The incorporation of a synergistic combination of a boron-containing fungicide and an anhydride-functional polyolefin coupling agent during the manufacture of lignocellulosic based thermoplastic materials significantly increases their resistance to surface impairment caused by mold. The preferred amount is about 0.5 to 3 percent by weight of the coupling agent and about 0.5 to 3 percent by weight of the boron containing fungicide.