Container desiccants from Clariant avoid losses due to moisture as food exports grow

 Container Dri® II line offers broadest configuration choice of container desiccants

 Fights "container rain," protecting cargo across variations in humidity and temperature

 Patented desiccant formula aggressively absorbs three times its weight in moisture

Munich, July 30, 2012 - As more agricultural products are shipped overseas, patented Container Dri® II container desiccants from Süd- Chemie Performance Packaging, a member of Clariant’s Functional Materials Business Unit, can protect valuable goods from the harmful effects of moisture during lengthy travel. The Container Dri II product line features a full array of configurations (bags, strips, poles, packs); a unique formulation that traps moisture in a no-spill gel; and the ability to reduce the dew point to avoid “container rain”. This solution offers shippers unmatched flexibility, choice and performance.

For example, food shipments are expected to play a leading role in achieving U.S. President Obama’s goal of doubling global exports by 2015. Exporters are particularly looking to the Asian marketplace due to its increasingly affluent population that favors Western foods. However, long- distance intermodal shipments face significant challenges from the damaging effects of humidity, including mold, mildew and spoilage. Similarly, non-food shipments can face warpage and corrosion.

Especially as commodity prices increase, it is no longer an option for shippers to discard a portion of their valuable cargo, simply as a cost of doing business. It is important to customers’ profitability and market image to avoid losses due to moisture.

“Clariant’s Container Dri II desiccants make it simpler and less risky to ship goods to distant locations through various temperature and humidity conditions,” said Johanna Knyrim, Container Dri II global product specialist. “Performance Packaging works with customers to determine the optimal type and amount of desiccant required to protect goods for the duration of their journey. We’re proud to offer specialized, high- performance technology along with expert service to help customers improve their bottom line and maintain their brand equity.”

Double Protection From Moisture

Container Dri II desiccants absorb up to three times its weight in moisture and, through an advanced formula, traps it as a thick gel. By aggressively absorbing moisture from the air, this technology reduces the dew point temperature below the surface temperature to prevent condensation from forming. With Container Dri II desiccants, the container’s interior – and the cargo – remain dry.

Choice of Configuration

Container Dri II container desiccants come in a range of configurations:

• Individual bags: These 125 gram (g) bags can be spread throughout the container or adhered to slip sheets that can be easily placed atop cargo to evenly distribute absorption and protection.

• Strips: Adhesive strips can be placed inside corrugated grooves of shipping containers, which are especially helpful in extremely tight shipments to avoid contact with cargo or forklifts.

• Poles: Hung from the eye hooks of shipping containers, the 750 g or 500 g Container Dri II Pole is a rigid version that can be easily installed in a container. It positions the desiccant up high, out of the way of cargo and is optimally placed to capture humidity.

• Container Dri II Plus: Also positioned high in a container, these large, 1500 g bags require fewer total bags. They are easily installed using the included carabiners that attach to a container’s eye hooks.

• Container Dri II Packs: Configured in a hard shell that can be suspended high in a container.

• Typical applications include agricultural products, canned goods, automotive parts, powders, glass and wood.

Reader enquiries

Clariant
Rothausstrasse 61
4132 Muttenz 1
Switzerland
+41 61 469 6742
www.clariant.com

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Notes for editors

clariant.com

Clariant is an internationally active specialty chemical company, based in Muttenz near Basel. The group owns over 100 companies worldwide and employed 22 149 employees on December 31, 2011. In the financial year 2011, Clariant produced a turnover of CHF 7.4 billion. Clariant is divided into eleven business units: Additives; Catalysis & Energy; Emulsions, Detergents & Intermediates; Functional Materials; Industrial & Consumer Specialties; Leather Services; Masterbatches; Oil & Mining Services; Paper Specialties; Pigments; Textile Chemicals.

Clariant focuses on creating value by investing in future profitable and sustainable growth, which is based on four strategic pillars: Improving profitability, innovation as well as research and development, dynamic growth in emerging markets, and optimizing the portfolio through complementary acquisitions or divestments.