What Zerust does

Zerust UK Ltd is a UK-based corrosion protection solutions provider operating from Spennymoor, County Durham, as part of Northern Technologies International Corporation's (NTIC) global Joint Venture network spanning over 60 countries. The company manufactures and sells Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) packaging products — including VCI films, bags, papers, diffusers, capsules, and powder — alongside liquid coatings (Axxanol, Axxatec, Perigol lines), rust removers (Axxaclean), ZIF corrosion-inhibiting tape, and consumer products such as car, motorcycle, and bicycle covers. Its underlying technology relies on proprietary VCI chemistry that releases non-toxic vapor molecules which settle on exposed metal surfaces to form a thin protective layer inhibiting electrochemical corrosion reactions; the chemistry is backed by multiple granted patents and supported by NTIC R&D facilities in the USA and Europe with approximately 500 days of climate testing per year.

The business operates an enterprise field sales model in which a team of corrosion specialists designs bespoke protection systems — including package design, climate chamber testing, trial shipments, and after-sales support — for customers across automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, offshore wind, marine, and equipment manufacturing. Revenue streams consist primarily of one-time product sales of packaging materials, liquid coatings, and consumer goods, supplemented by technical consultation services. Pricing is consultative and quote-based, with multi-year contracts for strategic OEM accounts. Named strategic partners include Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, and a major aerospace manufacturer; the company also holds ISO 9001 certification and leverages a global network of 400+ corrosion management experts and 5 international laboratories for local support and R&D.

Name

Zerust

Legal name

Zerust UK Ltd

Website

https://zerust.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Zerust UK Ltd is a UK-based manufacturer of VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor) packaging, coatings, and diffusers serving automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, offshore wind, marine, and equipment manufacturing customers as part of NTIC's global Joint Venture network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Corrosion Protection Products

NAICS

Paint and Coating Manufacturing (32551), Paint and Coating Manufacturing (325510), Paint, Coating, and Adhesive Manufacturing (3255)

SIC

Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, Enamels & Allied Prods (2851), Chemicals & Allied Products (2800)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial & Protective Coatings (IMAEAGAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Protective Coatings (Steel/Concrete/Equipment) (IMAIAKAB), Corrosion Control & Asset Integrity Services (Cathodic Protection/Coatings QA) (IMAIACAK), Industrial Protective Coatings (IMAEAHAB)

Keywords

• Corrosion protection products
• VCI packaging solutions
• Rust preventive coatings
• Industrial preservation films
• Metal corrosion inhibitors

Headquarters

HQ city

Spennymoor

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Corrosion Protection Packaging Products: Sale of VCI packaging materials including films, bags, shrink wraps, papers, and diffusers for corrosion protection during storage and shipping. Products include standard and customized VCI bags, shrouds, Valeno films, Abrigo papers, and VCI diffusers.
2. Liquid Coatings and Surface Protection: Sale of corrosion preventative coatings including Axxanol oils, Axxatec concentrates, Perigol products, and rust removers/cleaners.
3. Consultation and Support Services: Technical consultation services including package design, climate chamber testing, trial shipments, R&D support, and client training. The company provides comprehensive design, application and after-sales support.
4. Consumer Products: Sale of consumer products including car covers, motorcycle covers, and bicycle storage bags with built-in VCI protection available through retail channels.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Zerust develops and manufactures corrosion protection solutions centered on proprietary Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) chemistry. Its product portfolio spans VCI packaging films, bags, sheets and shrink films; Valeno multi-layer barrier films; Abrigo VCI-treated papers and boards; VCI diffusers, capsules, and foams for enclosed spaces; ZIF corrosion-inhibiting tape; Axxanol/Axxatec liquid coatings; Axxaclean rust removers; and consumer-grade covers for cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. Products are sold primarily to enterprise customers in automotive, aerospace, offshore wind, oil and gas, marine, and equipment manufacturing industries, with bespoke package design, climate chamber testing, and after-sales support as part of the offering.

Product overview

Zerust is a manufacturer of corrosion protection solutions, not a unified software platform. The product portfolio is organized into distinct product lines that work together as a comprehensive corrosion management system: Core VCI Packaging Products (VCI Bags, Stretch Film, Sheeting, Bubble Wrap, Shrink Films, Skin Film) provide primary containment and corrosion inhibition; Valeno Films (Valeno Campo, Valeno X-Film, Valeno Layertray) and Outdoor Preservation Shrink Film offer specialized barrier and outdoor protection; VCI Diffusers (Vapour Capsules, ActivPak, Plastabs, Emibo Capsules, ActivTabs, ActivDri, ActivPowder, Unico VCI Foam, Tube Strip Pro-20, Z-PAK) provide targeted protection for enclosed spaces and hard-to-reach areas; Abrigo Products (Kraft Paper, Crepe Paper, Skin Board, Corrugated Cardboard, Solid Board) offer paper-based VCI protection; Rust Removers and Cleaners (Axxaclean 2048, 3048, NW-10C, AxxaVis HST-10) address existing corrosion; Oils, Coatings and Surface Protection (Axxanol 33, 34CD, 35CD-32, Spray-G, Z-Maxx Series, Axxatec 77C, 85-F, 87-M, Perigol DW, 100, VCI 230) provide liquid corrosion barriers; ZIF Tape addresses Corrosion Under Insulation; and Consumer Products (Motorcycle Cover, Bicycle Bag, Car Cover) offer end-user rust protection. All products utilize proprietary VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor) chemistry developed through NTIC's global R&D facilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• VCI Bags Polyethylene bags with VCI active substances incorporated into the polymer matrix, providing corrosion protection for iron, steel, and cast iron during shipping and storage. Available as standard and customized bags, shrouds, mini grips, box liners, and gusset bags for industrial customers.
• VCI Stretch Film Polyethylene-based VCI stretch film in machine and hand variants, used for securing loads, bundling pipes, and creating a protective skin on machines and sheet metal coils during storage and shipment.
• VCI Sheeting All-purpose, lightweight, resilient, and low-cost VCI packaging material resistant to moisture and dust, tolerating extreme temperature changes. Available in widths from 60mm to 6000mm in flat sheets or rolls for industrial packaging use.
• VCI Bubble Wrap Flexible, light, and highly cushioning inner packaging with active VCI corrosion protection that protects metal surfaces during transport with air cushion against vibrations while providing long-term corrosion protection.
• VCI Shrink Films and Skin Film VCI corrosion protection films based on polyethylene providing superior corrosion protection for parts and components within automotive, electrical, machinery, mechanical, and military industries. Shrink film shrinks biaxially; skin film immobilizes fragile items from shocks during shipping and handling.
• Valeno Films (Campo, X-Film, Layertray) Multi-layered polyethylene films with VCI active ingredients integrated into the polymer matrix. Valeno Campo is UV-stabilised barrier shrink film for outdoor-exposed products; X-Film is cross-laminated with high mechanical strength for multiple uses; Layertray is a cost-effective alternative to thermoformed trays.
• Outdoor Preservation Shrink Film (ICT 510-OPS) Premium 8-mil high-strength shrink film providing superior corrosion and UVI protection for up to 3 years in extreme conditions, ideal for long-term outdoor storage and mothballing of parts and equipment in oil and gas, offshore wind, and industrial settings.
• ZIF (Inhibitor Fusion) Tape Corrosion inhibiting tape based on silicone elastomers that mitigates corrosion when moisture is present, ideal for preventing Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) on high-value machine parts, flanges, and refinery or offshore assets.
• VCI Diffusers (Vapour Capsules, Plastabs, ActivPak, Emibo Capsules, ActivTabs, ActivDri, ActivPowder, Unico VCI Foam, Tube Strip Pro-20, Z-PAK) Range of capsules, tablets, foam pads, packets, and powder diffusers delivering VCI protection to enclosed spaces, electronic enclosures, sealed packaging, cavities, large voids, and piping. Used where film-based packaging cannot reach, including ActivDri with silica-gel desiccant for humidity control and Tube Strip Pro-20 for interior pipe protection up to 4 inches diameter for up to 2 years.
• Abrigo Paper Products (Kraft Paper, Crepe Paper, Skin Board, Corrugated Cardboard, Solid Board) Industrial paper and board products treated with Zerust Excor patented VCI coating that emits active substances through the entire paper cross-section. Used as individual wrapping, intermediate layers, skin packaging, or corrugate cushioning for metal parts in the metalworking industry.
• Axxaclean Rust Removers and Cleaners (2048, 3048, NW-10C, AxxaVis HST-10) Fast-acting, non-toxic rust and tarnish removers (Axxaclean 2048 for light to medium rust; 3048 for medium to heavy), a metalworking wash and rinse fluid (NW-10C), and a hydrostatic test powder additive (AxxaVis HST-10) for pressure vessels such as pipes, heat exchangers, storage tanks, and ship voids.
• Axxanol Liquid Coatings (33, 34CD, 35CD-32, Spray-G, Z-Maxx Series) Oil-based, solvent-based, and grease-based rust preventative coatings providing up to 6 months protection under shelter in aggressive environments, up to 1 year outdoors and 3 years under shelter for the Z-Maxx series, and protection as a spray-on hydrophobic coating for extreme conditions (Spray-G).
• Axxatec and Perigol Water-Based and Dewatering Coatings (77C, 85-F, 87-M, Perigol DW, Perigol 100, Perigol VCI 230) Water-dilutable concentrates (Axxatec 77C, 85-F, 87-M) for spray-on, in-line production, or fogging applications using proven ICT technology, and Perigol solvent/oil-based dewatering products (DW, 100, VCI 230) for removing moisture and salts from wet metal surfaces to provide long-lasting corrosion protection.
• Consumer Rust-Protective Covers (Car Cover, Motorcycle Cover, Bicycle Bag) Woven enclosures with corrosion-inhibiting formula providing VCI protection for 5 years for individual consumers storing cars, motorcycles, and bicycles; water resistant, mold proof, and rust-inhibiting; available on Amazon UK.
• Corrosion Protection Consulting, Laboratory Testing, and After-Sales Support Custom corrosion protection system design, climate chamber testing to simulate shipping conditions, trial shipments, package design support, R&D collaboration, and after-sales services delivered by Zerust UK's team of corrosion specialists for enterprise and TIER-1 clients in automotive, aerospace, offshore wind, oil and gas, marine, and equipment manufacturing.

Quantifiable outcome

• Clients generally realize total cost savings of at least 10% after implementing Zerust products
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• INEOS AcetylsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 24 May 2023INEOS Acetyls is Europe's largest producer of acetic acid, acetic anhydride and ethyl acetate. Zerust UK exhibited at NOF Networking Lunch with INEOS Acetyls to network within the chemical manufacturing industry.
• North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 21 July 2022NEAA is a trade group supporting members in relation to trade activity through networking collaboration and shared best practice. Zerust UK joined the NEAA trade group to gain insight into the automotive sector market and share industry experience with like-minded businesses.
• NOF (Network of Energy Professionals)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 26 May 2022NOF is a business development organisation helping to make valuable connections between businesses in the global energy sector. Zerust UK joined NOF to strengthen presence in oil, gas and renewable energy industries and access networking events and industry intelligence.
• Durham University Electric Motorsport (DUEM)minorOthers · 6 July 2015Zerust sponsored DUEM team competing in the 2015 World Solar Challenge, providing tape for preventing internal air flows and packaging expertise when shipping the solar car to Australia. The team designed a carbon-fibre solar vehicle weighing just 200kg.
• Northern Technologies International Corporation (NTIC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerZerust UK is part of the global Joint Venture network of Northern Technologies International Corporation (NTIC). NTIC is the parent company providing corporate headquarters in Circle Pines, Minnesota, USA. Zerust operates as part of NTIC's Joint Venture network spanning 60+ countries with shared R&D facilities, technology, and global support infrastructure.
• Taylor PackagingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTaylor Packaging is Zerust UK's sister company. The two companies exhibit together at industry events including the North East Automotive Expo. Both companies work together to provide packaging solutions to the automotive industry.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Cortec Corporation: US-based global manufacturer of VCI corrosion protection films, papers, and liquids under the EcoCortec, VpCI, and BioCortec brands. Directly comparable to Zerust in chemistry, product formats (films, bags, diffusers, liquids), and target customers across automotive, aerospace, and O&G.
• Armor Protective Packaging: Specialist in VCI corrosion protection packaging (VCI bags, films, paper, emitters). Comparable in product range and customer base, primarily serving metal-parts manufacturers and exporters with similar turn-key protection systems.
• Daubert Cromwell: Manufacturer of VCI packaging products including films, papers, emitters, and rust preventatives serving automotive, heavy equipment, and metalworking customers. Closely overlaps Zerust's core VCI film/bag/paper portfolio and target industrial segments.
• Branopac GmbH (Ceno Group): European-based manufacturer of VCI corrosion protection films and papers under the Branomat brand. Directly comparable competitor in the European market, with overlapping automotive and industrial metal-parts customer base.

Emerging players

• Rochester Midland Corporation: Specialty chemical manufacturer offering corrosion inhibitors, cleaners, and surface treatment products. Partial overlap with Zerust's Axxanol/Axxatec liquid coatings and rust-remover lines, primarily in industrial maintenance applications.
• MetPro Group: Supplier of VCI packaging and corrosion protection products, with comparable film, paper, and emitter offerings for metal preservation during storage and shipment. Smaller-scale direct competitor focused on European industrial customers.

Broad incumbents

• PPG Industries: Global paints and coatings major with extensive industrial protective coatings offerings for steel, marine, and infrastructure. Overlaps with Zerust's liquid corrosion-preventative lines but addresses adjacent coating applications at much greater scale.
• Henkel (Loctite Industrial): Global chemicals leader with an industrial maintenance and surface treatment portfolio including anti-corrosion coatings and cleaners. Wider product portfolio than Zerust, but overlaps in metal protection products supplied to automotive and industrial OEMs.
• Northern Technologies International Corporation (NTIC): Parent company of the Zerust/EXCOR joint venture network. Owns the proprietary VCI chemistry, global R&D, and patent portfolio that Zerust UK distributes. Comparable at the group level as the parent entity housing the underlying technology.

Regional players

• Antalis Packaging (VCI division): European packaging distributor offering VCI protective packaging solutions as part of a broader industrial packaging portfolio. Comparable in delivery to European metalworking customers but operates as a distributor rather than a proprietary chemistry developer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/zerustukltd

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

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