Re: Letter by Mr Jim Hardisty, Goplasticpallets, HSS September Mr Hardisty clearly does not understand the rules of ISPM 15.
October 1st 2009 Dear Sir
Re: Letter by Mr Jim Hardisty, Goplasticpallets, HSS September Mr Hardisty clearly does not understand the rules of ISPM 15.
For clarity, ISPM 15 is a precautionary measure that demands a wholly manageable rise in the number of heat-treated pallets for use in supply chains out of Portugal. It is not a measure of quality (incidentally, TIMCON members adhere to a Code of Practice that means you can expect timber pallets from our members of the highest possible standard).
Furthermore, it is the Forestry Commission’s role to determine the rules of compliance to ISPM 15 in the U.K.; it is not TIMCON’s.However, we have consulted, and continue to consult, with the FC at every stage of the process.
We are delighted that a manufacturer of plastic pallets is finally willing to engage with us.
However, I would suggest that the fixation on the issue of ISPM 15 is merely a distraction. The most pressing questions remain unanswered by Mr Hardisty specifically and the plastic pallet industry in general.
These questions include: where is the evidence that fire retardant chemicals cannot migrate into food carried on these pallets? What are the risks posed by the use of the heavy metal cadmium? And, how is the integrity of plastic pallets compromised by the extremes of temperature found in a typical grocery cold chain? Given the well-documented flammability of plastic pallets, please can Mr.Hardisty explain the fire retardants that are present in his company’s pallets in order to reduce the risk of fire?
Timber is repairable, recyclable, environmentally friendly, has superior hygienic qualities and is far cheaper than plastics, which is why timber retains more than 90 per cent of the pallet market.No amount of incorrect and distracting information about ISPM15 from Mr.Hardisty will change these facts nor hide the serious economic and environmental drawbacks of plastic pallets.
Yours sincerely,
Stuart Hex, TIMCON secretariat More articles from Handling & Storage Solutions: | 
