...And the letter in response from Goplasticpallets.com
August 20th 2009 Dear Sir
Re: Wood you agree? Handling & Storage Solutions Jul/Aug 2009
In response to the letter by Stuart Hex, TIMCON secretariat, dated August 17, it appears TIMCON has missed the point of our article and the context in which we are discussing heat-treated wooden pallets. We were not implying that every pallet in the UK must be heat-treated, but rather pallet users should be aware of the potential dangers of heat-treated pallets used for export.
Goplasticpallets.com appreciates that TIMCON represents the old guard of timber packaging manufacturers and as such is in dialogue with the European Commission regarding the proposed extension of ISPM 15 to all movements of timber pallets and packaging across national borders within the EU. However, the delay in implementing ISPM15 regulations in Portugal to 2010, to allow for a sufficient build up of ISPM15 certified products, does raise the question whether things are moving quickly enough?
Despite the increasing number of countries introducing ISPM15 measures, many exporters are still using ‘used’ wooden pallets, which although bearing an ISPM15 approved mark, could in fact have been repaired using non heat-treated timber. Surely these wooden pallets should not be considered compliant. TIMCON has failed to take any action regarding this situation, which poses a considerable threat to exports and could leave clients’ goods trapped at ports of entry.
Furthermore, we would expect TIMCON, as an association for timber packaging manufacturers, to be advising users to be vigilant for mould, splinters and weakening timber, and to only use heat-treated debarked wooden pallets, which have been treated, marked and supplied by the same company.
With regards to TIMCON’s reference to questions raised in the US about the use of deca bromine in plastics, we would like to point out that NONE of our manufacturers use deca bromine or any other such additives in their plastic pallets. Equally, there is absolutely no evidence that the fire retardants can migrate into goods used in food supply chains.
Plastic pallets are suitable for hygienic areas, easily cleaned and are not affected by the cross-contamination issues from mould and dust inherent in wooden pallets.
Goplasticpallets.com maintains that plastic pallets offer the only guaranteed method of avoiding the problems associated with ISPM15. Predominantly made from recycled materials, plastic pallets can be recycled at the end of their long and effective life and should be seen as the future for trouble-free exports and long-term use.
Yours sincerely,
Jim Hardisty,
Managing Director of Goplasticpallets.com
Read the article in question here
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