Is your shipping process at risk for mold?

Do you think your shipping process is safe from mold?

Well, consider this… there are four factors contributing to mold growth on wood pallets:

1. Food source
2. Oxygen
3. Moisture 
4. Temperature

Good news - not all pallets damaged by mold are ruined. Phew!

Unique Environments Invite Mold

If your company’s shipping protocols do not address the four issues listed above, then mold can be a problem. At Nelson Company, we often hear about mold issues and the unique environments that can cause mold growth.

One example is the mold found in sea containers.

When green pallets are closed up in a sea container for weeks, mold can grow rapidly. There is even a phenomenon called “container rain”. Container rain occurs when water drips from the ceiling of the sea container.

The excess water is caused by moisture that gets trapped inside the container as temperatures in the container rise. Condensation forms and water drips down on the product and the pallet. To combat this problem, many companies use desiccants (substances known to sustain dryness) inside containers to limit excess moisture and mold growth.

While there will almost always be loss associated with mold, not all pallets damaged by mold are ruined. With proper treatment you might be able to save moldy wood pallets. 

Which area of your shipping process is most vulnerable to mold? Share your story by commenting below.

Post by: Rich Reiher, Vice President of Sales