Plastic Pallets Resist Mold Growth Better than Wood

Plastic pallets are growing in popularity because mold and mildew on wooden pallets is becoming more and more of an issue for shippers and packagers throughout North America. Mold spores are everywhere in the air all the time - as many as 10,000 per cubic yard.

There are thousands of different species of molds that produce a variety of mold colors: blue, black, green, yellow, orange, red. Mold spores are constantly floating around and settling onto wood and other surfaces. Beyond damage to products at warehouses, mold problems at farms can ruin crops, hay and feed.

So... how does one work to prevent mold on wooden pallets?

First, work to reduce airborne spore density around your facilities. Second, consider the use of a fungicide dip treatment for your pallets or pallet parts. This dip treatment will not kill existing mold, but will act as a temporary barrier to any new mold growth. Third, store the pallets in a covered and well ventilated area. And fourth, keep pallets dry throughout the delivery and packaging processes.

There are also alternatives to the above mentioned steps. The use of kiln dried lumber that has a moisture content of 19% or below will not grow mold. Also, the use of other materials are becoming favorable alternatives. Both Plastic pallets and corrugated pallets are two potential options to utilize for both domestic and export shipments.

Remember that no wooden pallet can be guaranteed mold free. However, wooden pallets can be produced and maintained with no visible mold growth as long as the proper steps are taken. Plastic pallets, on the other hand, inherently resist mold growth better than wood.