Shelf life and storage
Paper products lose hand feel and print sharpness once they take up moisture. In moist towelettes the aluminium layer in the pack holds the moisture in, and if that layer is damaged the towelette dries out. Wood and bamboo risk mould in damp conditions. All three want a dry, cool, shaded store.
What to watch, per product
What the aluminium layer does
The foil layer in the pack is a moisture barrier. If it is damaged the lotion evaporates over time and the product dries out. This is why cartons should not be crushed or stacked against anything that can pierce them.
First in, first out
Stock rotation is simple and the most neglected step. When new cartons go in front of old ones, the older batch stays at the back. Writing the delivery date on the carton and filling the shelf from behind solves it.
Off the floor
Cartons set directly on concrete draw moisture upward. Pallets or shelving make a visible difference, particularly in coastal and basement stores.
Fading on printed goods
Printed product on a shelf in direct sun fades over time. For a display sample that is acceptable; for stock it is not.
Frequently asked
- Do napkins have an expiry date?
- They carry no food-style expiry, but poor storage degrades hand feel and appearance.
- How long do moist towelettes last?
- The period stated by the manufacturer from date of production. As long as pack integrity holds, that period is reliable.
Last updated: 2026-09-13