A Little Mold on Pallets
Is just a little mold OK on wood pallets?
That depends... on the application and customer preferences.
When to be Concerned about Pallet Mold
Consider the Application
A primary concern is the potential for moldy pallets to contaminate the products that are shipped on them. Yuck. Beyond the gross factor, food or pharmaceutical products can become a real safety issue for consumers. That’s a big problem.
Consider the Customer
On the other hand, many industries store their goods on pallets outdoors. They’re simply accustomed to dealing with a little mold and other factors that occur naturally in that environment. Think products for the garden or building materials. Mold here is usually not a big deal.
But how does the Mold Get on the Pallets?
Moisture. Most pallets in the US are produced from green lumber (30-40% moisture content). All that moisture means mold spores are present everywhere. Reducing moisture is the key to controlling mold. Don’t despair too much. Green lumber pallets start drying out just as soon as they are produced.
Is the potential of a little mold on pallets a problem for your application? Not sure? Let’s connect. We can help you understand the risks for your product and packaging.