August 31, 2023
What happens when VCI (vapor corrosion inhibiting) paper seems to be the best option for a specific metal packaging application except for one thing? A higher risk of moisture raises the question of whether a plastic coating or bag is needed to provide the necessary barrier to packaged goods. However, before making that decision, Cortec® encourages manufacturers and packagers to consider going a step up from standard VCI paper by choosing EcoShield® VpCI®-144, a recyclable barrier paper with Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors.
Corrosion Protection + Moisture Barrier Paper
EcoShield® VpCI®-144 is a recyclable packaging paper that prevents rust on metal while simultaneously resisting moisture intrusion. One side is coated with Cortec’s proprietary VpCI® Technology, which releases Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors that fill the enclosed space and form a protective molecular barrier on the surfaces of the metal part wrapped inside. The opposite side of the paper is coated with a recyclable barrier coating, which gives
EcoShield® VpCI®-144 a shiny, slippery surface that resists moisture by reducing the paper’s water vapor transmission rate. Depending on coating thickness, the barrier effects can be comparable to poly coated paper and much superior to waxed paper.
Water Vapor Barrier Properties
| EcoShield® VpCI®-144 | Poly Coated Paper | Waxed Paper | |
| WVTR (g/hour•m²) | 0.61-0.69 | 0.47-0.71 | 6.5-6.9 |
Tested according to ASTM E-96, 73 °F (23 °C), 50% RH. Example test ranges are for EcoShield® (45# 3msf natural kraft paper, 10# coating), a comparable polyethylene coated paper (40# 3msf paper, 6# PE coating), and commercial waxed paper (tested according to ASTM F1249).
Replacing Plastic with Biobased Content
In addition to recyclability, another environmental advantage of EcoShield® VpCI®-144 is its status as a USDA Certified Biobased Product. EcoShield® VpCI®-144 contains 69% USDA certified biobased content, making it an excellent ‘circular economy’ alternative to plastic bags or plastic coated paper. US federal agencies and their contractors held to minimum biobased content purchasing requirements can comply in the corrosion preventative category by choosing EcoShield® VpCI®-144. This VCI barrier paper is also a great product to help companies with voluntary green initiatives work toward their goals.
Where to Use EcoShield® VpCI®-144
EcoShield® VpCI®-144 protects many different types of metal, including carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, copper, and aluminum. It can be precut into small sheets to individually wrap auto parts for aftermarket use; kept at full width for use as pallet dividers between layers of stacked parts; or made into envelopes for metal instrument strings, sewing needles, and many other flat and thin but moisture- and corrosion-sensitive items. EcoShield® VpCI®-144 is especially ideal for applications in need of corrosion protection, moisture resistance, and cushioning for delicate parts, as the case may be with bearings. Other possible storage and shipping applications include the following:
- Coils
- Wire reels
- Metal plating or bars
- Die castings
- Springs
- Fasteners
- Engines
- Tools
- Hardware
Time to Choose Recyclable Moisture Barrier VCI Paper?
Manufacturers or packagers who realize they need both corrosion protection and a moisture barrier but also want the benefits of cushioning and sustainability
should definitely consider EcoShield® VpCI®-144 as a possible packaging solution for their metal parts. If you are facing these concerns with an eye to implementing the circular economy, contact Cortec® today to discuss how to avoid plastic in your corrosion and moisture barrier packaging selection.
Keywords: VCI paper, recyclable moisture barrier paper, Cortec, VpCI, alternatives to plastic packaging, poly coated paper, circular economy, packaging for metals, export packaging, recyclable VCI paper
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