Mold Treatment

Pallet mold is fungal growth on wooden pallets or crates that causes contamination, product damage and compliance issues.

Mold thrives on wood packaging exposed to moisture and fluctuating temperatures. Moldy pallets and crates not only weaken structural integrity but can also spread spores onto products, creating odors, stains and hygiene risks. For companies shipping food, pharmaceuticals or consumer goods, pallet mold can quickly lead to rejected shipments, added costs and lost customer trust. Mold is also a red flag in export compliance, where untreated packaging may be blocked at customs. Proactive pallet mold solutions ensure safer shipments, protect brand reputation and maintain regulatory compliance.

Moldy pallets create supply chain inefficiencies, damage goods, increase costs and pose risks for compliance and worker safety.

Once mold appears, pallets may be rejected by retailers, distributors or customs inspectors, forcing costly repacking or disposal. Contaminated packaging can ruin shipments, especially sensitive items like food and pharmaceuticals and create health hazards for warehouse staff. Moldy pallets can also weaken customer relationships by leaving a poor impression on end-users. Addressing pallet mold at the source with preventative treatments reduces risk, improves efficiency and saves time and money across the supply chain. Companies that invest in consistent mold prevention programs experience fewer delays, smoother operations and higher long-term cost savings.

The most effective pallet mold solutions include heat treatment, kiln drying and mold-preventive coatings.

Heat treatment raises the wood’s core temperature to eliminate spores, while kiln drying reduces internal moisture content, making wood less hospitable to mold. For long-term protection, specialized surface treatments or coatings like our guaranteed PalletGuard™ treatment can add an extra layer of defense, particularly for crates or pallets shipped through humid regions. Combining these methods provides comprehensive control, ensuring that both pallets and crates remain clean and compliant throughout transit. Reliable pallet mold solutions also strengthen ESG performance by reducing waste and extending the usable life of wood packaging.

Industries like food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, retail and international shipping are most affected by pallet and crate mold.

Any business using wood packaging faces mold risks, but moldy pallets are especially problematic in industries where hygiene and quality are critical. Food and beverage companies risk contamination and spoilage. Pharmaceutical supply chains require absolute cleanliness and cannot tolerate mold exposure. Retailers and big box stores reject shipments on moldy pallets due to safety and image concerns. Export-heavy industries like agriculture, chemicals and manufacturing also face compliance issues, as many countries enforce strict pallet mold regulations. Investing in pallet mold solutions helps these industries reduce waste, maintain quality and strengthen their global supply chains.

Pallet mold treatments help businesses meet ISPM 15 export standards while preventing costly shipment rejections and protecting brand credibility.

Mold control is not just about cleanliness — it’s about meeting international packaging standards. ISPM 15 requires wooden pallets and crates to be heat treated or fumigated to prevent pests and mold risks in global trade. By investing in pallet mold treatments, companies ensure their packaging is compliant, reducing customs delays and rejections. Mold-free pallets also protect product quality during storage and transit, supporting reliable, on-time deliveries. Strong pallet mold prevention programs contribute to supply chain dependability and improve overall customer satisfaction by eliminating one of the most common hidden risks in logistics.