About Regulatory Requirements for Plastic Pallets
The use of plastic pallets instead of wood has become almost a standard when packaging products governed by the ISPM 15 requirements packaging. Plastic is one of the alternative materials that are exempt from the ISPM 15. The regulation is a phytosanitary measure issued internationally by the IPPC (the International Plant Protection Convention). Phytosanitary measures are necessary in the prevention of the spread or introduction of pests to plants and plant products. The requirements for plastic used in pallets includes a detailed allowance for regulated metals in the plastic and available partial exemptions as well.
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History
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Alternative products for packaging and shipping have been part of a growing industry since the late 60s. With the adoption of the ISPM 15 by Europe and the United States agreeing to implement the same standards, the industry of manufacturing plastic pallets began to grow explosively. Many companies soon discovered the cost saving benefits of using a packaging material that was recyclable and withstood time and the impact of handling far better then the wood pallets that had been the standard.
Facts
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While plastic pallets are considered to be a preferred solution to packing and shipping, it may not be necessary for your company to use plastic pallets. If the packaging you are currently using was made on or before December 31, 1994, was placed on the market on or before December 31, 1999, or is entirely made from lead crystal, you do not have to replace that packaging with plastic pallets.
If you are a pallet manufacturer, there are specific guidelines available that detail the parts per million restriction of lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium allowed under the international requirements. In general, none of those materials may exist in your product in amounts greater than 100ppm. -
Considerations
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Before you order replacements for all your packaging, or change how you manufacture your plastic pallets, you should be aware that in some instances you may apply for a partial exemption from the requirements.
If your product was manufactured with more than 100ppm of any of the regulated metals, you can still place them on the market or use them if they are clearly marked as containing those elements, were manufactured in a controlled recycling process and contain less than 20% virgin plastic, and are used in controlled systems in which 90% are returned.
Those partial exemptions are considered only to be allowed until March 4, 2009. After that date, all product manufactured or used should be in compliance with the international requirements.
Benefits
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The two main benefits of using plastic pallets are that they allow you to meet EU and IPPC regulatory requirements, and they provide tremendous savings to your company. Plastic pallets are more economical then wood because they are 100% recyclable and reusable. Plastic materials have a longer life then wood and your company will see a savings not only in the time spent in pallet repair, but in ordering new pallets and disposal of the old. The durability of a plastic pallet means your product may be better protected during storage and shipping then if it were contained on a wooden pallet.
Unlike wood pallets, plastic pallets are not affected by weather, insects, or fungus. Cleaning and sanitizing the pallets for reuse is a simple and affordable process. Plastic pallets can be ordered in different colors, custom sizes and interlocking styles.
Potential
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The plastic pallet regulations apply internationally. Any company shipping product that needs to use plastic pallets to meet the requirements must purchase or rent the plastic pallets to do so. This could be a means of allowing your company to overhaul the inventory system that is currently being used. By using color specific pallets for specific orders or product types your inventory control system could be made highly efficient. The use of assigned colors could also mean that visual inspections of orders and summary counts would become more efficient as well.
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Resources
- Photo Credit J.H. Nunn Associates
