A proposal which threatened the competitiveness of the UK pallet industry has been discarded in favour of a “common sense” solution, according to the National Association of Pallet Distributors (NAPD).

The NAPD was concerned that a proposal by the Wood Marking Discussion Council (WMDC) for repairing export-bound pallets under Invasive Species and Pest Management 15 rules would mean whole pallets being re-kilned or re-fumigated if a single component was broken, even when the wood was already treated.

It said the plan would have required about 10 times the UK kiln capacity of cut boards. It may also have jeopardised wood pallets’ favourable position with government departments and companies, as repeated kilning would increase global warming.

The NAPD’s counter proposal, approved by WMDC, requires companies registered under the UK Forestry Commission Wood Marking Scheme to repair pallets with treated timber components and then destroy the original wood mark in favour of their own.

&#8220The thought of repairing and rekilning every pallet – from the energy costs alone – made it seem a little bit silly”

NAPD secretary Paul Tait

NAPD secretary Paul Tait said it was a sensible decision which encourages pallet reuse by keeping down costs and benefitting the environment.

He said: “The thought of repairing and rekilning every pallet – from the energy costs alone – made it seem a little bit silly.”