This allows you to save money and conserve gas reserves. The most important thing here is proper storage.

Both untreated and heat-treated pallets have a wood moisture content of around 30–50%. This provides the perfect breeding ground for mould and blue stain fungi. If the pallets are stored in unfavourable conditions, mould infestation is almost inevitable.

• Mould requires wood moisture levels of over 20% to develop
• Warm temperatures of 20-35° promote growth
• as does a lack of air movement
• Heat in combination with high humidity and stagnant air can lead to significant mould growth

• enclosed spaces such as warehouses, containers, etc.
• insufficient distance between stacks
• wrapped in plastic film (if this is unavoidable for transport, the film must be removed immediately after unloading)

• Rain-protected, covered or semi-open storage areas are well suited
• Leave a gap of approx. 20 cm between individual stacks
• Ensure air circulation
• Ideally, the pallets should be able to dry without getting wet again

Outdoor storage should be preferred to storage in closed and unventilated rooms.

If the pallets are stored outside, they should be used within a year, otherwise the IPPC stamps will weather and the lower press blocks may absorb moisture and become porous if puddles form.

• Superficial mould and blue stain do not affect the technical properties of the wood.
• IPPC pallets have almost the same moisture content as fresh, untreated pallets.
• Only dry surfaces offer effective protection against fungal attack.
• Even dried goods (wood moisture max. 20%) should not get wet again.
• If a cardboard box is placed on a fresh or heat-treated pallet, it can be lined with PE film.
• If the pallets are wrapped in stretch film for transport, the film must be removed immediately afterwards.