Originally Published PMPN March 2002
PRODUCT UPDATE
Protective DesiccantsMoisture-sensitive products benefit from desiccants during storage and transport.
DriCap
A safe, nontoxic, nondusting sorbent cartridge provides moisture-absorbing capacity in a small space. DriCap protects a variety of packaged products from the effects of moisture, including caking, mildew, fermentation, potency loss, and decreased shelf life. The cartridge is available with indicating silica gel, which turns from blue to pink, warning when adsorption capacity has been reached and the cartridge should be replaced. Multisorb Technologies Inc., Buffalo, NY; 888/SORBENT; www.multisorb.com.
DryGuard
DryGuard desiccants are highly effective static adsorbents designed to protect moisture-sensitive products from corrosion, mildew, and other humidity- related problems during shipping. The silica gel gram packs come in a variety of small sizes, making them well suited for pharmaceutical applications. DryGuard comes in seven standard sizes and can also be packaged to customer specifications for special shipping needs. The desiccants are chemically inert, odorless, and noncorrosive and are available in molecular sieve, activated carbon, or blended configurations. Engelhard, Iselin, NJ; 732/ 205-5000; www.engelhard.com.
Desiccant Inserts
Desiccant inserts protect nutraceutical tablets and pills from moisture. These innovative desiccant-filled plastic inserts are placed into standard screw-on bottle caps, eliminating the cost and process of inserting desiccants into packaging. It allows manufacturers with multiple product lines to protect several different brands by simply placing a desiccant insert into the caps of each product. The desiccant inserts, which absorb ambient moisture within containers, fit snugly beneath the threads of the cap, helping extend shelf life and ensuring product integrity. Because the desiccant is completely contained within a plastic shell, the product also helps eliminate customer confusion, mistaken usage, or accidental ingestion. Süd-Chemie Performance Packaging, Belen, NM; 800/ 989-3374; www.s-cpp.com.
PillowPak
A perforated, continuous-strip desiccant is suitable for vitamin and pharmaceutical processors looking to control moisture, odor, and gas in packaged products. Designed for use with automated bandoleer-inserting equipment, the PillowPaks help increase line speeds and reduce labor costs while maximizing product quality, according to the company. Formulations include silica gel, montmorillonite clay, molecular sieve, activated carbon, or a mixture of these materials. Packets are available in Tyvek and other nonwoven substrates. Individually cut PillowPaks are available in standard sizes from 0.25 to 14 g. Desiccare Inc., Pomona, CA; 800/446-6650; www.desiccare.com.
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