18 WESTERN PALLET
pathogens internationally, but also to the reputation of the wood packaging industry versus competing materials.
“We want to make sure that all of these things are participating in a level playing field,” she said. Solid wood packaging’s greatest asset in terms of creating a level playing field is to make it equivalent functionally to all the other mediums through the application of ISPM-15, she continued. When ISPM-15 is followed, then there is no greater phytosanitary risk than with other materials such as plastic and cardboard.
In addition to ISPM-15, Greenwood commented briefly on hitchhiker species that can infest a pallet or container after treatment. She expressed her concerns about intricate plastic pallets that have a grid design that may make it more difficult for Customs inspectors to identify hitchhikers. She stated that she is not for or against any type of material used in shipping, but that some packaging - in this case, grid-style plastic pallets make the identification of hitchhikers more challenging. One thing that shippers are doing to reduce the challenge of hitchhiker pests is to control lights at night which attract problem insects.
Greenwood urged CWPCA to work with Canadian and U.S. border officials and agencies such as NAPPO and IPPC to stress the urgency of inspection to cut down on infractions that can damage not only forests but the wood packaging industry as well.
Unfathomable price shifts
Keta Kosman of Madison’s Lumber Reporter, discussed the lumber market, which she characterized as bananas. Having shifted so far from 2018’s record
Greenwood: Shippers are controlling their use of lighting to prevent attracting hitchhiker insects.