Why Anti-static/ESD Packaging Fails When Temperatures Drop
If you rely on anti-static or ESD (Electrostatic Dissipative) packaging, you may have noticed a pattern. Plastic packaging (trays, clamshells, films, and bags) performs well for most of the year, but begin to fail as the temperatures drop.
The Culprit: Relative Humidity (RH)
The primary reason Anti-static/ESD packaging fails in the winter is due to the dramatic drop in Relative Humidity.
Most traditional ESD coatings and additives are hygroscopic; meaning that they rely on drawing moisture from the air create a microscopic conductive layer on the surface. This thin film of water allows static charges to dissipate safely across the surface.
In the warm and months, the RH is generally above 50%, leaving plenty of moisture to be absorbed from the air. However, in the winter, air indoors can be incredibly dry, often below 10% RH. Without the humidity, the ESD coatings or additives have nothing to absorb and eliminating their effects.
Why Plastics Are More Vulnerable
Plastic is a dielectric meaning that it is naturally an insulator.
- High Surface Resistivity: Untreated plastics often generate “triboelectric” charges (static caused by friction)
- Masterbatch Concerns: Many ESD plastics utilize internal or masterbatch additives meant to migrate to the surface to attract moisture and achieve the desired effect. In dry winter air, these additives cannot find enough water to migrate and perform
- Dry Air: Acts as an insulator, allowing static charges to build up to higher voltages before discharging
Forget the Weather with ACC Stat-X
You shouldn’t have to change your packaging process just because the seasons change. At ACC Coatings, we designed a solution that ignores the hygrometer altogether. Our line of ACC Stat-X Coatings are engineered to be humidity-independent.
The Stat-X Advantage
- Consistent Performance: Whether your facility is at 5% RH or 85% RH, the surface resistivity remains stable.
- Multi-functional: built-in slip, demold and denesting agents.
- Versatility: Perfect for PET, PVC, PS, and PP packaging materials.
If you’re tired of chasing humidity levels, switch to a coating that doesn’t care about the weather!