How to Prevent Mould Growth on Wooden Pallets
Mould can grow and contaminate the products that are transported in pallets if preventive measures aren't taken to avert that growth of mould. This article discusses some of the common methods that can be used to prevent mould spores from germinating on wooden pallet used in pallet delivery. Use this information to select the most appropriate preventive measure for your application.
Heat Treatment
The presence of moisture plays a key role in creating conditions that favour the growth of mould in pallets. Drying the wood is therefore one of the ways by which mould can be kept at bay. The wood is placed in a kiln and dried until the moisture content of the wood reduces to the level specified as appropriate for preventing mould growth. However, moisture can still find its way onto kiln-dried wood as the pallets are transported or stored. This additional moisture can give mould spores an opportunity to germinate on the surface of the pallets.
Prophylactic Fungicides
Wood can be colonised by various species of fungi that are collectively called mould. That fungi can be prevented from growing by spraying the wood with fungicides as soon as the timber is cut. The timber can also be dipped in a solution of the fungicide. This chemical treatment usually involves the use of a combination of fungicides so that several species of fungi can be targeted. The treatment can remain effective for several months. However, some of the chemicals that are used during this treatment process may be unsuitable for certain industries, such as the food and pharmaceutical industries. It is therefore important to work with the pallet supplier so that you can select fungicides that will not pose any risks to your products.
Plant Extracts
It is also possible to protect wooden pallets from mould by using natural extracts from plants. These natural extracts include cinnamon oil. The substances are safer than the chemicals that are used to keep mould at bay. However, plant extracts have two major drawbacks. First, they tend to be more expensive than the chemical alternatives. This can raise the initial cost of a pallet. Secondly, the fungi that cause mould growths are so diverse that one plant extract may not be sufficient to keep them all at bay.
As you can see, each option has its own strengths and drawbacks. Discuss your needs with a pallet supplier so that he or she can help you to select the best mix of protective measures to keep your palletised products safe from mould infestation.
