As a business that provides quality shipping for pharmaceutical products, you want to make sure that your wooden pallets are of the highest quality. There are several strict requirements for the condition of wooden pallets to keep pharmaceutical products safe from contamination. Continue reading below to find out why your pallet matters for pharmaceutical transportation.

Wooden Pallet and Pharmaceutical Industries Working Together

One of the first concerns for using wooden pallets to transport pharmaceuticals is the complaints and claims that wooden pallets carry contaminants such as bacteria and mold, resulting in musty smells on the product. Testing found that this was not generally from mold but rather anti-mold pesticides used on the wood. The pharmaceutical industry has worked with the wooden pallet industry to develop controls to ensure these pallets would be safe to use. These protocols are also known as Good Distribution Practices (GDP). A huge part of why your pallet matters for pharmaceutical transportation is so that you don’t lose business with the industry. For pharmaceutical transportation, you will need to use pallets from a manufacturer that is diligent about their methods for eliminating risks of taints.

Quality Control for Refurbished Pallets

For refurbished pallets to be suitable for pharmaceutical transportation, they must meet the proper controls. These standards involve avoiding chemical treatment, handling raw materials and pallet components properly to prevent cross contamination, and thorough inspections. They undergo inspection when they come in and throughout the disassembly, reassembly, and repair process. Any contaminated pallets are set aside for cleaning. They must be clear of contaminants such as grease, chemicals, dirt, and insects. They will also go through the ISPM-15 process, which involves heating the wood to a temperature that kills potential pest infestation.

Mold Growth Prevention

One of the primary reasons that mold is unacceptable in pallets containing pharmaceuticals is that buyers will likely reject the products. Therefore, mold on your pallets is simply a bad practice. It is best to dry the wood pallets to a moisture content under 19 percent. Hardwood pallets can be air- or kiln-dried after their assembly to reach the desired moisture content—one that will be too low to allow any mold to grow. A company can also treat the wood with a mold inhibitor to further prevent mold growth.

Storage of Wooden Pallets

Another helpful way to ensure your wooden pallets will be acceptable for pharmaceutical transportation is to store them properly. The environment needs to have a dry, well-ventilated atmosphere to prevent moisture exposure. Store the pallets indoors as much as possible, and make sure your space is free of pests. Make sure the pallet providers use clean trailers and flatbeds when delivering the pallets to you.
First Alliance Logistics Management is a leading wooden pallet supplier in the industry. Visit our site to find pallets produced following all regulations to ensure products of the highest quality.