Short answer: Store charcoal dry, off the floor and away from heat and humidity, in its original sealed packaging. Moisture is the main risk, because it slows ignition, adds weight and can weaken the cubes.
Good charcoal can be spoiled in a poor warehouse. Storage costs little to get right.
Keep it dry
Charcoal takes up moisture from the air and from wet floors. Extra moisture:
- Slows ignition, so a cube takes longer to reach a steady glow.
- Adds weight, so you pay freight on water.
- Can weaken cubes, which then crack or crumble.
- Can cause mould on cartons and packaging.
Keep cartons closed until needed, and reseal opened packs. Moisture is reported on the specification, usually as received, so a sample that has been stored badly will not match it.
Where to store
- Off the floor. Use pallets or shelves, not bare concrete.
- Away from walls and leaks. Check for roof leaks and condensation.
- Cool and ventilated. Avoid direct sun and areas near heaters or ovens.
- Away from strong smells. Charcoal can pick up odours from chemicals and fuels.
Handling
- Do not drop cartons or stack them above the height printed on them.
- Do not use cartons that are soft, wet or crushed. Check the cubes before you sell them.
- Keep dust and broken pieces out of retail packs.
Stock rotation
Rotate stock first in, first out. Mark the batch or production date on the master carton so you can trace a complaint to a batch. Ask the supplier for a recommended storage period for your climate rather than assuming one.
Fire safety
Charcoal can retain heat. Never store or ship charcoal that has been burned or wetted and dried again, and follow local fire regulations for your warehouse. For sea freight, charcoal can be subject to dangerous-goods rules, covered in shipping charcoal by sea.
Check what you receive
When a shipment arrives, open a few cartons and check them against your approved reference sample for size, finish and breakage. Our guide to evaluating a sample lists what to look at.
At Aero Charcoal
Specifications are verified per batch against the agreed parameters, and packaging is agreed before production. For storage advice for your market, contact our team.
