Is corrosion protection needed during shipping?

A product that is shipped internationally or stored for an extended period can be exposed to a number of elements that can cause corrosion.  Most corrosion is “rust” and is formed when moisture comes in prolonged contact with a metal surface.  There are other types of corrosion that are not related to metal.

Most corrosion is caused when water contacts a metal or metal alloy; a chemical reaction between the oxygen and iron forms iron oxide. Iron is the most common metal used in alloys.

There are several elements that can accelerate corrosion such as salt, sulfur, acid and high temperatures.  Time is also a crucial element as the process does not occur instantaneously.

Corrosion is a very important consideration when shipping, storing or mothballing your product.  A variety of methods can be used to inhibit corrosion.  The exact method is dependent a number of factors.  These factors include:

• The susceptibility of the product to corrosion.  Treated or plated metal will not corrode nearly as fast as non- treated metal.
• The environment that the product will experience. 
• The length of time that the product will be in the “stored” state.  

There are really only two basic strategies for protecting your product from corrosion during shipping and storage:

• Minimizing exposure to moisture by using vapor or water barriers.
• Neutralizing the chemical reaction by coating the product with a corrosive inhibiting material.

Packnet can help determine the most reliable and cost effective method to protect your product from corrosion during shipping or during any stage of manufacturing or storage that your product might experience.