Corrosion is the culprit that could be responsible for damage during shipment, storage and production without proper packaging materials. Corrosion is when oxidation, moisture or other possible destructive elements come into contact with metal surfaces. When you have corrosion issues it could lead to waste, impaired packaging process or component failure.

VCI is Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor technology and works molecularly to protect surfaces against the damaging corrosion and oxidation. Here's how it works:

• Creates invisible molecular protection layer on metal surfaces
• Evaporates out of the packaging products used to seal the metal in a closed environment
• Environment is saturated with corrosion inhibitors and thin molecular layer
• Combination of sealed packages and VCI technology prevents corrosion

Because metal parts can come in such a variety of shapes and sizes there are many VCI packaging alternatives. Here is a list of some packaging items with VCI technology and their applications:

VCI Film:
Used in bags, covers or simply film, VCI film is a great option for packing large machines, pallets and bulky parts that require protective wrapping. VCI film is also good for machine transport.

VCI Foam:
Foam with corrosion protection comes in multiple sizes and can be added to non-corrosion packaging. The foam is perfect for putting inside electrical cabinets, crates and boxes. By combining the VCI film and foam it creates faster saturation of corrosion inhibitor so high-tech components are protected from corrosion quicker.

VCI Paper:
Use VCI paper to wrap metal parts or anything that is placed in metal crates or boxes. The paper with VCI can also be placed inside wooden containers.

For more information and to learn more about VCI packaging products contact an IPS Packaging sales representative today.

The standard items of packaging are hard to find in eco-friendly materials. Here are a few suggestions for making small adjustments for an environmental friendly and greener packaging process.

Employ The Right Boxes.
Companies sometimes have a set standard of box size no matter the shape of size of the item being shipped, resulting in excessive packing materials such as void fill bubble and foam packaging. By investing in multiple size boxes you will be eliminating the extra waste of space, which will also ultimately save you money on packaging costs.

Paper or Plastic?
When in doubt use paper. Although plastic is a necessity in some cases, when you have the option of either paper or plastic, paper is almost always the "greener" choice.

When Choosing Plastic...
Biodegradable choices are out there for plastic packaging. Try biodegradable bubble packaging and foam packaging or stretch films and air pillows. Those are products that you can find that are made of degradable products like wheat or corn starch.

Remember Recyclables.
There was a time when the only thing you could get that was recyclable was cardboard, now there are so many more options such as paperboard shipping containers, padded envelopes that are made with newspapers instead of bubble and stretch films.

Double Duty.
Reuse the things in your office like paper shreds for void fill. Every business has paper and most businesses have the need for paper shredders, try to make good use with the shredded paper giving it yet another duty in your office. Don't forget about items such as magazines and junk mail.

Give It Away.
When you are finished using your boxes or packing peanuts, or anything else related to packaging, and have no more use for them donate them to someone who will find a use for them. Even if the item is not a "green" option, reusing packaging products is better than throwing them away.

Check out our green packaging products on our site and give us a call with any questions on how to give your packaging process a "green" twist.

Save on Material -
On average paper cushioning will cost $0.02 more per box than air pillows.

Save on Shipping -
On average air pillows cost savings of $0.09 per UPS package. This is based on 30% of packages rounding to the next pound.

Save on Labor -
It is approximately 6 seconds faster per package with air pillows; This is assuming a loaded labor cost of $14/hour, savings equaling $0.02 per package.

Conclusion: Overall cost savings is estimated at $0.13 per package, or approximately $33,500 a year.