Desiccants are by far one of the most popular and widely used protective packaging materials. In fact, if you’ve ever ordered a product online, you’ve likely found one of these small packets inside your package. While most people wouldn’t think twice about throwing it away, many don’t realize that these packets can actually be reused!
What Is a Desiccant?
Desiccant packs absorb moisture from the air to keep products dry. There are different types of bags, such as molecular sieves, montmorillonite clay, calcium chloride and the typical silica gel. Desiccant bags can be tailored to serve specific functions such as eliminating and absorbing oxygen from a closed container, combating mildew and inhibiting rust.
Many different industries utilize desiccants because of their versatility and efficiency in protecting packaged items such as electronics, semiconductors, food, machinery and more.
How Long Do Desiccant Packs Last?
The average life span for desiccants is one to three years. Certain factors can affect this time frame, including humidity levels, storage conditions and packaging design. Monitoring the bag can help determine when they are no longer effective.
You can determine their life span using an indicator that changes color when the material reaches its saturation point. Leakage or signs of physical deterioration also mean the bags have reached the end of their life and must be reactivated.
Thankfully, silica packets are reusable. When they’re no longer effective, you can reactivate the desiccant bag and use it again.
Why Reuse Desiccant Packs?
Reusing desiccant packs is the more eco-friendly, cost-effective option. Rather than discarding them at the end of their life span, you can reuse them and appreciate the following benefits:
- Cost savings: Reusing desiccant packs is much more cost-effective, as you won’t need to continually repurchase them when they’re no longer effective. You can use them again for storage, packaging or other moisture-control needs.
- Sustainability: Silica gel beads are non-biodegradable, making reusing them better for the environment. You’ll reduce waste and improve your overall sustainability.
- Versatility: Reusing your desiccant packs is the more versatile option, as you can use them for all kinds of applications, from protecting electronic devices to saving food texture.
Step-By-Step Guide: How Do You Reuse Desiccant Packs?
Once silica gel absorbs moisture, it goes from an active to an inactive state. When this occurs, you can simply reactivate them and use them again. Here’s how to reactivate silica gel packets for reuse:
- Preheat your oven to 175 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spread the silica beads in a thin layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake the beads for 15 minutes to remove moisture.
- Remove the beads from the oven.
- Store the beads in an airtight bag or container, like a zip-close bag.
- Your desiccant pack is now ready to use!
The heat in the oven will draw the moisture out from the desiccant material and reactivate the drying agent. Properly storing them afterward will keep the moisture away. Be careful not to overheat your desiccants, as this will cause silica gel to release toxic chemicals. It also causes the desiccant to be less effective.
Get the Best Desiccant Bags Available
Desiccant bags are an effective way to keep moisture away from products. Their ability to be used repetitively and for different products makes them a great item to have around. At Edco Supply Corporation, our desiccant packs range from 1/6 unit to 80 units so that you can choose the correct amount to meet your needs.
Browse our desiccant options and request a quote, or reach out to our team today with questions!
