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If you’ve ever opened a shipping container and found soggy containers and damaged product, you know how essential humidity control is. Shipping containers are a source of many moisture problems, from damp floors to wet walls and even container rain. That occurs when the humidity in your shipping container gets too high and begins raining down from the ceiling.
Once moisture gets into your cargo, it can cause many problems. From water damage to mold or rust, humidity can become an expensive problem.
So, which shipping container humidity control liner protects your cargo best? We’re comparing top contenders from:
- EPGNA
- Flexible Packing Solutions (FPS)
- Palmetto Industries
- Praxas
- Halstead Corporation
We’ll review the benefits and limitations of each and learn how they stack up in a range of categories. Then, we’ll share our best recommendations for common shipping scenarios.
How Do You Control Humidity in a Shipping Container?
There are three primary approaches to controlling humidity in a shipping container. They include:
- Barrier liners: These heavy-duty polyethylene or laminated film liners create an impermeable barrier between your cargo and your shipping container. Their goal is to block moisture from entering the cargo space altogether.
- Moisture absorbents: Moisture absorbents, typically container desiccants, combat humidity within your cargo space. They pull moisture from the air and trap it in gels or bladders.
- Thermal liners: Thermal liners prevent the formation of condensation by maintaining a consistent temperature within your cargo space.
While all three methods serve their purpose, barrier liners are the foundation of humidity control in your shipping containers. If moisture can’t penetrate your cargo space to begin with, you dramatically reduce all other issues.
Best Shipping Container Humidity Liners: Detailed Breakdown
Let’s take a more detailed look at the top contenders for best humidity control shipping container liners. We’ve ranked them in order from most to least effective so you can find the best solution for your needs.
1. EPGNA – Best Overall Liners
In top place are EPGNA’s Kit Bond shipping container liners. These waterproof barrier systems are made from high-stength polyethylene that creates a barrier between the shipping container and your cargo. Moisture that accumulates on your container’s walls and floors never comes into contact with your goods. With the Kit Bond liner, your cargo will be protected from condensation, leaks, and cross-contamination.
Highlights:
Kit Bond liners bring plenty to the table:
- Mold-resistant and tear-resistant
- Can be combined with desiccant systems for multi-layered protection
- Integrates with EPGNA bulk containment and thermal control products
2. FPS – Affordability Over Quality
Flexible Packing Solutions’ container liners address issues like contamination prevention and dry goods containment, as well as basic moisture control options. Their Humidity Barrier PE Film Container Liner is a polyethylene film liner that makes for an affordable choice, but be careful that you don’t sacrifice quality in favor of affordability.
3. Palmetto Industries – Temperature Control, Not Humidity Control
Palmetto approaches shipping container humidity control through temperature control. Their foil shipping container liners reduce temperature swings, which helps ward off condensation formation. But temperature control is not in itself a complete humidity control solution. It only tackles one facet of the larger problem.
4. Praxas – Basic Protection
Praxas container liner bags are just that: bags. They’re containment solutions first, moisture control products second. While they provide some humidity control, they’re not designed with humidity in mind. They also lack the mold protection capabilities of EPGNA’s Kit Bond liners.
5. Halstead – Desiccant Protection Only
Halstead liners use desiccant to control moisture. While desiccant can absorb moisture in the atmosphere, it has its limitations. It may not be sufficient for long overseas journeys or in high-humidity environments.
Side-by-Side Liner Comparison
| Waterproof Barrier | Mold Prevention | Tear Resistance | Thermal Protection Available | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPGNA | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Yes (separate system) |
| FPS | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Limited |
| Palmetto | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Yes |
| Praxas | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Limited |
| Halstead | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Limited |
Practical Recommendations for Different Scenarios
Let’s review common shipping scenarios that call for shipping container liners and the best solution to get the job done.
When shipping goods on long ocean journeys through humid regions.
EPGNA humidity control liners provide waterproof cargo protection. Even in the face of leaks, damp floors, or container rain, your goods will stay protected.
When shipping grain or bulk ingredients.
Combine EPGNA humidity control liners with desiccants in the cargo space. The liner will create a barrier from moisture, while the desiccants will absorb humidity that builds up in the cargo space.
When shipping sensitive chemicals.
EPGNA shipping container humidity control liners create a barrier from moisture of all kinds, whether water or something else. That lowers your contamination risk when shipping chemicals.
When shipping on a short domestic route with minimal humidity risk.
Any shipping container liner works, but why risk it? Choose EPGNA for the most protection.
Source the Best Shipping Container Humidity Control Liners from EPGNA
Most container damage occurs when container walls sweat, floors become damp, condensation builds, or containers leak. EPGNA’s Kit Bond liners create a complete moisture barrier between your containers and your cargo. While competitors focus on loading configuration and general cargo containment, our products are designed with humidity control in mind.
When you need specialized protection, trust EPGNA. Contact us today for custom solutions to all your shipping problems.
Shipping Container Humidity Control: FAQs
Do thermal shipping container liners control moisture?
Thermal shipping container liners are designed to keep your cargo at a consistent temperature. They prevent condensation from forming as a result of temperature swings, but that’s not the only source of moisture in a shipping container. Thermal shipping container liners don’t provide protection from leaks, damp floors, or other moisture concerns.
Can I just use shipping container desiccants?
In many cases, shipping container desiccants alone don’t provide enough protection against humidity, particularly during long overseas journeys. For the best possible protection, combine shipping container desiccants with other moisture control solutions like EPGNA’s Kit Bond liner.
Are all polyethylene shipping container humidity control liners the same?
No, these humidity control solutions can vary greatly from product to product. Factors like thickness, seal design, and tear protection can all affect the efficacy of polyethylene liners.
