Waxed Kraft Paper
VCI Anti-Rust Paper (55gsm) — Protective Wrap for Metal Components
VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor) paper is designed to help protect metal parts from corrosion during storage and transit. This product is a VCI-treated kraft paper supplied on a roll, intended for wrapping, interleaving and lining applications where you want a simple, clean packaging material that also provides corrosion protection for metal items.
VCI paper works differently to barrier papers (such as waxed kraft). Rather than relying only on a physical coating, VCI paper releases corrosion-inhibiting vapours that form a protective molecular layer on metal surfaces inside a reasonably enclosed package. This makes it a popular choice for engineering, automotive, fabrication and general industrial packing where parts may be handled, moved between sites, or stored for periods before use.
Key Features
VCI corrosion protection:
Kraft paper treated with volatile corrosion inhibitors to help protect metal components from rust and corrosion during storage and shipping.
Convenient wrapping and interleaving:
Ideal for wrapping individual parts, separating stacked components, or interleaving sheets between metal items to reduce contact corrosion and surface marking.
Roll format for efficient packing:
Supplied on a roll so you can dispense the amount you need for each item, reducing waste and speeding up packing operations.
Lightweight paper construction:
At approximately 55gsm, the paper is easy to fold and conform around parts while still providing practical handling strength for day-to-day packing tasks.
Cleaner alternative to oily rust preventatives:
VCI packaging is commonly used where you want to avoid messy oils/greases on parts, helping keep components cleaner for the next stage of production or assembly.
- VCI-treated kraft paper for corrosion protection of metal items
- Approx. 55gsm paper weight for easy wrapping and interleaving
- Roll supply for fast dispensing and reduced waste
- Suitable for storage and transit packaging of metal components
Typical Uses
- Wrapping machined parts, castings, tools and metal components prior to shipping
- Interleaving between stacked sheets/plates or nested parts to reduce corrosion risk
- Lining cartons, crates or bins used for metal parts storage
- General industrial packing where corrosion protection is required without oils
VCI Anti-Rust Paper — Full Product Guide
Choosing the right corrosion-protective packaging depends on the metal type, storage duration, shipping conditions and how well the pack can be enclosed. The guide below explains what VCI paper is, how it is typically used, and what to consider when specifying it for your packing process.
How It Works
VCI paper contains corrosion inhibitors that volatilise (evaporate) and migrate within the enclosed space of a package. These vapours adsorb onto metal surfaces and help form a protective layer that reduces the electrochemical reactions responsible for rust and corrosion. In practice, this means that when parts are wrapped or packed with VCI paper and placed into a reasonably closed environment (for example, a carton, bag, or lidded container), the VCI chemistry can help protect exposed metal surfaces during storage and transport.
Because VCI protection relies on vapour action, good packing practice matters: the closer the paper is to the metal surface and the more enclosed the pack, the more effective the protection is likely to be.
Materials and Construction
This product is a VCI-treated kraft paper supplied on a roll. Kraft paper is widely used in industrial packaging due to its balance of strength, flexibility and ease of handling. The VCI treatment is incorporated so the paper can act as both a wrapping medium and a corrosion-protective packaging component.
Note: Some packaging papers are described as “waxed kraft paper” and are used primarily as a moisture/grease barrier. VCI anti-rust paper is a different product type, intended specifically for corrosion protection of metal items.
Compatibility and What to Pack With It
VCI paper is commonly used for metal components (often ferrous metals) that are susceptible to rust. It can be used on its own for short-to-medium term protection in controlled conditions, or as part of a broader packing system (for example, combined with outer cartons, stretch wrap, or sealed bags) where additional physical protection is required.
If you are packing mixed materials (metal plus plastics, rubbers, painted surfaces, etc.), it’s good practice to confirm compatibility with your process requirements and any downstream finishing/assembly steps.
Health and Safety
As with most industrial packaging papers, handle with standard workplace precautions. Avoid creating unnecessary dust, and wash hands after handling if required by your site procedures. If you need formal handling guidance for regulated environments, request the relevant product safety documentation and follow your internal risk assessment.
Ideal Applications and Use Cases
- Engineering & machining: wrap turned parts, milled components, shafts and fittings before dispatch or storage.
- Automotive & aftermarket: protect metal spares and assemblies during distribution.
- Fabrication & metalworking: interleave between plates or profiles to reduce corrosion risk during holding periods.
- Tooling & maintenance stores: line drawers or bins and wrap tools to help reduce rust in storage.
Maintenance, Cleaning and Care
VCI paper is a consumable packaging material. Store rolls in a clean, dry area and keep them wrapped until use to help preserve performance. When dispensing, avoid contaminating the paper with oils, water or debris where possible, as contamination can reduce effectiveness and may transfer to packed parts.
For best results, use the paper as part of a consistent packing method: wrap parts promptly after cleaning/drying, minimise exposure time before closing the pack, and ensure the outer packaging is suitably closed to retain the VCI atmosphere.
Case Study (Typical Packing Method)
A machine shop dispatches batches of steel components to a customer who may not assemble them immediately. After final inspection, parts are wrapped or interleaved with VCI paper, placed into cartons, and the cartons are closed for shipment. On arrival, the customer can unpack parts without dealing with oily coatings, helping reduce cleaning time before assembly. This type of workflow is a common reason VCI paper is chosen over traditional rust-preventative oils.
Who Is It For?
- Manufacturers and distributors shipping rust-sensitive metal parts
- Workshops and maintenance teams storing tools and components
- Warehouses and logistics operations needing practical corrosion protection
- Businesses looking to reduce reliance on messy oil-based rust preventatives
Colours / Features Available
VCI papers are typically supplied as kraft paper with VCI treatment. If you require a specific colour, print, or additional barrier properties, consider discussing options with your packaging supplier.
Sizes Available
This listing represents a roll format VCI anti-rust paper. As configurable product pages may cover multiple roll widths/lengths or pack quantities, select the option that matches your requirement from the variant choices on this page.
If you need a particular roll width, length, or a bespoke supply format, contact us to discuss availability.