Airflow Access = Moisture Access
Desiccants need
unobstructed access to ambient air
to pull moisture from it. If a desiccant is buried under cargo, crammed into a tight corner, or sealed away from airflow, it will be far less effective.
Proximity to Moisture Sources
Placing desiccants
near walls
,
under container ceilings
, or near
cargo that emits moisture
(like wood, textiles, or food) allows them to absorb humidity
before it condenses
.
Sufficient Open Volume Around Each Unit
A
hanging desiccant bag
works best when it has at least
10–30 cm of open space around it
, allowing air to circulate freely across the bag surface.
Best Practices for Desiccant Spacing and Placement
Avoid These Mistakes
Don’t
stack or bunch
desiccants together – it reduces surface area exposure.
Avoid
placing them directly on the floor
unless designed for it (e.g. flat desiccant mats).
Don’t place them inside shrink wrap – they can’t absorb moisture from sealed air.
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Why You Should Avoid It
Blocked Airflow = Reduced Effectiveness
Desiccants work by
pulling moisture from the surrounding air
. If they’re wrapped in plastic or tightly sealed under stretch film,
air can’t reach them
, and they can’t absorb humidity effectively.
Traps Moisture Inside
If any moisture is already inside the pallet area when shrink-wrapped, the desiccant can’t
ventilate or remove
it – it’s essentially sealed in with the cargo.
Wasted Desiccant
Even a high-performing desiccant like calcium chloride won’t help if it’s
isolated from open air
. You’ll use the product without getting full protection.
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Better Practice
Hang or attach desiccants
along the container walls or from lashing rings.
Ensure
10–30 cm of open space
around each unit for proper airflow.
If placing near pallets, position the desiccant
outside the shrink wrap
or
between pallets
with clear air exposure.
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Final Tip: Think of desiccants like air filters
The more air they’re exposed to, the more moisture they can absorb. For best performance, always consider
airflow
,
space
, and
strategic placement
— not just quantity.
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