Mold Prevention & Pallet Best Practices: Protecting Product Integrity from the Ground Up
Mold is one of the most common—and costly—challenges in palletized supply chains. When mold appears on pallets, it can quickly become a product issue, a customer concern, or even a rejected shipment. For industries like food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods, understanding how mold forms on pallets and how to prevent it is essential.
At Girard Wood Products, we work with customers to proactively address mold risk through smart pallet design, controlled manufacturing processes, and best-in-class handling practices. Mold prevention starts long before pallets ever reach a warehouse or loading dock.
What Causes Mold on Pallets?
Mold is a naturally occurring fungus that thrives in specific conditions. It does not weaken the structural integrity of a pallet—but it does raise red flags for quality, safety, and appearance.
Mold growth requires three primary elements:
- Moisture – Elevated wood moisture content or exposure to humid environments
- Warm temperatures – Typically between 70°F–100°F
- Time – Extended exposure to the right conditions
When these factors combine—especially during storage, transit, or ocean shipping—mold can develop on pallet surfaces.
Why Mold on Pallets Is a Serious Concern
Even though mold usually remains on the surface of wood, it can create downstream issues such as:
Rejected loads at distribution centers or ports
Concerns during customer or third-party audits
Product packaging contamination or staining
Delays, rework, or added inspection costs
In regulated or brand-sensitive industries, the appearance of mold can be just as damaging as actual contamination risk.
How New Pallets Help Reduce Mold Risk
New pallets manufactured under controlled conditions allow for better management of lumber moisture levels. At Girard, we focus on:
- Proper lumber selection
- Air-drying or kiln-drying strategies when required
- Diligent manufacturing processes
Lower and more consistent moisture content reduces the likelihood that mold will develop during storage or transit.
2. Clean Materials with No Prior Exposure
Used pallets may have been exposed to moisture, spills, or outdoor storage—factors that increase mold risk before a shipment even begins.
New pallets start clean, dry, and free from prior environmental exposure, giving shippers a better baseline for mold prevention.
3. Design Matters: Airflow & Drainage
Pallet design plays a critical role in mold prevention. Proper spacing between deck boards allows for:
Improved airflow
Faster moisture evaporation
Reduced water pooling
Girard’s in-house engineering team designs pallets with both load performance and environmental exposure in mind—especially for long transit times or humid conditions.
Best Practices for Mold Prevention Across the Supply Chain
Even the best pallet can develop mold if handled improperly. Mold prevention is a shared responsibility.
Storage & Handling Recommendations
Store pallets indoors whenever possible
Avoid ground contact or outdoor exposure
Rotate inventory using FIFO practices
Keep pallets away from standing water or condensation sources
Transit Considerations
Allow pallets and product to acclimate before stretch wrapping
Avoid wrapping warm products too tightly in humid conditions
Use ventilation or desiccants for ocean or long-haul shipments
Mold Prevention Is Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution
Different industries, climates, and shipping methods require different approaches. That’s why Girard Wood Products works closely with customers to evaluate:
Product sensitivity
Shipping duration and environment
Storage conditions
Automation or warehouse requirements
The goal is not just to build a pallet—but to build a pallet strategy that minimizes risk throughout the supply chain.
Reducing Risk Starts at the Base
Mold prevention doesn’t start at the destination—it starts at the foundation of your shipment. By choosing well-designed new pallets and following proper handling practices, businesses can significantly reduce mold risk, protect their products, and maintain customer confidence.
If mold prevention is a concern in your supply chain, Girard Wood Products is ready to help you build the right solution from the ground up.
Choose Girard for Your New Wood Pallet Needs
When your business depends on reliable shipping and storage solutions, trust Girard Wood Products, Inc. to deliver pallets that are built right the first time. Whether you need standard 48×40 pallets or a fully customized solution, our team has the technology, experience, and commitment to sustainability to support your operation for the long term.