Drying
Controlled drying and HT treatment of wooden pallets
Dry, stable and export-ready
Controlled drying according to the ISPM 15 standard
A well-dried pallet is a reliable pallet. At Van Gaeveren, we therefore attach just as much importance to our drying process as to the production itself. In our own drying chambers, pallets undergo a controlled HT program according to the international ISPM 15 standard and are further dried to a very low moisture content.
The result is a pallet that is resistant to mould and harmful organisms, remains dimensionally stable, and crosses borders without issues. With a capacity of 10,000 pallets per cycle, we combine quality with the scale the market demands today.
A controlled drying process ensures that pallets retain their shape and can be used for export without any issues.
The importance of drying
Why drying is important
Fresh wood contains a lot of moisture. Putting untreated pallets into circulation risks deformation, mould formation, weight differences between loads, and importantly, rejection at customs during international transport. A carefully controlled drying process eliminates all these risks at once:
- Stable dimensions
so that the pallet retains its dimensions in racks and machines. - Lower weight
for lower transport costs and a better CO₂ balance per pallet. - No mould or fungus
that can affect the load or the warehouse. - Compliant with international standards
for hassle-free export. - Longer lifespan
thanks to reduced stress in the wood.
Through thermal treatment according to ISPM 15, pallets are freed from harmful organisms and suitable for international use.
International requirement
HT treatment according to ISPM 15
Within the sector, there is a strong and necessary demand for certified HT treatment. The international ISPM 15 standard applies to all our produced and repaired pallets. This standard prevents harmful organisms that may reside in the wood from spreading and causing damage in other areas. For those exporting pallets, HT treatment is therefore not an option but a requirement.
Thermal treatment according to the standard
The standard requires the wood to be debarked first and then thermally treated. Our carefully calibrated drying programs ensure that pallets undergo a controlled HT program and are then further dried to a very low moisture content. As a result, the pallets receive the necessary protection and are marked with a unique IPPC stamp or brand as proof of compliance.
A low moisture level increases stability, reduces weight, and prevents mould formation.
Efficient drying capacity
10,000 pallets per cycle
Our drying chamber has an exceptional capacity of 10,000 pallets per cycle. Thanks to the efficient loading and opening system, we work quickly and practically, allowing large volumes of pallets to be processed in a short time. This capacity enables us to reliably serve our customers even during peak demand, without compromising the quality of the drying process.
With a large drying capacity, we can guarantee consistent quality and fast processing even at high volumes.
Sustainable drying with biomass
Energy from our own biomass
What makes our drying process even more sustainable is the energy that powers it. We do not use traditional fossil fuels to heat our drying chambers, but our own biomass. The wood residues from our production and recycling process are reduced in size and used as fuel in our wood combustion installation. This installation provides the heat we need to dry the pallets.
The result is a closed loop
The wood that remains from our production provides the energy needed to dry the next batch of pallets. In this way:
- We maximize the use of residual streams
instead of treating them as waste. - We become largely independent
from fossil fuels. - We reduce our CO₂ impact
without compromising quality or capacity. - We close the loop
as prescribed by a circular economy.
Drying on demand
Not only our own pallets pass through our drying chambers. Customers and partners can also have their wood dried or HT-treated in our facilities. Whether it is a one-off assignment or a long-term collaboration, we are happy to think along about the most efficient solution for your wood volume.
