Bio-Based Anti-Rust Solutions: BioCorr® Rust Preventive and EcoLine® 3690
Manufacturers everywhere face the same dilemma: how to keep metal parts corrosion-free without defaulting to heavy petroleum oils that slow downstream work and undercut sustainability goals. Cortec® Corporation has invested decades into solving that tension. Two flagship bio-based offerings—BioCorr® Rust Preventive and EcoLine® 3690—show how to secure strong corrosion protection while improving environmental and worker-safety profiles. This article explains where each product shines, how they differ, and practical tips for deploying them on the shop floor.
Why bio-based rust prevention?
Corrosion is a direct cost—scrap, rework, late shipments, warranty claims—and an indirect one through housekeeping and compliance burdens. Traditional oil-based preventives work, but they often leave oily residues, require solvent cleanup, and add disposal complexity. Bio-based chemistries let operations keep performance high while easing cleanup and aligning with ESG expectations. Cortec pairs plant-derived carriers with corrosion-inhibiting know-how to protect multiple metals during storage and shipment—without the drawbacks of conventional oils.
BioCorr® Rust Preventive: Clean, water-based protection for storage and shipment
What it is. BioCorr Rust Preventive is a water-based, biobased, biodegradable rust inhibitor designed for preserving metals during indoor storage and transport. It’s presented as an environmentally sound alternative to petroleum-derived products and arrives ready-to-use. Critically, it can provide up to two years of indoor protection, and when combined with VpCI® packaging, it extends protection during shipments.
Why it’s operator-friendly. Unlike many rust-preventive oils, BioCorr leaves a virtually undetectable dry film, helping keep the workplace clean and simplifying prep before painting or assembly. Being biodegradable and VOC-free minimizes disposal burdens and improves EHS profiles.
Ideal applications. Use BioCorr for machined components, stampings, and assemblies that will dwell indoors—whether in WIP racks, centralized warehouses, or kits awaiting shipment—especially when downstream processes benefit from a clean, dry surface. Pairing BioCorr-treated parts with VpCI packaging adds a protective envelope for the transit leg.
EcoLine® 3690: Bio-based temporary coating for high-humidity and coastal challenges
What it is. EcoLine 3690 is a biobased, ready-to-use temporary coating formulated for severe marine and high-humidity conditions. It’s based on canola oil, contains USDA-certified biobased content (72%), and participates in the USDA BioPreferred® Program – Mandatory Federal Purchasing Initiative. The coating forms an oily film that does not dry, offering a persistent barrier against moisture in demanding environments. It provides multi-metal protection and is temperature-stable to 180 °F (82 °C).
In this context, consider EcoLine 3690 as an indoors protective temporary coating that delivers more robust corrosion protection—particularly helpful for facilities in coastal regions or locations with elevated humidity—while parts are staged, stored, or awaiting further processing indoors.
Think non-conditioned indoor storage near seaports; indoor staging bays where salt-laden air infiltrates; or coastal plants where frequent condensation cycles occur on colder metal surfaces. In these scenarios, EcoLine 3690’s nondrying film provides an extra margin of protection compared to dry-film preventives. Also for components that would benefit from a lower friction oily film (protection of moving parts or steel cables).
BioCorr vs. EcoLine 3690: Choosing the right tool for the job
| Criteria | BioCorr® Rust Preventive | EcoLine® 3690 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary setting | Indoor storage and in-transit protection (especially when paired with VpCI® packaging) | Indoor storage & staging in high-humidity/coastal facilities |
| Film character | Water-based; dries to a nearly invisible, clean film | Biobased oil; nondrying oily film for a persistent barrier |
| Protection focus | Clean, dry-film corrosion protection for parts headed to assembly/finishing | Extra margin of protection where indoor humidity, salt-air infiltration, or frequent condensation cycles are common |
| Typical metals | Multi-metal | Multi-metal |
| Sustainability | Water-based, biobased, biodegradable; low/zero VOC handling benefits | USDA BioPreferred®-certified biobased content (brand owned by the U.S. Department of Agriculture) |
| Thermal considerations | Geared to ambient indoor storage/shipping needs | Temperature-stable up to ~180 °F (82 °C) |
| Removal / downstream finishing | Often paint/assembly-ready with minimal cleanup | Requires a degreasing/wash step before finishing |
| Pairing & process tips | Pair with VpCI® packaging to control the micro-environment during transit | Establish reapplication checks for long indoor staging in humid/coastal zones |
| Best for | Machined parts, stampings, assemblies needing clean, dry storage and smooth handoff to finishing or shipment | Components staged indoors at coastal plants (e.g., gearboxes, valves, fabricated steel) needing tougher temporary protection |
| Rule of thumb | Choose when you want clean, dry-film protection and easy downstream processing | Choose when indoor humidity and salt-laden air threaten to outpace dry-film preventives inside the facility |
The bottom line
Cortec’s bio-based lineup shows you don’t have to choose between protection and sustainability. BioCorr brings clean, water-based, dry-film prevention to indoor storage and shipment, while EcoLine 3690—still used indoors—adds a tougher, nondrying barrier when coastal or high-humidity conditions threaten to outpace ordinary measures. Together, they enable a pragmatic, lower-impact corrosion strategy that cuts rework, streamlines cleanup, and supports procurement programs that recognize certified biobased content.
BioCorr®, EcoLine®, VpCI® and Cortec® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cortec Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
“USDA BioPreferred” and the “USDA Certified Biobased Product” label are owned by the U.S. Department of Agriculture; the certification mark indicates USDA has verified the product’s biobased content percentage.