As you can see in our recent blog it is common for cargo to be exposed to container rain even when desiccant bags are used.
This is no surprise. International container shipping is a complex affair in which a variety of risk factors converge to ensure that container rain damage is an ever present problem. This means that shippers need to take a step back to analyze the root cause of the challenge instead of relying on the same one-size-fits-all approach.
So what’s the solution?
Check out our following guide in which we break down the key characteristics of the Vdry Blanket and how these features combine to give unrivaled protection against container rain.
A New Concept in Protection Against Container Rain
Before we dive into the key features of the Vdry Blanket it is important to understand how it works as a concept and how it differs from desiccant bags.
Desiccant bags work by absorbing humidity from the air. When the temperature drops to a certain level (known as dew point) this humidity will turn to condensation on the container ceiling and walls, and fall onto the goods below in a phenomenon known as container rain. This often leads to expensive cargo damages.
Desiccant bags focus on removing a sufficient amount of humidity to prevent the dew point being reached. However due to a complex variety of risk factors, this is not always possible, meaning there are scenarios in which goods are at risk of container rain, even when desiccants are used.
This is where the Vdry Blanket comes in. Instead of focusing on the humidity in the air, it absorbs the drops of condensation that fall from the container ceiling and keeps goods dry in even the most high risk of shipments.
The Importance of a High-Absorption Gel Formula
Depending on factors such as the nature of the cargo, the time of the year and the shipping route, it is possible for large quantities of container rain to form during a voyage. Because of this it is essential that your goods have high-capacity protection against container rain damage.
The Vdry Blanket prides itself on a high-caliber gel formula that we continuously improve in our dedicated research laboratories. This means that the Vdry Blanket can hold up to 250 liters of condensation and gives at-risk cargo unrivaled protection against container rain damage.
The below table is taken from a case study in which the Vdry Blanket was used to protect a shipment of coffee from Colombia to Canada. As you can see, despite the use of high-performance desiccant bags, the Vdry Blanket absorbed 9 liters of condensation. This highlights the risk of container rain during shipping and the high-capacity qualities of the Vdry Blanket.
Had the Vdry Blanket not been used in this shipment there would have been extensive and irreversible cargo damages.
State-of-the-Art Leakproof Dual Film
Just as important as its high absorption capacity are the leakproof qualities of the Vdry Blanket.
We handpick the latest high-performance materials that mean that once moisture is absorbed it remains locked inside the Vdry Blanket and so eliminating any further risk of moisture damage to your cargo.
This is complemented by regular design enhancements to ensure that the Vdry Blanket is fully sealed and doesn’t release any moisture.
We rigorously test the Vdry Blanket, both in-house and with independent organizations, to ensure that even at full capacity, there is zero risk of leaking.
The Latest in Micrporous Technology
Another essential characteristic of the Vdry Blanket is its breathability.
We have already touched upon favoring high-strength and leakproof materials in an effort to reduce the risk of container rain damage. But it is also important to understand that these materials harness the latest in micrporous technology to ensure maximum breathability of the Vdy Blanket
Breathability is essential so that humid air can pass through the Vdry Blanket towards the container ceiling where it will condense when the temperature drops. When this happens the condensation will be absorbed by the Vdry Blanket.
If non-breathable materials were used the humid air will remain trapped beneath the Vdry Blanket, presenting an elevated risk of container rain damage to your cargo.