ISPM-15 requires wood packaging materials used in international trade to be treated against pests. Two methods are approved: heat treatment (HT) and methyl bromide fumigation (MB). While both achieve compliance, they differ significantly in safety, environmental impact, and practicality.
Heat treatment involves raising the core temperature of the wood to 56°C (132.8°F) for a minimum of 30 minutes. This is done in specialized kilns that can process large batches of pallets simultaneously. The heat kills insects, larvae, and pathogens without any chemicals.
Methyl bromide fumigation involves exposing pallets to methyl bromide gas in an enclosed chamber. The gas penetrates the wood and kills pests through toxicity. It's effective, but it comes with significant drawbacks.
The environmental case against methyl bromide is strong. It's a potent ozone-depleting substance — 60 times more destructive than chlorine-based compounds. The Montreal Protocol has phased it out for most uses, though ISPM-15 treatment remains one of the few exemptions.
From a health perspective, methyl bromide is classified as a hazardous substance. Workers handling fumigated pallets may be exposed to residual gas, and the fumigation process itself requires specialized safety equipment and trained operators.
An increasing number of countries are restricting or banning methyl bromide fumigation. The EU, Australia, Canada, and several Asian countries either prohibit MB-treated imports or require additional documentation. Choosing heat treatment avoids these complications entirely.
At Riverside Pallet Co., we use heat treatment exclusively. It's safer for our workers, better for the environment, accepted worldwide, and produces no chemical residues on the pallets. For us, the choice is clear — and we believe it should be for the entire industry.