Boveda

Boveda humidity regulator is a two-way brown sachet that maintains a constant relative humidity in a closed container. The sachets for plant material come in two levels, 58% and 62%, and in three sizes: 4 g, 8 g, and 67 g.

The sachet requires no activation or maintenance. You simply place it in an airtight jar along with the material and close the lid, while the solution inside takes care of the rest.

Boveda Brand

The company was founded in 1997 under the name Humidi-Pak. Its first task was to protect cigars in humidors, where sponges and one-way humidifiers were previously used. The name Boveda comes from Spanish and means treasury.

Today, Boveda sachets protect cigars, wooden musical instruments, food, and other moisture-sensitive items. The number printed on the sachet indicates the target relative humidity, so a different level is chosen for each application.

The sachets for herbs and plant material have been moved to a separate brand, Vivi, where the same product is called Vivi Fresh. The name and packaging have changed, but the composition and function remain the same.

Boveda humidity regulator: how it works both ways

A regular moisture absorber works in one direction: it removes water until the contents dry out. The Boveda sachet targets a specific value and strives for it from both sides. It releases moisture when the material is too dry and absorbs excess moisture when it is too humid.

Inside is a solution of table salt in purified water with the addition of a food thickener. The patented membrane allows water vapor to pass through but retains liquid, so the contents of the sachet do not wet the material.

The manufacturer states that the accuracy of maintaining humidity is ±2%. A constant value is important because overly dry material crumbles and loses aroma, while too humid material can mold.

58% or 62%

At 62%, the material retains a bit more water and remains more elastic, while at 58% it is slightly drier.

In the current line, the manufacturer uses 58% in small sachets for personal jars and 62% in larger ones intended for bigger supplies. The larger sachet penetrates a large mass of material better, so even the flowers at the bottom of the container remain fresh.

If you have no personal preferences, stick to this division. If you prefer softer material, choose 62% even for a small jar, and if drier, go for 58% even for a large container.

How to choose the size of the sachet

The size is chosen based on the amount of material in the container, not the capacity of the jar itself. The manufacturer provides the following matching:

• 4 g sachet protects up to 15 g of material, which is the content of one small jar
• 8 g sachet protects up to 30 g of material
• 67 g sachet protects up to 500 g of material and is intended for large containers

These are guidelines, not strict boundaries. With a smaller amount of material, the sachet simply works longer, and with a larger amount, it wears out faster. If the supply exceeds the range of one sachet, place two in the container or choose a larger size.

You can find jars and containers where the sachet works best in the Storage category.

How to use and when to replace the sachet

Remove the sachet from the foil, place it in the container with the material, and close it tightly. Do not cut or tear the brown sachet. In an open jar or an unsealed bag, the sachet works against the entire room and depletes quickly.

The manufacturer recommends replacing it every three months. In practice, the sachet works for two to six months, depending on the airtightness of the container and how often you open it. Hardening at the corners is normal, and you can tell a used sachet by its hardness across the entire surface.

A used sachet cannot be recharged. An unopened sachet in its original packaging remains usable for up to two years. You can read more about storage conditions in the guide how to store material.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Boveda sachet humidify dried-out material?

Yes. The regulation works both ways, so the sachet will release moisture to the dried material and bring it to the level printed on the packaging. The manufacturer states that this usually takes from 24 to 48 hours, depending on the degree of dryness. The sachet contains a solution of table salt, and the membrane retains liquid, so the material is not soaked.

How many sachets do I need?

One per container, if the amount of material fits within the size range: 4 g for 15 g, 8 g for 30 g, and 67 g for 500 g of material. For larger supplies, add a second sachet or choose a larger size. The size is chosen based on the amount of material, not the capacity of the jar.

Can the sachet lie directly on the material?

Yes, the sachet is placed in the container together with the material. The membrane only allows water vapor to pass through, so the liquid does not come into contact with the contents. The condition is that the sachet is whole and undamaged, and if it breaks, discard it along with the contents of the container. Do not cut or tear the sachets, and after removing them from the foil, place them in a tightly sealed container.

Why is the smell weaker after opening the jar?

The manufacturer explains this by a thin layer of water vapor that surrounds the surface of the flowers and limits the evaporation of essential oils. The aroma remains in the material and returns when grinding, instead of escaping into the air above the contents of the jar. Close the container with the sachet tightly, as the sachet depletes quickly in an open jar.

What is the difference between Boveda and Vivi Fresh?

Nothing except the name and packaging. The manufacturer moved the sachets for herbs and plant material to the new brand Vivi, and Vivi Fresh is the same product with the same parameters. The sachet is not intended for consumption, so in both versions, keep it out of reach of children and pets.