Zerust

What Zerust does

Zerust is a consumer products brand specializing in corrosion and rust prevention products built around proprietary Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) technology. The company operates as a consumer-facing division of Northern Technologies International Corporation (NTIC), a publicly traded NASDAQ-listed parent headquartered in Twinsburg, Ohio. Zerust's product portfolio centers on VCI-emitting items — poly bags, vapor capsules, anti-tarnish products, drawer liners, and protective covers — that release invisible, odorless, FDA-cleared corrosion-inhibiting vapor molecules which settle on exposed metal surfaces to inhibit electrochemical reactions for up to five years. The product line spans firearms storage (VCI firearm bags, fleece-lined rifle bags, Magic VCI Bullet, tube/barrel strips, gun oil and cleaner), vehicle protection (car, motorcycle, bicycle, and engine storage covers), tools and hardware (toolbox drawer liners, Plastabs, multipurpose VCI poly bags), and anti-tarnish applications for silver, jewelry, and precious metals. The company holds registered trademarks for Zerust, Plastabs, Axxanol, and the VCI technology designation.

Zerust generates revenue through a direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront at zerustproducts.com supplemented by phone ordering support (1-866-2-ZERUST) and a network of approximately 15+ bicycle retail dealers across the United States. All products are sold as one-time purchases with no subscription component, priced from $0.06 per Plastab unit to $399 for premium car covers, with free ground shipping offered on orders over $50 in the continental U.S. The customer base is broad and persona-driven — firearms owners and shooters, seasonal vehicle owners, DIY hobbyists, silver and precious metal collectors, and electronics owners — indicating a horizontal segmentation approach with no single dominant enterprise customer. The wider NTIC parent also operates internationally in Brazil and China, although Zerust's consumer-facing distribution appears concentrated domestically. The company has no disclosed funding rounds, no M&A activity, no management team disclosures, and no AI/ML capabilities evident in its product or platform architecture.

Name

Zerust

Legal name

Zerust Rust Prevention Products

Website

https://zerustproducts.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Zerust is a consumer products division of Northern Technologies International Corporation that manufactures and sells rust and corrosion prevention products based on proprietary VCI technology, serving firearms owners, vehicle enthusiasts, hobbyists, and precious metal collectors through DTC e-commerce and retail channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Corrosion Prevention Products

NAICS

Paint and Coating Manufacturing (32551), Paint and Coating Manufacturing (325510)

SIC

Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, Enamels & Allied Prods (2851)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial & Protective Coatings (IMAEAGAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Protective Coatings (IMADAKAB), Specialty & Functional Coatings (Anti-microbial/Anti-slip/Insulating) (IMAIAKAM)

Keywords

• Corrosion prevention products
• Vapor corrosion inhibitors
• Rust protection bags
• Firearm storage solutions
• Anti-tarnish products

Headquarters

HQ city

Twinsburg

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct Product Sales: Zerust generates revenue through direct-to-consumer sales of proprietary VCI rust prevention products including vapor capsules, poly bags, covers, spray coatings, and accessories. Products are sold as one-time purchases with no subscription model, though some items offer bulk pricing options.
2. Wholesale/Retail Distribution: Products are also distributed through retail bicycle dealers and sporting goods retailers across the United States, suggesting a wholesale distribution channel alongside direct sales.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Zerust manufactures and sells consumer rust and corrosion prevention products based on proprietary Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) technology. The product line includes VCI poly bags, vapor capsules, firearm storage bags, vehicle covers, anti-tarnish bags and liners, drawer liners, and specialty sprays/coatings. Products work by releasing invisible, non-toxic, FDA-cleared corrosion-inhibiting vapor molecules that form a protective layer on metal surfaces, providing rust protection for up to five years.

Product overview

Zerust offers a comprehensive line of consumer rust prevention products based on Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) technology. The product portfolio centers on VCI-emitting products including Multipurpose VCI Poly Bags, VCI Firearm Protection Bags, VCI Fleece Lined Firearm Bags, and Rust Prevention Vapor Capsules for enclosed storage protection. These core products are complemented by Toolbox Drawer Liners and Anti-Tarnish products (Drawer Liner, Silver Storage Bags, and Vapor Capsule) for tool and precious metal protection. The company also produces protective covers including Car Covers, Motorcycle Covers, Bicycle Covers, Air Conditioner Covers, Table Saw Covers, and Skate Guard Covers. Specialty products include the Magic VCI Bullet for firearms, Gun Oil & Cleaner, Tube and Barrel Strips, Engine Storage Bags, and Axxanol™ Spray-G. All products work by releasing invisible, non-toxic corrosion-inhibiting vapor molecules that form a protective layer on metal surfaces, providing up to five years of protection for most products. The company emphasizes FDA clearance for food-safe applications and products are designed for consumers, hobbyists, and professionals protecting firearms, vehicles, tools, sporting goods, and household items.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Axxanol: A brand of sprayable corrosion protection coating products, including Axxanol Spray-G for extreme conditions and outdoor storage.
• Plastabs

Products and services

• Multipurpose VCI Poly Bags Polyethylene storage bags with built-in VCI technology that release corrosion-inhibiting vapor molecules to protect metal items from rust for up to five years. Available in various sizes (3"x5" to 26"x24"x46") with plain or zip closure options. Priced $0.30 – $5.00 per bag.
• VCI Firearm Protection Bags Durable gun storage bags designed with VCI technology to shield firearms from rust. Available in multiple sizes (5"x40" to 14"x60") with plain or zip closure options. Priced $0.55 – $7.95 per bag.
• VCI Fleece Lined Firearm Bags Fleece-lined rifle bags with VCI technology to protect guns and rifles from rust while providing cushioning. Available in sizes 9"x12" to 10"x53". Priced $10.95 – $17.95.
• Rust Prevention Vapor Capsules Patented adhesive-backed corrosion-inhibiting capsules that release odorless VCI vapor into storage containers. Available in VC1-1, VC2-1, VC2-2, VC6-1, VC6-2 sizes with protection radii from 1 to 6 feet for 1-2 years. Priced $1.59 – $99.75.
• Plastabs Thin, rigid polyethylene squares with corrosion-inhibiting technology molded into the plastic. Designed for protecting critical surfaces within narrow or hard-to-reach areas from rust for up to two years. Sizes from 0.50"x0.50" to 3"x1". Priced $0.06 – $4.29 per unit.
• Toolbox Drawer Liners Heavy-duty non-slip rubber drawer liners combining patented VCI corrosion-inhibiting formula with quality PVC rubber. Protects tools and tackle from rust and corrosion while preventing items from slipping. Available in sizes 12"x72" mesh to 24"x240" solid. Priced $9.49 – $39.95.
• Anti-Tarnish Drawer Liner Heavy-duty non-slip PVC rubber liner combined with VCI technology that releases anti-tarnish molecules to protect silver and jewelry from corrosion for up to five years. FDA cleared as food safe, non-toxic, leaves no residue or odor.
• Anti-Tarnish Silver Storage Bags Densely woven satin blue storage bags with special anti-rust technology to protect silver jewelry, collectible coins, and silverware from tarnish damage for up to five years. FDA cleared as food safe for silver flatware and copper pots. Sizes 6"x6" to 17"x11". Priced $2.59 – $7.99.
• Anti-Tarnish Vapor Capsule Vapor capsule with adhesive backing designed to protect silver, jewelry, coins, and non-ferrous metals (gold, brass, copper, tin, pewter) from tarnish. Provides one year of protection within a two-foot radius. Priced $6.99 per TP2-1 capsule.
• Car Covers Vehicle covers woven with corrosion-inhibiting VCI formula providing rust and corrosion protection for automobiles. Available in multiple sizes (CB1-CB4) with lined and unlined options, ranging 82"x180"x60" to 93"x216"x72". Protection lasts five years from purchase date. Priced $249.00 – $399.00.
• Motorcycle Covers Zip-up motorcycle storage covers with patented anti-corrosion technology built into Xfilm liner. Protects against dust, rust, heat, and harsh conditions. Available in Regular and Large sizes with lined and unlined options (135"x70" to 145"x70"). Priced $109.99 – $149.99.
• Bicycle Covers Rust-inhibiting enclosures for bicycles with VCI protection. Available with plain or zipper closure in various sizes including tandem bike option (84"x59" plain/zipper to 112"x59" tandem). Provides five years of protection. Priced $29.99 – $69.99.
• Vapor Capsules for Boats Specially designed vapor capsules for marine applications providing corrosion and rust protection for vessels in salt air environments. Available in VC1-1, VC2-1, VC2-2, VC6-1, and VC6-2 models.
• Air Conditioner Cover Protective anti-corrosive cover for air conditioning units providing protection for up to five years. Non-toxic, odorless, and environmentally safe with 20+ years of industrial use. Size 34"L x 34"W x 30"H. Priced $19.95.
• Table Saw Cover Durable protective cover with patented anti-corrosion formula that shields table saws from rust, corrosion, dust, and moisture. Available in 63" x 45" x 19" and 72" x 45" x 19" sizes. Priced $52.49 – $57.49.
• Skate Guard Covers Adjustable blade covers engineered to keep moisture away from ice skate blades. Helps maintain blade sharpness and protects against rust for up to five years. Available in Medium (up to 13") and Large (up to 14") sizes. Priced $9.99 per pair.
• Magic VCI Bullet Vapor-emitting cartridge that forms a corrosion and rust resistant barrier on the inside of firearm barrels. Protects barrels for up to three years. Available in 12 Gauge and 20 Gauge sizes. Priced $8.95 per bullet.
• Gun Oil & Cleaner Firearm cleaning and lubrication products. Gun Oil cleans dirt and grime while preventing moisture build-up. Gun Cleaner dissolves powder residue, fouling and deposits. Sold individually or as a bundle. Priced $3.99 – $5.99.
• Tube and Barrel Strips Narrow VCI strips designed for protecting gun barrels, rifle barrels, and lengths of stored metal pipe. Available in 0.20" and 0.25" diameters. Provides up to five years of rust protection. Priced $0.40 – $0.45 per foot.
• Engine Storage Bag Large 26" x 24" x 46" VCI poly bag designed for engine blocks and large machinery storage. Plain closure secured with zip ties or twist ties. Provides up to five years of rust protection.
• Axxanol Spray-G Sprayable multimetal rust preventative coating providing grease-level protection in convenient sprayable form. Protects parts and equipment for up to one year outdoors and two years indoors. Resistant to water and compatible with packaging and most rubber and plastic materials. Priced $189.40 per case (12-12 oz aerosol cans).

Quantifiable outcome

• 5 years of rust protection per application (covers, bags, liners)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Broad incumbents

• 3M: 3M is a diversified industrial conglomerate with a broad portfolio that includes protective coatings, films, and surface treatment products overlapping with Zerust's anti-corrosion category. It competes in the same end markets (automotive, industrial, consumer) with much larger scale and brand recognition.
• WD-40 Company: WD-40 Company is a consumer-recognizable specialty maintenance products manufacturer with a portfolio including corrosion inhibitors and rust-prevention sprays. It is a broad incumbent in the consumer rust-prevention space, with far greater brand awareness than Zerust.
• Henkel: Henkel's Adhesive Technologies division produces industrial coatings, surface treatments, and anti-corrosion solutions across multiple industries. It is a broad incumbent competing with Zerust at the industrial B2B level with vastly greater resources and global reach.
• RPM International: RPM International owns specialty coatings brands (Rust-Oleum, Tremco, Stonhard) serving industrial and consumer anti-corrosion markets. Its Rust-Oleum brand is a direct adjacent competitor to Zerust in consumer rust-prevention paints and coatings.
• Element Solutions Inc: Element Solutions is a specialty chemicals company that produces industrial coatings, surface treatments, and corrosion protection chemistries through brands like MacDermid Enthone and OMG. It is a broad incumbent serving industrial anti-corrosion markets overlapping with Zerust's industrial heritage.

Direct peers

• Armor Protective Packaging: Armor Protective Packaging produces VCI poly bags, films, and emitters for metal corrosion protection. It is a direct VCI packaging competitor serving both industrial and consumer segments, with overlapping product categories to Zerust's poly bags and vapor capsules.
• CRC Industries: CRC Industries manufactures specialty chemicals and maintenance products including rust preventatives, corrosion inhibitors, penetrants, and lubricants for automotive and industrial users. It competes directly with Zerust in rust preventative sprays and corrosion protection products.
• Cortec Corporation: Cortec is a direct VCI technology competitor that manufactures corrosion inhibitor films, bags, papers, and sprays for industrial and consumer use. It is the most comparable peer to Zerust in the VCI category, with overlapping product lines and a similar molecular corrosion inhibition approach.
• Daubert Cromwell: Daubert Cromwell is a leading manufacturer of VCI packaging films, bags, and papers for industrial applications. It competes head-to-head with Zerust/NTIC in VCI bags, films, and emitter products, with a comparable technology platform and customer base.
• Northern Technologies International Corporation (NTIC): NTIC is Zerust's publicly-traded parent and a global VCI technology company with industrial operations in the U.S., Brazil, and China. As both parent and industrial VCI peer, it operates the same underlying VCI technology and is the most direct institutional comparable.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/ZerustConsumerProducts
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/zerust-products

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Zerust