A breakthrough in mold and mildew prevention techniques could save shoe, clothing and leather goods manufacturers significant cost in spoiled product. The new mold prevention program from quality assurance specialist Bureau Veritas is already in use by some leading global retailers looking to reduce the cost of moldy products being shipped.

Mold growth can lead to textiles, clothes, shoes and other leather goods becoming discolored and cause products to smell. Mold spores can be toxic and represent a health hazard. Every year millions of dollars’ worth of products are rejected by retailers, or worse still returned by consumers, with the risk of litigation and damage to a company's reputation.

Problems can arise at any stage of the manufacturing and retail process, but often stem from humid conditions in factories and poorly ventilated warehousing and transport. Chemicals used to tackle and prevent mold face increasingly tight restrictions, with many now banned in the USA and Europe. Mold is therefore no longer simply an issue of spoiled appearance. It is a safety issue, and one facing stringent regulations.

To help address the problem, Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services, a leading provider of safety, compliance and quality assurance testing, inspection and certification services, has developed a mold prevention program focused around a factory assessment that examines and addresses areas for improvement of the conditions in which products are manufactured, stored and packed before shipment. The offering additionally includes product testing and educational seminars.

Chris Baird, Marketing Director at Bureau Veritas said, "Mold is a serious issue for retailers and manufacturers. It is estimated, for example, that five per cent of all shoes are rejected by retailers because of mold. The cause is often factories and assembly plants, particularly in Asia, which can become ideal breeding grounds for mold because of the warmth and high humidity. Our Factory Assessment and seminars address process management / improvement (QA) whilst our testing addresses product control (QC). The total solution therefore addresses root cause problems, ongoing validation and results in peace of mind and optimized profits for our clients."

For 36 years, Bureau Veritas has worked successfully with top manufacturers and retailers around the world to help them better manage risk and regulatory compliance.