Wood pallets provide a number of benefits to companies today. For example, they are cost-effective and you can recycle them. However, it is important to use materials which do not offer risks to consumers and this is why heat treated pallets are popular with many businesses in Wisconsin. Here are some good reasons to consider these pallets for shipping.
What Does Heat Treatment Mean?
To heat treat pallets you place them in an oven or heating chamber at a temperature of 133 degrees Fahrenheit (56 degrees Celsius). They must remain in this heat for a minimum of a one-half hour. For some materials, the heating time is as much as fourteen hours. This complies with ISPM-15 Standards for heat treated pallets in Wisconsin.
What is ISPM-15?
The IPPC (International Plant Protection Conventions) created ISPM-15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures Number 15) for the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization. All hardwood and softwood packaging must have a special insignia or mark denoting heat treatment or fumigation to prevent pests like the Formosan termite from spreading to other countries.
Reasons to Heat Treat Pallets
Heat treating kills eggs from termites and prevents the Emerald Ash Borer and Asian Longhorned Beetle from ending up in other parts of the world. It also dries the wood and helps to prevent mold and mildew problems. This keeps materials fresh and clean.
Fumigation
You can use fumigated instead of heat treated pallets in Wisconsin. However, the fumigation method uses methyl bromide. This effectively kills all pests infesting wood. Yet, methyl bromide is toxic to people and animals, it can cause irritations and is not good for the ozone layer. If you use fumigated pallets for shipping your workers must wear protective gear when they handle them. This creates additional expenses and can result in work-related health problems if they do not follow proper procedures for handling.
