The bacteria which causes Pinking flourishes in warm, moist environments where they have a food source. For example, if a boat cushion is wet in its interior then any bacterial spores which land on or near the stitching of cushions or were already present at the time of manufacturing will start to grow if they find a food source and its warm enough. The food source for the bacteria which causes pinking can be sun tan oils, sunscreen, human body oils or other oils which are deposited inside the cushion at the time of manufacture.