Producing and shipping quality products on time is a challenge in any industry. The last thing you want to have happen is that the goods arrive at destination covered with mold. How could such a thing happen? Who is responsible for this? Why did it happen, and most importantly, how can you avoid this in the future?
At Micro-Pak®, these are the issues they deal with every day. Below is a brief introduction as to how you and other suppliers can avoid mold and moisture issues.
UNDERSTANDING THE LINK
First, it is important to understand that mold and moisture are linked. Mold spores are everywhere, but mold needs moisture to grow. Sometimes, the ambient humidity is sufficient for mold growth, and other times, there are outside issues. In any case, to ensure that your goods arrive as intended, it is important to deal with both mold and moisture.
NATURALLY OCCURRING
Mold is a natural and important part of the environment. Without mold, the process of decomposition and regeneration would come to a halt (or be radically different). That being said, we need to control the level of mold in our work areas and, ultimately, on our products. There is no “magic bullet” in preventing mold, and the mold prevention process is a series of steps.
PREVENTION STRATEGY
To control mold in factories, there needs to be an organized program for maintaining cleanliness of buildings, proper storage, checking of materials, and a review of manufacturing processes as well as checking how finished goods are stored before shipment.
Different industries (i.e. garments, footwear, bags, toys, food, pharma, etc) all have their special characteristics, and Dri Clay® Kraft can capture protocols for each particular process.
Likewise, moisture control in the manufacturing process is also dependent on the articles being produced. Is water used in manufacturing? Are adhesives a key part of the process? Are components kiln dried?
There is no one size fits all approach, and Dri Clay® desiccants allow customers the ability to focus on the product to determine the most practical and low cost approach. Once the item is loaded into the container, it will undergo considerable changes in humidity as the vessel makes its way to the final destination. This part of the supply chain is, therefore, particularly important. Micro-Pak® are an Eco-friendly, non-toxic and economical solution for maximum moisture protection for your cargo at the lowest cost to you, and the planet!
EVALUATE & REGULATE
The produced item should be packed with an anti-microbial device, and Dri Clay® bentonite clay Kraft desiccants will create an atmosphere that will actively eliminate mold spores. These Eco-friendly, all-natural, non-toxic, biodegradable desiccants will lower the humidity or moisture level inside the package to prevent the growth of mold spores.
Factors such as factory organization, production control, and technical analysis combined with the use of anti-microbials or desiccants are all essential steps in mold prevention.
When it comes to protecting your brand, be sure to select Dri Clay® products to protect your valuables as it travels along supply chains.
