What is Heat Treatment (HT)?

Heat Treatment (HT), internationally represented by the HT stamp code, is one of the safest and most eco-friendly methods for sanitizing wooden packaging. This process is mandated by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) under the ISPM-15 guidelines to ensure that solid timber used in global logistics is free from wood-boring pests, fungi, and agricultural diseases.

How Does Heat Treatment Work in Kilns?

Heat treatment involves exposing raw timber packaging to a strictly monitored heating cycle inside industrial kilns:

  • Core Wood Temperature: The temperature of the thickest part of the wooden boards (the core) must reach at least 56°C.
  • Minimum Duration: This core temperature must be maintained continuously for at least 30 minutes to ensure the destruction of all insect life stages (eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults).
  • Moisture Reduction: The high temperatures in the kiln also help reduce wood moisture content below 19%, preventing mold and fungal growth during shipping.

Advantages of Heat Treated Pallets

Heat treatment offers significant operational and environmental advantages:

  • 100% Eco-Friendly: No chemical additives or toxic gases are used. It preserves the ozone layer and simplifies timber recycling.
  • Safe for Food & Pharma: Since it leaves no chemical residues, HT pallets are the standard choice for shipping food and pharmaceutical products.
  • Better Mechanical Strength: Thermal drying reduces the weight of the pallet by extracting excess moisture, cutting cargo weight costs and strengthening the structure.

Compliance Requirements for Global Export

To satisfy international customs, HT pallets must meet two main criteria:

  • The IPPC Stamp: Each pallet must be stamped with the official IPPC logo, country code, manufacturer registration number, and the HT symbol.
  • Phytosanitary Certification: Official certificates are issued by agricultural quarantine authorities based on the electronically recorded kiln data.

At El Negma Pallets Factory, we operate advanced, electronically controlled heat treatment chambers that ensure full compliance with the ISPM-15 standard, delivering certified pallets ready for direct export.