The packaging industry in India produces 9.46 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, around 35-40% of which remains uncollected. This uncollected plastic waste pollutes our land and water bodies and greatly impacts our environment. Plastic waste also contributes to air pollution and carbon emissions.
To reduce this impact and make our environment healthy it is crucial to look for some sustainable and eco-friendly packaging materials. Here if we are talking about sustainable packaging materials how can we forget about VCI papers? Let us deep dive into the topic and understand what is a VCI paper and how it can benefit our environment.
What is a VCI paper?
VCI paper or Vapour Corrosion Inhibitor paper is made from kraft paper with corrosion-inhibiting chemicals. This paper provides protective packaging and it is designed to prevent corrosion of metal objects.
Vapour Corrosion Inhibitor paper releases a vapour that forms a protective layer on metal surfaces. This protective layer of VCI shields the metals from chemicals, moisture and water and prevents the metal objects from rusting during transport and storage.
VCI paper offers both effective corrosion control and environmental benefits. VCI paper is also known as corrosion protection paper or rust inhibitor paper and is commonly used in industries where metal parts need protection.
Anti-rust paper is produced from recyclable and biodegradable materials. Hence it does not harm the environment and it is a sustainable packaging innovation.
VCI paper is used for?
The purpose of anti-rust paper is to prevent rust and corrosion. They release protective vapours and protect metal surface from corrosion. They are easy to use and dispose. We need to just wrap up the product into the paper to avoid corrosion.
7 reasons why the anti-rust paper is a good choice for the environment.
- Biodegradability
Biodegradability is one of the biggest environmental advantages. It does not create pollution like traditional packaging materials, instead VCI paper naturally breaks down over time.
VCI paper can be a good choice for manufacturing and automotive industries as it protects metal parts for longer and does not affect the environment. Companies can acquire a sustainable approach by switching to VCI paper.
- Reduce plastic use
Plastic creates so much pollution and affects our environment badly due to its non-biodegradable nature. These papers provides an effective alternative to plastic wraps and other non-biodegradable materials commonly used in packaging. Industries can significantly reduce their reliance on plastics by replacing plastic with anti-rust papers.
This shift will decrease plastic waste and also help in solving plastic pollution problems such as marine debris and harmful impacts on wildlife.
- They are recyclable
VCI papers are recyclable which simply means they can be reused or repurposed after the initial use. Their recyclability reduces the need for new raw materials and helps conserve natural resources.
Using VCI paper in packaging solutions will be a value-adding initiative for the automotive and manufacturing industries. Manufacturing companies can protect their machinery from rust while they are not in use by using VCI papers.
By choosing recyclable VCI paper, the automotive and manufacturing sectors can enhance their sustainability efforts, contribute to a healthier planet, and align with growing consumer and regulatory demands for eco-friendly practices.
- Lower carbon footprint
This paper helps reduce carbon emissions as its production process is more energy-efficient in comparison to plastic packaging manufacturing. Industries can cut down the use of plastic material by replacing plastic with VCI paper. The manufacturing process of VCI involves fewer energy-intensive processes and it lowers carbon footprint.
Lower carbon emissions contribute to the fight against climate change and support global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- They increase the lifespan of the product
As you might know, VCI chemicals help prevent the corrosion of metal. These chemicals releases corrosion-inhibiting vapours and form a layer that prevents corrosion. This layer shields the metal from moisture, oxygen, and other corrosive elements that could cause rust and deterioration over time.
VCI paper helps to maintain the integrity and functionality of metal products for a longer period. This extended protection means that equipment and components stay in better condition and reduces the chance of damage and the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
- Non-toxic nature
These papers are non-toxic to nature and also a safe choice for packaging equipment. They are completely safe for both humans and the environment.
VCI products are generally safe for health because the chemical VCI is physiologically inactive. There have been no records of eye or skin irritation from direct contact with VCI packaging. But still, it is good to use gloves and safety instructions.
- Sustainable choice
VCI paper supports broader sustainable practices. By using eco-friendly packaging, businesses can match their operations with their goals for sustainability and social responsibility. This not only helps the environment but also improves the company’s reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking business. As consumers and stakeholders increasingly value sustainable practices, these papers have become a smart choice for companies that want to show they care about the environment.
Conclusion
Anti-corrosion paper is an advanced kraft paper integrated with VCI technology that prevents metal parts in industries such as aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, electronics, and heavy machinery.
By using VCI paper we can together save our environment and protect our metal assets from corrosion and rust. This paper is a sustainable packaging solution and an eco-friendly choice.
FAQs
Q.1 What does VCI stand for?
VCI stands for vapour corrosion inhibitor. VCI is a chemical that releases vapours in an enclosed environment and prevents metal objects.
Q.2 Can VCI paper impact electrical or electronic components?
VCI paper does not have any harmful effect on electrical or electronic components. It protects against corrosion without interfering with their functionality.