Desiccant moisture control solutions for global automotive assembly CKD/SKD shipments
The challenge of moisture protection in the global automotive manufacturing
When exporting finished cars to a region isn’t cost-competitive due to tariffs, or when a region can’t support a full-scale assembly plant, global automakers sometimes supply their cars in the form of “knockdowns.”
Complete knockdown (CKD) production starts with a package of parts sufficient to produce one or more new cars, optimized to enable assembly and testing in a relatively small, regional CKD facility. Semi- or Medium knockdown (SKD or MKD) production is similar, though SKD/MKD packages provide not only parts, but larger assemblies that reduce the local time, skill, and complexity required to deliver a new car. Knockdown production may not only include local assembly labor, but also a variety of regionally sourced vehicle components.
Because automakers must ensure the quality of their brands regardless of where their cars are produced, their CKD/SKD operations demand top-notch manufacturing and logistics support operations. They must not only produce, organize, and package automotive components completely and safely, but also ensure delivery to far-away ports in factory-new condition, free of damage and ready for trouble-free handling and assembly.
Often, this means protecting the contents of CKD/SKD packages held in shipping containers through weeks of land and sea transport over thousands of miles, across climates, and through every type of weather. Such long-haul shipments can be exposed to huge swings in air temperature and humidity of air. In these environments, a rapid temperature drop of 8 to 10° C (14-20° F) can cause residual moisture in ambient air, packaging materials, pallets, and even wooden container floors to condense on the walls and ceiling, rapidly forming into water droplets called “container rain.”
Container rain can occur in any enclosed space, from the interior of an individual CKD or SKD package to the microclimate of a large shipping container. And when it does, all moisture-sensitive parts are vulnerable to damage: metal fenders and engine components face corrosion risks, while leather and fabric-covered seats, carpeting, and interior panels are susceptible to mold, mildew, and discoloration. Relative humidity levels as low as 40% can trigger surface rust on metal components, while higher humidity levels (60-70% or greater) can support the growth of damaging molds, mildew, or other microorganisms on textile and organic materials, a particular concern for vehicle interiors with significant fabric, leather, and composite content. Repeated warm-cool weather cycles only intensify the risk of damage, exposing parts to high humidity and droplet condensation again and again.
»In today’s competitive automotive industry, manufacturers can’t afford moisture damage compromising their shipments or brand reputation. Even looking beyond the immediate financial impact, there are also the sustainability concerns of additional waste from damaged parts. Effective moisture protection secures the entire supply chain from the factory to the showroom floor, preserving both product integrity and environmental responsibility. A simple trusted desiccant solution can help prevent losses while supporting sustainability goals through waste reduction.«
Yohana Gerena Ardila
Head of Sales | BU Adsorbents & Additives Latin America
Moisture protection for CKD/SKD shipments
Container Dri™ II cargo desiccants help to protect valuable CKD/SKD shipments from excess moisture and container rain. When used in cargo containers in the form of individual bags, adhesive or hanger strips, poles and packs, or “blankets,” Container Dri II absorbs excess moisture from the air in the shipping container and traps it in a thick, no-spill gel. This drying action helps to maintain the relative humidity of the air below 40% regardless of temperature, keeping it well below the “dew point,” the temperature-specific level at which moisture condenses and container rain takes place. When used as recommended, Container Dri II provides complete, cost-effective moisture protection for CKD/SKD goods in shipping containers, especially during long-duration shipments.
Moisture protection for individual CKD/SKD sealed packages and automotive electronic components
Several desiccant bag and desiccant packet solutions are available to protect sealed CKD/SKD packages or individually packaged automotive electronic components:
- Desi Pak™ bentonite clay desiccants
- Desi Pak™ ECO plastic-free, bio-based packet made from sustainably grown raw materials
- Sorb-It™ silica gel desiccants
- Tri-Sorb™ molecular sieve desiccants
- Patent-pending headlamp desiccants
Each in a range of sizes. Our desiccant experts can help determine the right solution for specific applications.
Advantages over other moisture protection methods
When comparing Container Dri II and our desiccant bags (Desi Pak, Sorb-It, or Tri-Sorb) to other moisture-protection or rust-inhibiting practices, such as sprayed coatings or immersion in protective gels, Clariant desiccants are far simpler to use, can help provide a long interval of protection, and require no additional pre-assembly cleaning or coating removal. They can also complement existing moisture protection methods, helping provide an additional layer of protection when used alongside current practices for maximum protection against moisture damage and corrosion.
