Low humidity
Dry air below 40% relative humidity can lead to static charges due to friction. The material is no longer fed through the printing machine without deviations.
Benefits
Controlled humidity protects against electrostatic discharge and ensures dimensional stability in the production and printing of cardboard, labels and films. Energy-efficient cooling of large halls ensures optimal production conditions and cost savings.
Reduce electrostatic
Additional air humidification reduces electrostatic charges on packaging materials and machinery.
Prevent dimensional changes
Controlled humidity protects the dimensional stability of paper, cardboard and paperboard.
Cooling with low energy consumption
Evaporative cooling achieves energy-efficient cooling of production halls without air conditioning.
Humidity control for packaging facilities
Air humidification for optimal packaging materials
In the packaging industry, adequate humidity plays a crucial role in the quality and efficiency of packaging materials and production processes. Hygroscopic materials such as paper, cardboard or certain films are sensitive to excessively dry air – they warp, lose their dimensional stability and can become electrostatically charged. Controlled air humidification guarantees consistent material properties during cutting, folding, gluing and printing. At the same time, it reduces dust formation in production and improves working conditions for employees. Especially in areas with high production speeds, constant humidity contributes to process reliability and product quality. Condair air humidification can therefore be a key factor in the efficiency and reliability of modern packaging production and production processes.
Dehumidification for greater process stability
Paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard and solid board are hygroscopic and react negatively to excessive humidity. Cardboard boxes and sheets of paper that are too damp become warped and the edges can become distorted. Cardboard boxes lose their stability at a relative humidity of over 60 per cent, which can lead to a loss of stability. During storage, material deterioration or adhesion problems can occur in rooms that are too damp. Metallic packaging components are susceptible to corrosion in high humidity. In temperature-controlled packaging steps such as laminating or laminating, process stability is improved by controlled humidity. Especially in the summer months, Condair dehumidifiers and air dryers can ensure the quality of packaging and smooth production processes.
Efficient cooling – reduce energy costs
Machines and processes in packaging industry production halls often generate high heat loads. Conventional air conditioning systems are energy-intensive and incur high operating costs. Evaporative cooling offers an economical and environmentally friendly alternative: adiabatic evaporation cools the room air effectively and cost-efficiently. At the same time, the air is humidified, which has a positive effect on material processing. The combination of cooling and air humidification creates a stable production climate, improves working conditions and protects sensitive packaging materials from drying out. Especially in large production areas with high thermal loads, Condair evaporative cooling systems are an efficient way to save energy and increase process reliability.
Optimal humidity
At 45–55% relative humidity, static charges can be easily dissipated due to increased conductivity. The material is fed through the printing machine without any problems.
Electrostatics
Electrostatics causes problems when processing foils and labels in packaging printing and always occurs when poorly conductive materials become charged due to rapid friction or sudden separation.
Use Cases
Prevent Evaporative Losses
Organic materials have an internal moisture content and will lose moisture to the atmosphere when exposed to air with low humidity. Humidifiers are used to create an environment with the proper balance between the material’s internal moisture content and the air’s relative humidity.
Anti-Static and ESD Prevention
Low humidity increases static buildup because dry air acts as an insulator, making electrostatic discharge (ESD) more likely. Maintaining 40–60% relative humidity helps dissipate electrical charges and significantly reduces ESD risk.
Reliable Operations Start with a Controlled Environment
Humidity fluctuations can cause static discharge, material distortion, and premature wear on sensitive equipment—all leading to costly downtime. By maintaining consistent humidity, it protects both the machinery and the materials they process, ensuring smoother production, fewer interruptions, and maximum operational uptime.
Discover Condair in action
ULINE
Condair is proud to humidify ULINE's state of the art headquarters in Wisconsin, using Condair's In-Duct HP Series HP1300 (shown on right), and MLRO 1500 (shown on left) water treatment system. Providing over 2800 lbs/hr of humidification via 11 air handling units. Uline is a family-owned distributor of shipping and industrial supplies with operations in the US, Canada and Mexico.
One Touch Point
1 Touch Point is a single source, marketing execution services provider. Utilizing U. Connect, a proprietary marketing automation and fulfillment tool, OTP delivers multi-channel communication, marketing, mailing and fulfillment services. With $140 million in revenues and offices in 5 states, we help 1000+ clients design and deliver communication across touch points while increasing the return on their marketing investment. Current customers include Fortune 500 companies in the manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, non-profit/associations, and retail industries.
Gannett Company - The Tennessean
The Tennessean is the principal daily newspaper in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. Its circulation area covers 39 counties in Middle Tennessee and eight counties in southern Kentucky.
Action Printing
For over 40 years, Action Printing has specialized in short to medium runs of magazines, catalogs, books, directories and more. We are known throughout the industry for our specific niche in perfect bound and saddle stitched products printed with black or color text with the option of glossy, color covers and inserts.
Seda North America Inc.
Seda North America is part of a privately owned multinational packaging group. They are a global leader in developing effective solutions for a broad range of packaging applications. By combining innovative manufacturing processes with state-of-the-art printing and converting technologies, they create packaging solutions to drive the market and promote and enhance the world's best-known brands.
Autajon
Autajon is a manufacturer of folding cartons, labels, set-up boxes and Point-of-sale, for various market sectors such as Perfumes Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, Wine Spirits as well as Confectionery Food Specialties.
Diamond Packaging
Diamond Packaging is a global industry leader specializing in developing innovative and sustainable folding cartons and contract packaging services.
Lightning Source Inc.
Lightning Source Inc offers print-on-demand technology for a completely managed publishing solution. This facility installed an HP and ML Princess 2 humidifier.
Letterhead Press
Paperworks Industries
Paperworks Industries is a leader in the paperboard industry.
Meadwestvaco Packaging
MeadWestvaco is a producer of packaging, specialty papers, consumer and office products and specialty chemicals.
3M Corporation
The 3M Company, formerly known as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company (1902&2002), is an American multinational conglomerate corporation.
Shawmut Communications Group
Shawmut Communications Group is where creativity unfolds. As the first SGP-certified printer in Massachusetts, they are committed to working collaboratively with other printers, print buyers, suppliers, and supporting organizations to drive sustainable business practices. Founded in 1951and now in their 3rd generation of family ownership-the Shawmut team has decades of experience. Every member of their team is committed to helping their clients achieve their goals.
Shutterfly
Shutterfly is an Internet-based image publishing service based in Redwood City, California. Shutterfly's flagship product is its photo book line. The company was founded in 1999 and is currently led by Christopher North. The company went public in 2006. The customer base is heavily skewed toward women, who accounted for 80% of customers as reported in 2013.
Specialized Packaging
Located in Baldwinsville, New York the PaperWorks Packaging Group provides a full range of folding carton capabilities backed by an experienced team.
Frequently asked questions
How does evaporative cooling improve the indoor climate in production halls?
What are the advantages of dehumidification in the packaging industry?
What is the optimum humidity for packaging production?
When are Condair dehumidifiers used?
Why is humidity control crucial for packaging quality and efficiency?
Get Free Expert Advice
If you want to explore your options for humidity control, a Condair's expert will visit your site, review your project and talk you through their recommendations.
Alternatively, if you would prefer a call or online meeting, our team is always happy to discuss possible solutions and offer free technical advice.
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