Cortec^® Helps Automakers and Electronics Manufacturers Meet Environmental Packaging Targets with VCI and ESD Paper Bags

March 2, 2025

Continuously evolving sustainability goals and capabilities are reshaping the way society thinks about packaging. Whereas abundant paper use once raised concerns about deforestation; sustainable forestry practices, renewability, and anti-pollution initiatives have now made paper packaging a popular “green” alternative to plastic. As a range of voluntary and compulsory environmental standards continue to shift in this direction, Cortec^® is helping corporations around the globe meet sustainability goals with specialty paper bags and envelopes for corrosion and ESD prevention.

VCI Paper Bags and Envelopes

CorShield^® VpCI^®-146 Paper and EcoSonic^® ESD Paper are two types of VCI/VpCI^® (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor/Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitor) paper available for custom order as bags and envelopes. These bags and envelopes come as small as 4 x 6 inches (10 x 15 cm) or as large as 24 x 24 inches (61 x 61 cm), replacing traditional plastic VCI and/or ESD bags for packaging small automotive, electronic, or miscellaneous metal parts. The paper bags release Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors that condition the inside of the package, adsorbing on metal surfaces as a protective molecular layer while the bag remains closed. Gusseted CorShield^® VpCI^®-146 Paper bags are perfect for storing small gears, bearings, or other automotive parts that may be needed for replacements at dealerships or repair shops within the next two years. Similarly, EcoSonic^® ESD Paper bags or envelopes protect multi-metal components from corrosion with the added dimension of ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection properties for static-sensitive environments. Custom envelopes with self-adhesive lips are a great option for shipping small PCB boards in regions with plastic bag restrictions and corrosion concerns. 

Corporate ‘Green’ Initiatives in Action

In the last few years, Cortec^® has seen both VCI and ESD paper bags or envelopes adopted specifically for sustainability reasons. CorShield^® VpCI^®-146 Paper bags were adopted by a big-three automaker who wanted a sustainable packaging option for service parts. Protection is as easy as slipping a gear or other auto part inside the bag, rolling or folding the top down, and taping or stapling the bag before putting it into storage. In another case, an electronics manufacturer who specifically wanted to replace plastic ESD bags with something more environmentally responsible switched to custom self-adhesive envelopes made from EcoSonic^® ESD Paper.

Sustainable Alternatives to Single-Use Plastic Bags

Possible uses for Cortec^® VCI and ESD paper bags and envelopes go far beyond auto parts and electronics, offering a sustainable packaging alternative to single use plastic bags in shipping or storage applications. If you need a VCI/ESD paper bag alternative to meet regional plastic packaging restrictions or your own voluntary environmental goals, contact Cortec^® today to discuss sustainable packaging options.

Keywords: Cortec, VCI paper bags, sustainable packaging alternatives, eco-friendly ESD packaging, plastic-free protective packaging, environmentally responsible packaging, green packaging for electronics and automotive parts, corrosion prevention, prevent rust on metal parts, rust prevention packaging 

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