Why Do Mooncake Packaging Boxes Get Moldy? Analysis of the Reasons and Anti-mold Solutions for Mooncake Boxes
Date： Sep 04,2024
As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, there is a significant increase in the demand for mooncake boxes. However, many mooncake manufacturers have found that their mooncake boxes are moldy. As a result, they have contacted our team to provide mold removal treatment for the mooncake boxes.
To address this issue, we can analyze the materials and production processes of the mooncake boxes to identify the cause of mold growth and propose corresponding anti-mold solutions to prevent mooncake boxes from getting moldy. Below is the detailed analysis and recommendations.
1. Analysis of the Reasons for Mooncake Box Mold Growth
1.1 Material Factors
Paper Materials: Mooncake boxes are often made of materials such as cardboard, corrugated, paper, or recycled paper. These paper materials are prone to moisture absorption, especially in high humidity environments, where they absorb moisture from the air and become breeding grounds for mold growth.
Decorative Materials: High-quality mooncake boxes may incorporate decorative materials like silk, flannel, or metal, which are not easily cleaned and can foster mold growth when moist.
Glue and Adhesive: During the production of mooncake boxes, adhesives that contain moisture or organic substances may not dry completely, creating a damp environment inside the box that is conducive to mold growth.
1.2 Production Process Factors
Adhesive Bonding Process: The multi-layer material bonding of mooncake boxes typically involves a large amount of glue. If the next step is carried out before the glue has completely dried, the inner layers may develop mold due to incomplete evaporation of moisture.
Printing and Coating Process: The printing ink and coating process on the surface of mooncake boxes may contain a certain amount of moisture, especially when the production environment humidity is too high. Incompletely dried coatings may absorb moisture, leading to mold growth.
Inadequate Humidity Control: If the humidity in the production workshop is not properly controlled, especially during humid seasons or in humid regions, mooncake box materials are prone to absorbing moisture during the production process, increasing the risk of mold growth.
1.3 Packaging and Storage Factors
Sealed Packaging: Mooncake boxes typically used sealed packaging to protect the product. However, if the materials have already absorbed moisture before packaging, sealed packaging can actually prevent the dissipation of moisture, increasing the possibility of mold growth.
Lack of Moisture Prevention Methods: If desiccants or anti-mold chips are not placed in boxes during packaging, moisture inside the packaging cannot be effectively controlled, leading to mold growth.
Storage Environment: During storage, especially over extended periods, high humidity in the warehouse can cause the paper-based materials or mooncake boxes to absorb moisture, leading to mold growth.
2. Anti-mold Solutions
2.1 Anti-mold Solutions in Production
Using anti-mold adhesive: During the production process, it’s recommended to use glue containing anti-mold components. Mold growth can be inhibited by adding anti-mold agent to the adhesive, such as iHeir-JS anti-mold agent.
Enhancing the drying process: Ensure that mooncake boxes are thoroughly dried at every production step, especially after adhesive bonding and coating. Accelerate the drying process by using drying equipment to reduce residual moisture in the materials.
Controlling production environment humidity: Install dehumidification equipment in the production workshop to maintain humidity below 50% and prevent materials from absorbing moisture during the production process.
2.2 Anti-mold Solutions During Packaging
Placing Desiccants or Anti-mold Chips: When packaging mooncakes, iHeir-F series anti-mold desiccants or Power Pak potent anti-mold chips can be placed inside the packaging box to absorb moisture inside the package and create a sterile environment inside the package to prevent mold growth.
Choosing Moisture-proof packaging materials: Use packaging materials with good moisture-proof performance or treat existing materials to improve the mold resistance of the packaging box.
Avoid operating in humid environments: Carry out packaging in a low-humidity environment as much as possible to avoid materials absorbing moisture during the packaging process.
2.3 Anti-mold Measures in Storage and Transportation
Optimizing Storage Environment: Ensure that mooncake boxes are stored in a dry, well-ventilated warehouse, maintaining humidity levels below 50%, and regularly monitor the environmental humidity.
Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect the condition of mooncake boxes during storage. Treat them promptly when signs of mold are found to prevent the spread of mold.
3.Conclusion
By optimizing the production process, enhancing moisture-proof measures in packaging, and improving storage conditions, the mold growth on mooncake boxes can be effectively prevented. Additionally, the combined use of iHeir-JS adhesive anti-mold agent, iHeir F-series desiccants, or iHeir Power Pak potent anti-mold chips can further enhance mold prevention, ensuring the stable quality of mooncake boxes throughout the entire production, transportation, and storage process. This can prevent mold-related quality issues and safeguards the market reputation of the products.
