Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) Product Market Size

Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) Product Market Overview

The Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) Product Market size was valued at USD 594.89 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 910.76 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2025 to 2033.

The volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI) product market plays a vital role in protecting ferrous and non-ferrous metals from degradation during storage and transportation. In 2024, over 745,000 metric tons of VCI products were consumed worldwide, a significant increase from 652,000 metric tons in 2023. VCI technologies are applied across various industrial verticals, including automotive, heavy equipment, aerospace, marine, and electronics. The market is led by VCI films, followed by VCI papers and foam emitters, which together accounted for 82% of total global VCI packaging materials in circulation.

Asia-Pacific remained the largest regional market in 2024, consuming more than 362,000 metric tons of VCI materials, driven by extensive manufacturing activity in China, India, and South Korea. Europe and North America followed, with 183,000 metric tons and 156,000 metric tons consumed, respectively. Globally, over 122,000 companies utilize VCI packaging solutions to prevent moisture-induced oxidation in transit and warehousing conditions. Technological advancements, including multi-metal compatibility and high-residue-neutralization capacity, have boosted demand across end-use industries. High-performance VCI solutions are now engineered to offer protection for up to 24 months in harsh environmental conditions.

Key Findings

Top Driver reason: Increasing demand for extended shelf-life protection in the global automotive and heavy machinery sectors is propelling VCI usage.

Top Country/Region: China leads the global VCI product market, accounting for over 174,000 metric tons in 2024.

Top Segment: VCI films dominate the market with more than 367,000 metric tons consumed globally.

Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) Product Market Trends

The VCI product market has experienced notable advancements and expanding application scopes across industries. In 2024, over 745,000 metric tons of VCI products were used globally, with demand rising due to supply chain globalization, extended storage needs, and climate variability. OEMs across automotive, aerospace, and heavy engineering are focusing on zero-rust logistics, prompting widespread adoption of multilayer VCI packaging.

VCI films remain the most adopted segment, with over 367,000 metric tons sold in 2024. Multilayer VCI films with UV resistance and anti-static properties accounted for 124,000 metric tons alone, used heavily in electronic component packaging. The electronics sector increased its consumption by 12.6%, especially in Taiwan, Germany, and Japan, where moisture-sensitive PCBs and processors are frequently transported.

Environmental concerns have influenced a sharp rise in demand for recyclable and bio-based VCIs. In 2024, over 86,000 metric tons of bio-based VCI materials were produced, marking a 32% increase compared to 2023. Green VCI initiatives gained traction in Europe, where over 2,300 industrial users transitioned to biodegradable rust-inhibiting papers and wraps.

Another growing trend is the integration of smart packaging indicators. Over 9,200 enterprises globally adopted VCI products embedded with corrosion sensors or colorimetric indicators in 2024, up from 6,700 in 2023. These sensors provide real-time visibility into humidity, temperature, and chemical protection efficacy. North America led in sensor-enabled VCI deployment with over 3,400 such applications, particularly in aerospace and defense logistics.

Custom VCI solutions designed for multi-metal compatibility also gained momentum. Dual-metal compatible VCIs, suitable for packaging both aluminum and carbon steel simultaneously, saw demand rise by 17.3% year-over-year. Manufacturers now produce VCI blends that neutralize pH fluctuations, airborne chlorides, and hydrogen sulfide at micro-environmental levels.

Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) Product Market Dynamics

Drivers

Industrial equipment exports and long-haul storage demand

The surge in global exports of heavy machinery, automotive parts, and precision tools has intensified the need for robust rust-prevention measures. In 2024, more than 1.2 million containers carrying metal-based components were shipped globally, with 68% of them relying on VCI packaging. The automotive industry alone accounted for 198,000 metric tons of VCI product usage in 2024, driven by component export volumes from Japan, Germany, and the U.S. The aerospace sector consumed 37,000 metric tons of VCI wraps and emitters, reflecting the critical nature of surface integrity in aircraft parts. As global logistics shift toward longer storage durations and intercontinental shipping, the use of long-term VCI protection has become a default standard across major industries.

Restraints

Complex disposal procedures for synthetic-based VCI materials

Although effective, traditional petroleum-based VCI films pose disposal and recycling challenges. In 2024, over 389,000 metric tons of synthetic VCI films were disposed of globally, with only 22% recovered through recycling programs. Regulatory pressure in the EU, Canada, and select U.S. states now mandates the classification of VCI waste under industrial plastic waste, necessitating controlled recycling or incineration. Many small and mid-sized enterprises face cost and logistical barriers to comply with stringent disposal norms, discouraging VCI usage. In some regions, manufacturers incurred penalties averaging USD 38 per metric ton for improper disposal of high-residue VCI plastics.

Opportunities

Expansion of rust-prevention needs in renewable energy and wind sectors

As the wind turbine and solar panel industries expand, the need for VCI packaging for long-term metallic component storage is rising. In 2024, the renewable energy sector utilized over 21,800 metric tons of VCI wraps, emitters, and desiccant-enhanced films for packaging turbine components, mounting hardware, and structural metal frames. Offshore wind projects in Norway and the UK stored over 8,300 metric tons of turbine parts in long-term VCI-sealed containers. The solar sector followed with 6,100 metric tons of rust inhibitors used in storage and transit. As renewable energy infrastructure increasingly requires pre-assembled metal components, demand for specialized corrosion inhibitors continues to grow.

Challenges

VCI performance variability in high-salinity and high-humidity zones

Performance limitations in extremely humid or saline environments continue to challenge the VCI product market. Field tests conducted in 2024 in tropical and coastal locations revealed a 19–26% drop in VCI effectiveness beyond 12 months of deployment without humidity control. In Vietnam and Brazil, over 2,100 equipment units experienced surface degradation despite using conventional VCI films, due to inadequate ventilation and excessive chloride exposure. This has prompted an urgent need for dual-function corrosion inhibitors combined with active desiccants or climate-controlled packaging solutions. Manufacturers are investing in R&D to improve VCI polymer permeability and micro-barrier layering to mitigate these environmental impacts.

Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) Product Market Segmentation

By Type

VCI Foam Emitters: VCI foam emitters accounted for 64,000 metric tons in 2024. These are used in enclosed spaces such as electronics packaging and equipment casings. North America alone consumed 19,000 metric tons of foam emitters in 2024, with high usage in defense electronics and aerospace. Emitters release vapor-phase inhibitors that adsorb onto metal surfaces, forming a molecular protective film. Foam formats provide 360-degree coverage and are especially useful in box-type storage units and sealed enclosures.
VCI Films: VCI films dominated the segment with 367,000 metric tons in 2024. These are used extensively in automotive, heavy machinery, and steel processing industries. Germany, China, and the U.S. collectively consumed 213,000 metric tons of VCI films. The average film thickness ranged between 65 and 120 microns, with anti-static and UV-resistant variants contributing to 32% of total consumption. Multilayer co-extruded films accounted for 71,000 metric tons, favored for export packaging.
VCI Papers: VCI papers reached 118,000 metric tons of consumption in 2024. These are preferred for tool packaging, steel coils, and small components. Europe led the adoption with 53,000 metric tons consumed, particularly in France, the UK, and Italy. Water-based VCI coatings on kraft paper offered 12–24 months of rust protection and were recyclable up to 3 cycles. Over 1,200 companies switched from film to paper formats in 2024 due to sustainability mandates.

By Application

Ferrous Metals: Ferrous metals accounted for 497,000 metric tons of VCI product usage in 2024. The automotive and construction sectors were the major consumers. Steel pipes, engine blocks, machine frames, and gear assemblies formed the core application areas. VCI wraps, emitters, and papers were applied during manufacturing, transit, and warehousing to avoid oxidation and pitting corrosion. Russia, India, and Brazil together used over 84,000 metric tons of VCIs for ferrous metal exports.
Non-Ferrous Metals: Non-ferrous applications totaled 248,000 metric tons in 2024. Aluminum, copper, and zinc components are increasingly packaged with dual-action VCI solutions. Electronics manufacturing in Taiwan and Japan used 36,000 metric tons of VCI paper and films to package copper boards and connectors. High-purity aluminum for aerospace frames and heat exchangers used over 27,000 metric tons of specialty VCI laminates to prevent galvanic corrosion during shipment and storage.

Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) Product Market Regional Outlook

North America

North America remained a key market with total consumption exceeding 156,000 metric tons in 2024. The United States accounted for 129,000 metric tons, while Canada contributed 18,000 metric tons. Automotive and aerospace sectors were dominant end-users, collectively consuming over 61,000 metric tons. Demand for VCI foam emitters surged by 14.6% in electronics logistics, particularly in military-grade components. More than 2,800 companies in North America utilized multilayer VCI films for long-haul shipments, supported by domestic recycling programs covering 58% of VCI plastic waste.

Europe

Europe consumed approximately 183,000 metric tons of VCI products in 2024, led by Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Germany alone used over 69,000 metric tons, primarily in its steel export and machinery sectors. France and the UK together deployed 38,000 metric tons in their aerospace and electronics packaging operations. Over 3,200 industrial users transitioned to recyclable and bio-based VCI solutions across Europe due to the EU’s green packaging mandates. The region also saw over 1,600 installations of automated VCI dispensing systems in manufacturing units.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominated the market with over 362,000 metric tons consumed in 2024. China accounted for 174,000 metric tons, followed by India with 63,000 metric tons and South Korea with 29,000 metric tons. China’s massive metal manufacturing and export base led to VCI integration across 14,800 factories. Japan’s electronics and automotive sectors used more than 22,000 metric tons of precision-grade VCI films. India’s defense sector grew by 17%, consuming over 8,200 metric tons of VCI wraps and emitters for equipment preservation. The region saw the fastest growth in smart VCI systems, including embedded corrosion sensors.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region reported 44,000 metric tons of VCI consumption in 2024. The UAE and Saudi Arabia were regional leaders, contributing 26,000 metric tons combined. Major uses included oil and gas pipeline storage and infrastructure export protection. South Africa consumed 9,800 metric tons, primarily in mining equipment packaging. With over 740 new infrastructure projects launched across MENA in 2024, the demand for long-term preservation using VCI packaging continues to increase, particularly in desalination and renewable energy sectors.

List of Top Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) Product Companies

CORTEC
Branopac
Armor Protective Packaging
OJI PAPER
Daubert VCI
Zerust
RustxUS
LPS Industries
Transilwrap (Metpro)
Protective Packaging
RBL Industries
Technology Packaging
Protopak Engineering
Green Packaging
Aicello Corporation
NTIC
MetPro Group
Nokstop Chem
Shenyang VCI
Shanghai Dajia Electronics
Nantong Yongyu Anti-Rust
Suzhou Keysun

Top Two Companies with the Highest Share

CORTEC: In 2024, CORTEC led the global market with over 98,000 metric tons of VCI product shipments across 72 countries. The company dominates the U.S. and European sectors, supported by its eco-friendly VpCI product line, which accounted for 63% of its annual volume.

Daubert VCI: Daubert VCI ranked second, supplying more than 71,000 metric tons in 2024. It holds strong positions in Germany, China, and Mexico, with over 4,300 industrial clients and a specialty in auto-component preservation and heavy-equipment storage.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

In 2024, investment in the volatile corrosion inhibitor product market expanded significantly, with over 3,200 new projects launched globally. These included new production facilities, automated VCI application systems, and sustainable packaging upgrades. Asia-Pacific attracted the most investment activity, with over 920 million USD-equivalent allocated across China, India, and Japan. China alone approved 410 new production units for VCI paper and film manufacturing, increasing capacity by 126,000 metric tons.

North American companies invested heavily in VCI R&D and facility upgrades. Over 220 million USD-equivalent was directed toward next-generation product development and expansion of bio-based VCI lines. RustxUS announced three new VCI blending plants across Illinois, Texas, and Ontario, collectively adding 38,000 metric tons to regional capacity. In parallel, CORTEC invested in AI-integrated application systems across 12 facilities to automate VCI coating and wrapping.

Europe also saw an influx of sustainability-focused investment. Over 650 companies across France, Germany, and Sweden transitioned to fully recyclable VCI paper lines in 2024. Green Packaging and Branopac jointly invested in a 15,000 metric ton capacity paper coating plant in Frankfurt. Public funding in the EU supported another 43 industrial conversions to compostable VCI formats.

In the Middle East & Africa, investment is centered around preservation solutions for oil and gas infrastructure. Saudi Aramco initiated procurement of over 3,000 metric tons of VCI materials for long-term pipeline and equipment storage in 2024. Local partnerships between VCI suppliers and petrochemical firms are on the rise, driving capital toward in-region manufacturing hubs. Across Africa, the African Union sponsored $14 million in grants to help regional manufacturers adopt rust-free export packaging practices.

Globally, over 8,900 companies either upgraded or installed automated VCI application units, while 5,200 packaging lines were redesigned to incorporate dual-layer VCI and barrier film systems. The opportunity to reduce corrosion-related losses—estimated at over 3.1 million metric tons of scrapped material in 2024—continues to drive market investment aggressively.

New Product Development

VCI product innovation surged in 2024, with over 190 new SKUs introduced globally. These covered advancements in material science, eco-sustainability, smart packaging integration, and enhanced multi-metal compatibility. The majority of new developments focused on improving protective duration, environmental safety, and recyclability.

CORTEC introduced a new line of water-soluble VCI films in early 2024, enabling complete dissolution post-application. These were adopted by 830 users in electronics and aerospace sectors within six months, with a combined usage volume exceeding 4,300 metric tons. This innovation eliminated the need for mechanical removal of VCI films during assembly, saving significant labor time.

Zerust developed a dual-action film combining VCI vapors with active desiccant layers, protecting for up to 36 months. Over 2,200 companies in humid and coastal regions across Southeast Asia and Latin America adopted this packaging system. These films were specifically engineered for turbine blade and aerospace engine preservation.

Branopac launched a biodegradable VCI paper made from 100% post-consumer fiber with water-based coating. The paper has been certified for compostability in 28 countries and reached sales of 7,200 metric tons in 2024. This product targets European companies bound by the EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive and was rapidly adopted in the German steel packaging market.

RustxUS pioneered VCI-laminated jute wraps for industrial cylinders and pipes, offering a blend of moisture absorption and vapor inhibition. In 2024, over 950 firms used this product across India, Indonesia, and Africa, totaling 11,400 metric tons. Its unique breathable yet rust-resistant design allowed metal assets to be preserved without trapping condensation.

Additionally, Technology Packaging launched NFC-tag enabled VCI wraps with corrosion status tracking. These smart packages were deployed in 48 ports globally for monitoring real-time transit conditions. This data-driven preservation method enhanced inventory tracking and quality assurance, reducing corrosion-related complaints by 38%.

Five Recent Developments

CORTEC launched VpCI-386 HT in January 2024, a high-temperature resistant coating used by over 1,200 aerospace and oilfield users within nine months.
Daubert VCI opened a new manufacturing unit in Mexico in August 2023, expanding capacity by 22,000 metric tons annually and servicing North and Central America.
Branopac received eco-certification for its biodegradable VCI paper in April 2024 across 17 EU nations, increasing sales by 34% in the first half of the year.
Zerust partnered with Honda Japan in October 2023 to supply 6,400 metric tons of recyclable VCI films for engine exports, replacing legacy systems.
RustxUS introduced AI-driven corrosion modeling tools for customized VCI applications in June 2024, now deployed by 410 logistics and warehousing firms.

Report Coverage of Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) Product Market

This report comprehensively covers the volatile corrosion inhibitor product market, including market size analysis, segment breakdowns, regional performance, investment trends, and technological innovations. The 2024 global market exceeded 745,000 metric tons in VCI product consumption, with VCI films leading the volume at 367,000 metric tons. The report evaluates usage across major applications such as ferrous and non-ferrous metal protection, automotive components, defense equipment, electronics, and infrastructure.

Segmental analysis details VCI foam emitters (64,000 metric tons), VCI papers (118,000 metric tons), and other emerging forms. Applications across ferrous metals (497,000 metric tons) and non-ferrous components (248,000 metric tons) are thoroughly evaluated by industry vertical and packaging method. Regional insights reveal Asia-Pacific dominance with 362,000 metric tons, followed by Europe and North America with 183,000 and 156,000 metric tons, respectively.

The report features profiles of leading market players, highlighting CORTEC and Daubert VCI as top global suppliers. Investment patterns reflect significant capacity expansions, regulatory-driven transitions, and sustainable packaging advancements. It also documents 190+ new product launches and smart packaging integrations across 2023 and 2024.

Covering trends, opportunities, and performance challenges such as VCI efficacy in extreme climates, the report delivers actionable insights for stakeholders involved in logistics, manufacturing, defense, energy, and raw material preservation. With over 3,200 industrial units transitioning to eco-friendly VCI systems and more than 122,000 firms adopting these solutions globally, the VCI product market stands as a critical pillar in metal protection and global trade logistics.