused after reheating the contents of the desiccant.

Our desiccants are designed for extended overseas voyages, remaining effective throughout a standard intercontinental journey up to 90 days, depending on the initial conditions, humidity, and the specific desiccant formula used.

Yes. Our desiccants are non-toxic, DMF-free, and meet relevant international standards like FDA and EU REACH regulations. We provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all products, ensuring compliance and peace of mind when used in proximity to sensitive cargo, including food or pharmaceuticals.

For long-distance container shipping, we typically recommend the DRY BAG I, designed specifically for use as it offers the highest absorption capacity. The key is to calculate the necessary amount based on cargo type, container size, and the route climate. Contact our specialists for a precise usage recommendation tailored to your specific logistics needs.

The quantity needed depends on a large number of variables, e.g. the container size (20ft vs. 40ft), the type of cargo, the shipping route (tropical vs. temperate climate), and the duration of transit. A standard guideline for a 20ft container on an average trans-ocean voyage is typically 6 to 8 container desiccant bags, but a precise calculation is always recommended.

Desiccants should be hung or placed in the upper third of the container. This placement is recommended because warm, moist air rises, and condensation typically forms on the container ceiling and upper walls. Hanging them from the lashing rings or internal walls ensures maximum surface area exposure to the circulating air.

Container rain (or cargo sweat) is condensation that occurs inside a shipping container when the temperature drops below the dew point of the air inside. Desiccants prevent it by adsorbing the excess water vapor from the air, thereby lowering the relative humidity and keeping the dew point below the ambient temperature, which stops water from condensing.

Yes. Mold and mildew thrive when the relative humidity (RH) exceeds 60%. Corrosion accelerates significantly when RH exceeds 40-50%. Desiccants work by actively reducing the RH inside the container, keeping it below these critical thresholds and effectively preventing the growth of mold and the onset of rust and corrosion.

Industries shipping moisture-sensitive, high-value goods benefit most, including Agriculture (coffee beans, cocoa, spices), Wood & Paper (furniture, lumber), Electronics (computer components), Textiles & Leather, and Metals (steel coils, auto parts).

To prevent moisture damage in shipping containers, it's crucial to follow a few key steps. First, ensure the container is structurally sound and dry before loading. Second, proper air circulation and ventilation can help mitigate condensation, but is often insufficient alone. The most effective method involves controlling the relative humidity within the container using desiccants. These products absorb excess moisture from the air, preventing container rain and protecting your goods from mold, mildew, and corrosion.

Condensation, or "container rain," is caused by the cooling of moisture-laden air to its dew point when it contacts the cold steel container surfaces. This phenomenon is severely exacerbated by the day-and-night temperature cycle. During the day, the container acts like an oven, with its steel heating up from the sun to temperatures significantly higher than the ambient air. This heat causes the cargo and packaging to release vast amounts of trapped moisture, increasing the absolute humidity inside. When the container transitions to night or encounters cooler air (e.g., crossing temperature zones), the steel walls rapidly cool down. This drop creates a large temperature difference, forcing the warm, saturated air to condense its excess water vapor onto the cold ceiling and walls, resulting in the dripping that damages cargo. High humidity levels trapped inside during loading in tropical ports further fuel this cycle. To protect goods, desiccants like DRY-BAG products actively remove this water vapor, lowering the dew point and preventing the formation of liquid water.

The best protection involves securing the load and controlling the environment. This means using high-performance container desiccants to manage humidity, and utilizing dunnage bags and load securing products for stability.

Yes, they are most effective in high humidity environments. Desiccants, especially calcium chloride-based options, have a dramatically higher adsorption rate and capacity when the relative humidity is high (above 60% to 80%), as the high concentration gradient drives the moisture into the desiccant material.

Calcium Chloride is generally preferred for long-haul container shipping because it has a higher total absorption capacity (up to 300% or more) and works extremely well at the high humidity levels found during ocean freight.
Silica Gel is better for smaller packages/local storage or where a dry, non-liquid desiccant is required. It has a lower capacity (up to 40% of its weight) but is reusable and very stable.

Many prefer calcium-chloride desiccants due to their high capacity, or a clay-based product like DRY-BAG I or III for a cheaper and more sustainable solution.

Container desiccants are a proactive and highly effective method compared to simple ventilation or generic absorbents. Desiccants are the only solution that actively removes water vapor from the sealed internal atmosphere, consistently lowering the relative humidity below the critical thresholds for damage.

Absolutely. All our cargo stability and load safety products, including dunnage bags, edge protectors, and anti-slip sheets, are designed and manufactured to comply with stringent international shipping standards, including specific regulations for shock absorption and load securing.

Our desiccants have a 2-year shelf-life stored in the sealed, airtight packaging we deliver them in. Once opened, they should be used immediately.

Yes, we offer a range of standard sizes, but we specialize in custom-tailored solutions. Please contact our technical team with your specific requirements for dimensions, material thickness, or branding, and we will work with you to develop a desired product.

Delivery times vary based on the order size and your location. We maintain stock of standard products for quick dispatch, with typical lead times of 3-7 business days.

We ship our products globally. We have established logistics networks covering North America, Europe, Asia, and South America, and we can arrange transport to most major ports and inland hubs worldwide.

For large, bulk, or custom orders, lead times are determined by production capacity and current demand.

Yes. Our Moclay-based products utilize a naturally occurring mineral. It is non-toxic, DMF-free, and complies with environmental regulations, making it a responsible choice for cargo protection.

The disposal method depends on the desiccant material: Clay and Silica Gel can often be disposed of as standard non-hazardous waste. Always check provided Safety Data Sheets and local waste regulations.

The DRY-BAG I is sustainable due to its key features: It uses Moclay, a locally sourced, natural danish clay, reducing transport emissions. A life-cycle-analysis from an external company documented a footprint of just 0.58 kg CO2e per 2 kg DRY-BAG I. The product is 100% non-toxic, DMF-free, and safe for standard household waste disposal. The clay contents are regenerable/reusable by reheating, extending the lifespan.

High-purity calcium chloride desiccants can absorb up to 300% of their own weight in moisture, depending on the relative humidity and temperature of the environment.

All desiccants start working immediately, but their efficiency increases dramatically as the relative humidity (RH) rises. Calcium chloride becomes highly effective and absorbs moisture rapidly once the RH is above approximately 40-50%.

Yes. Desiccants are generally effective across a wide range of temperatures. While temperature affects the rate of absorption, the key factor is the difference between the humidity in the air and the desiccant's capacity.

Dunnage bags (or air bags) are large, inflatable bags placed in the voids between cargo loads in containers. They secure cargo by being inflated to a specific pressure, bracing the load to prevent it from shifting, tilting, or being damaged by impacts during transit.