We at ARMOR hate to perpetuate the overuse of terms like “these are unprecedented times,” but as it relates to the increase in cost of materials essential to the manufacturing of rust prevention products, that is indeed the case.

Whether it is polyethylene used in our ARMOR POLY™ VCI film, Tyvek® used for our desiccant packaging, ingredients used in ARMOR’s proprietary VCI formula, or shortages in clay desiccant – ARMOR has been hit again and again with price increases.

We know that we are preaching to the choir when we reference the recent and steady stream of price increases.  This isn’t just an ARMOR problem, it is an industry-wide phenomenon that has impacted manufacturers, distributors and customers. Whether you are looking to keep costs down, or to get your hands on products that are experiencing shortages or long turnaround times, ARMOR has several strategies to help keep your protection against rust high but your expenses low.

#1.  ARMOR DEFENDER™ VCI Film – High Performance Rust Prevention WITHOUT High Cost

Facts are facts. In July of 2021, the Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) resin market issued its 11th price increase of the last 13 months.  LLDPE is a raw material essential to the production of VCI film and while there is no alternative or replacement for it, ARMOR offers a VCI film that uses less without compromising on its anti-rust protection.  It is not too good to be true – here’s why:

FACT:  ARMOR offers a superior rust-preventing VCI film that was designed to be tough, durable and economical – it is called ARMOR DEFENDER™.

FACT:  ARMOR DEFENDER is constructed of three layers of film and it’s designed to position VCI where it is needed most – only on the inside layer of film closest to metal parts.  Therefore, less VCI resin is used resulting in customer savings in cost and resources.

FACT:  The DEFENDER’s unique construction allows the film to be down-gauged by 25-30 percent without compromising performance, which means you need less and you pay less!

The DEFENDER’s cost-savings-magic is in how it is engineered – the three layers are co-extruded (or in layman’s terms “sandwiched together”) and the result is a film with 50 percent more barrier protection than comparable single-layer films, but at a cost that is less.  Simply put, with the DEFENDER you get high-performance rust prevention without the high cost.  Additional information on the DEFENDER is available on the ARMOR website or by contacting your ARMOR sales representative.

#2.  Outsmart Recent Clay Desiccant Shortages with ARMOR SMARTY PAKs

The clay desiccant market has been volatile in the past 16 months.  Pricing has gone up due to increases in the costs associated with the labor and mining of clay as well as the cost of Tyvek paper used for its outer packaging.  In addition, existing inventories of the desiccant have been depleted and new orders are met with extremely long lead times.  But, amidst all this desiccant-related doom-and-gloom, there is a ray of hope – it’s the ARMOR SMARTY PAK™.

If you’re looking for a clay desiccant alternative, ARMOR SMARTY PAKs with their one-part emitter and one-part desiccant design are a smart choice.  SMARTY PAKs not only emit ARMOR VCI Nanotechnology™ (our “secret formula” for vapor corrosion inhibitor) to form a protective shield on the surface of metal, but they also adsorb moisture to remove it from the packaging or storage environment.

In addition, ARMOR uses a specialty desiccant in its SMARTY PAK design (different from clay desiccant and free from its supply issues) – this specialty desiccant not only adsorbs moisture faster than traditional desiccants, but it holds on to the moisture even at high temperatures.  SMARTY PAKs are available in three sizes, they deliver multi-metal protection, and they are non-dusting and lint-free making them ideal for use in applications where fibrous packaging materials are not allowed.

Learn more about the ARMOR SMARTY PAK™ or contact your ARMOR sales representative to request a sample.

#3.  Say Goodbye to Long Lead Times and Inventory Shortages When You Say Hello to ARMOR Stock & Ready™

These days, getting your hands on VCI rust prevention products can be a “painful” experience.  Long lead times, required order minimums and product inventory shortages — the struggle is real.  But, we at ARMOR say “struggle no more,” order from our Stock & Ready program.

The ARMOR Stock & Ready Program offers an extensive inventory of the most popular and frequently ordered rust prevention and rust removal products, with simple ordering (no order minimums), quick turnaround and turbo-fast shipping.

Just like the local pizza shop who has pizzas pre-made and ready for customers to grab-and-go, Stock & Ready has today’s high-demand VCI film, desiccant and 100s of other items in-stock and ready-to-ship – it’s the rust prevention products you want, when you want them.  Don’t wait, download the Stock & Ready product list now.