I. Short-Term Cost Comparison
- Using Silica Gel Desiccant: Each garment incurs an additional direct cost, which can be optimized through bulk purchasing, with a slight increase in packaging costs.
- Not Using Silica Gel Desiccant: No additional direct costs, but faces a higher risk of loss during warehousing.
II. Long-Term Comprehensive Cost Analysis
- Using Silica Gel Desiccant: By reducing mold growth, corrosion, and product returns, the long-term total cost is usually lower. It is particularly suitable for three scenarios:
1. High-value garments (e.g., silk, leather, and wool clothing)
2. Export sea shipping (high-humidity transportation environment)
3. Products requiring long-term warehousing
- Not Using Silica Gel Desiccant: Only applicable to low-value, fast-turnover garments or sales in extremely dry regions.
III. Core Advantages of Silica Gel Desiccant
- Safety: Food-grade silica gel is non-toxic and compliant with EU REACH standards.
- Environmental Friendliness: Reusable, with moisture absorption function regenerable after baking at a specific temperature.
- Moisture Absorption Capacity: Excellent water absorption performance, superior to traditional desiccant types such as calcium chloride.
IV. Applicable Scenarios for Not Using Silica Gel Desiccant
1. Low-cost, fast-turnover garments for short-term sales (e.g., promotional clothing).
2. Sales regions with dry climates (e.g., northern winters, desert areas).
3. Garments with inherent moisture-proof coatings (e.g., clothing made of technical waterproof fabrics).
V. Key Industry References
- Mold Loss: The return rate of sea-shipped garments due to moisture damage remains at a high level, a common loss issue in the industry.
- Cost Case: An apparel export enterprise significantly reduced its sea shipping loss rate after using Silica Gel Desiccant, resulting in substantial annual savings in related compensation costs.
VI. Extended Recommendations
- Alternative Options: Moisture-proof paper (lower cost but weaker moisture absorption capacity), hanging drying cards (more suitable for high-end garments).
- Notes: Silica Gel Desiccant must be used with moisture-proof packaging; avoid direct contact with light-colored fabrics to prevent potential color bleeding.
