Re: Letter by Mr Stuart Hex, TIMCON secretariat
October 1st 2009 Dear Sir
Re: Letter by Mr Stuart Hex, TIMCON secretariat
I’m fully aware of the ISPM15 regulations and I’m surprised that I need to once again reiterate my original point that neither Timcon nor the Forestry Commission is taking action to protect UK exporters, by controlling the repair and re-use of previously heat treated debarked (HTDB) wooden pallets. Again I recommend that all exporters to countries covered by ISPM15 use plastic pallets, rather than take the risk of having their consignments impounded on import, until Timcon and the FC take action on this matter.
Goplasticpallets.com is not a manufacturer, but is the UK’s largest distributor of plastic pallets and works with many of Europe’s most professional plastic pallet manufacturers. Again I reiterate that NONE of the plastic pallets Goplasticpallets.com supplies have deca bromine additives.
With regards to heavy metals in plastic pallets, this subject is covered by the 2004/12 EC Regulations 94/62E. All of our plastic pallets are manufactured in compliance with these regulations.
What I find most interesting is Mr Hex’s claim that timber “has superior hygienic qualities.” Perhaps Timcon should commission its own scientific study into this rather rash statement? Speaking to our clients in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, they are under immense pressure from both clients and statutory bodies to ensure that ONLY plastic pallets are used in areas where hygiene and food and drug safety are of major importance.
If Mr Hex wishes to continue replying by paraphrasing arguments from the US, then perhaps he should mention their concern over composite blocks in wooden pallets, which contain urea-formaldehyde, or concerns over the anti-stain treatment of timber prior to shipment to the UK?
Finally, as we move into the second decade of the 21st Century, it is perhaps time that Timcon realises that plastic pallets are here to stay, supremely more consistent, more hygienic and longer lasting than wooden alternatives.
Yours sincerely,
Jim Hardisty,Managing director
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