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38 PalletCentral • July-August 2020 palletcentral.com BLOG FROM NATURE'S PACKAGING THE IMPORTANCE OF WOOD PALLET MARKINGS AND COLOR I n the modern supply chain, there is considerable potential for the use of smart pallets – Internet of Things (IoT) technology-enabled wood pallets capable of transmitting valuable data. Already, some pallets carry sensors that aid in geo-location but they also track other environmental conditions or events such as temperature, humidity, and shock. Many experts believe that such technologies will enable real transparency in the supply chain in terms of end-to-end visibility. The role of pallets in communicating vital information is not a new one. They always tell us something. Pallet stamps or colors can disclose information such as the pallet owner or the specific type of wood pallet. In the case of ISPM 15, a stamp also informs global supply chain participants that the pallet meets international phytosanitary requirements. Pallet users, administrators, and customs officials continue to benefit from the information in wood pallet markings and colors. By understanding the markings, even craft enthusiasts and the public can appreciate the essential role of the pallet in global commerce. Check out a stack of empty pallets at your local retailer to really grasp the international flavor of goods that services the store. ISPM 15 Markings Countries of origin are part of the ISPM 15 stamp. At a grocery store, look for country codes such as MX (Mexico), CR (Costa Rica), or AR (Argentina) that have brought fresh products from abroad. And, you will likely see pallets from IT (Italy) or ES (Spain) at the tile and marble store. The ISPM 15 mark certifies that the wood pallets have been treated to prevent the international transmission of invasive species. ISPM stamps are also critical in tracing back any non-compliance situations to the pallet supplier. The ISPM 15 stamp must include the certifying agency, country of origin, the numeric code of the pallet producer, and the treatment method. For example, "HT" signifies that the pallet or the wood used has been heat treated according to international standards. Stamps and Brands Pallet stamps and brands can also signify different pallet models or sizes. The CP (chemical) pallet pool, for example, includes nine different models (CP1 through CP9) to meet the needs of the industry. The stamps may also indicate the pallet owner or pallet pool name. Some reusable pallet program administrators require supplier and production date information so they can monitor pallet quality and durability. Wood pallets may also include residual markings such as grade stamps from the lumber used to manufacture them. Color Meanings You may wonder about pallets painted a specific color. Some major pallet rental companies use this approach. Aside from marketing purposes, color helps the material handling personnel quickly identify pallets for sorting, selecting the appropriate pallet for load building, or making it easier to take inventory of pallets in higher racks. While the future is brimming with pallets and IoT potential, they can already tell us quite a bit. The next time you pass a stack, take a moment to check them out for the specific markings discussed above. They have quite a story to share. Nature's Packaging® is a collaborative project of the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association, the Canadian Wood Pallet & Container Association, and the Western Pallet Association. Funded by the Pallet Foundation, the project delivers sound, fact-based materials on the environmental opportunities associated with wood packaging selection decisions. Wood packaging is the most recycled, most sustainable packaging product on the planet. Companies are well aware of their packaging options. Wood remains dominant because companies value wood's unique combination of durability, customization, cost efficiency, safety, and its unparalleled environmental attributes. Learn more at NaturesPackaging.org.

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