Wooden pallets are some of the most widely used shipping containers in the world today. They make loading and unloading trucks faster and easier. This increases efficiency and lowers the cost of consumer goods. However, some of these pallets use wood that has been treated with heat and here are some important reasons for using heat treated pallets in Wisconsin.
What is Heat Treatment?
In order to heat treat lumber, it must be kept at a temperature of at least 56 degrees Celsius (133 F) for one-half hour or longer. This changes the structure of the wood and kills many kinds of parasites and insects. This follows the ISPM-15 rule. ISPM stands for “International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures”, and it covers wood materials (with a thickness of six millimeters or more) shipped to other countries.
Do All Pallets Need Heat Treatment?
Not all pallets have to be heat treated pallets in Wisconsin. However, if you are shipping to other countries, it’s important to use heat treated lumber to eliminate transferring insects and microorganisms. If not, you could face penalties.
Benefits
One of the most important benefits of heat treatment is to kill insects and insect larvae. It also helps to kill mold, mildew, and bacteria that could contaminate the wood. The heat treating not only kills insects, it makes the wood less susceptible to infestation afterward.
Eco-Friendly
You can comply with ISPM-15 standards by using chemicals but heat treating in Wisconsin is the safest method. No chemicals are used, so the heat treated pallets are safe to handle.
Wood Rot
Some kinds of wood rot easily when exposed to moisture. However, when you heat treat it, it is less likely to rot, and you’ll enjoy a longer service life. Treating the wood with heat removes some of the moisture, and that is why it can protect it from rot.
