Two Levels of Moisture Protection
The two moisture threats to pharmaceutical cargo are container rain — condensation that forms inside a shipping container as temperatures cycle across a voyage — and humidity trapped inside sealed primary packaging at the point of packing. DunLash addresses both with a two-level desiccant approach: container-level protection with DunLash Ultra, and primary-packaging protection with PacDry.
Container-Level Protection — DunLash Ultra
DunLash Ultra is a 750g calcium chloride (CaCl2) container desiccant that absorbs up to 250% of its weight in moisture at 30°C / 80% RH (up to 300% at 90% RH), locking it as a gel that does not re-release as temperatures rise. It reduces humidity inside the container before dew point is reached, preventing condensation from forming on cargo and packaging. DunLash Ultra is FCC compliant, dimethylfumarate free, and complies with EU Directive 2009/251/EC.
Primary Packaging Protection — PacDry
For pharmaceutical products in sealed primary packaging — bottles, blister cartons, sealed HDPE containers, diagnostic kits, and instrument cases — PacDry primary desiccant provides moisture control within the individual package. PacDry is a montmorillonite clay desiccant, chemically inert, and compliant with US MIL-D-3464E, sized in International Standard Desiccant Units from ½ to 16 units to match any package volume.
Which Desiccant for Which Pharmaceutical Application?
| Application | DunLash Recommendation |
|---|
| 20ft / 40ft container of pharmaceutical cargo | DunLash Ultra 750g — container-level moisture control |
| Reefer / cold-chain pharmaceutical shipments | DunLash Ultra (rated −20°C to 60°C) — contact DunLash for cold-chain dosing |
| Sealed bottles, blister packs, HDPE containers | PacDry (½–2 units) in primary packaging |
| Diagnostic kits, reagents, test strips | PacDry — sized to package volume |
| Medical devices and instruments | PacDry in sealed cases; DunLash Ultra at container level |
Not sure which product or dosage suits your cargo? See our container desiccant comparison for a side-by-side of CaCl2, clay, and silica gel performance.
Dosage Guide
- 20ft GP container — minimum 4 × DunLash Ultra 750g bags
- 40ft GP container — minimum 8 × DunLash Ultra 750g bags
- Increase dosage for long voyages, equatorial crossings, high-humidity loading, or cargo with high inherent moisture. Contact DunLash for a customised recommendation.
Why Choose DunLash for Pharmaceutical Cargo Moisture Protection
DunLash supplies container moisture control solutions for pharmaceutical manufacturers, exporters, freight forwarders, and cold-chain logistics operators across South Africa and the wider SADC region. Our desiccants help protect product stability and packaging integrity from condensation, container rain, and humidity throughout road, rail, and ocean freight. DunLash also supports moisture-sensitive agricultural and food cargo with the same two-level approach.
DunLash can assist with desiccant dosage recommendations based on cargo type, container type, voyage duration, route profile, and specific export requirements.
