Why Kiln Dried Heat Treated (KDHT) Pallets Are Superior to Standard Heat Treated Pallets

When it comes to choosing the right pallets for your shipping and storage needs, durability and resistance to pests and mold are key considerations.

While both heat-treated (HT) and kiln dried heat treated (KDHT) pallets offer protection, KDHT pallets go a step further, providing enhanced strength and longevity. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between these two types of pallets and explain why KDHT pallets offer superior performance in the long run.

What Are Heat Treated Pallets?

Heat-treated pallets undergo a process where they are heated to a specific temperature to kill pests, bacteria, and mold. This treatment is required by ISPM-15 standards for international shipping to prevent the spread of invasive species across borders. The heat treatment makes the wood safer for long-distance transport but does not address issues related to moisture content.

Key Benefits of Heat Treated Pallets:

• International Compliance: Heat-treated pallets meet international shipping regulations.
• Pest-Free: The heat eliminates pests, fungi, and bacteria.
• Cost-Effective: These pallets are affordable and functional for international shipments.

However, while heat-treated pallets do the job of pest prevention, they still contain high levels of moisture, which can lead to issues like mold growth and warping over time.

What Are Kiln Dried Heat Treated (KDHT) Pallets?

Kiln dried heat treated pallets undergo both heat treatment and a kiln drying process. After being heat treated to meet international standards, the pallets are placed in a kiln to remove excess moisture from the wood. This extra step ensures that the wood's moisture content is reduced to an optimal level, making the pallets more resistant to mold, warping, and structural weakening.

Key Benefits of KDHT Pallets:

• Reduced Moisture Content: Kiln drying removes excess moisture, reducing the likelihood of mold growth and warping.
• Increased Durability: KDHT pallets are stronger and more stable, offering better long-term performance.
• Lighter Weight: The reduction in moisture makes these pallets lighter, which can help reduce shipping costs.
• Enhanced Resistance to Environmental Factors: With less moisture, KDHT pallets are better equipped to handle fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels without degrading.

The Key Differences Between Heat Treated and KDHT Pallets

Moisture Content

• Heat Treated Pallets: While effective for pest control, heat-treated pallets retain high levels of moisture. This can result in mold growth, especially in humid environments, and can cause the wood to warp or degrade over time.
• KDHT Pallets: Kiln drying reduces the moisture content to below 20%, which minimizes the risk of mold, mildew, and warping. This makes KDHT pallets a more reliable option for industries that require long-term storage or face fluctuating environmental conditions.

Durability and Strength

• Heat Treated Pallets: Although they are suitable for most shipping needs, standard heat-treated pallets can become weaker over time due to the effects of retained moisture, particularly in damp or humid conditions.
• KDHT Pallets: The kiln drying process significantly increases the strength and longevity of the wood, making KDHT pallets more durable and resistant to damage. This means they can handle heavier loads and last longer, providing a better return on investment.

Weight

• Heat Treated Pallets: Since they retain moisture, heat-treated pallets are heavier, which can increase shipping costs. They also tend to become even heavier when exposed to humid conditions.
• KDHT Pallets: Kiln drying removes much of the moisture, making these pallets lighter. This not only reduces shipping costs but also makes them easier to handle and transport.

Cost Efficiency

• Heat Treated Pallets: While generally more affordable upfront, the potential for warping, mold growth, and degradation can make heat-treated pallets less cost-effective over time, particularly for businesses that need reliable, long-lasting pallets.
• KDHT Pallets: Although slightly more expensive initially, KDHT pallets offer greater value in the long run due to their durability, moisture resistance, and extended lifespan. This makes them a more cost-efficient option for businesses looking to reduce pallet replacement costs.

Industries That Benefit from KDHT Pallets

KDHT pallets are particularly valuable for industries where moisture control and long-term durability are critical. Here are a few industries that can benefit from using KDHT pallets:

Food and Beverage

In the food and beverage industry, maintaining a clean, dry environment is essential to preventing contamination. KDHT pallets help ensure that no mold or bacteria develops during storage or shipment, protecting both the product and the business’s reputation.

Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical companies need reliable pallets that won’t degrade under sensitive conditions. KDHT pallets offer the stability and cleanliness required to ensure that products are transported and stored safely.

International Shipping

Since KDHT pallets meet ISPM-15 standards, they are compliant for international shipping, just like standard heat-treated pallets. However, their moisture-resistant properties make them more suitable for longer journeys and storage in various climates.

Manufacturing and Warehousing

For businesses that need pallets for long-term storage or that operate in fluctuating environments, KDHT pallets are the best option. Their resistance to environmental changes ensures that products remain safe and the pallets last longer, reducing replacement costs.

Why Choose KDHT Pallets from M7 Pallets?

At M7 Pallets, we understand that businesses need pallets that are not only compliant but also reliable and long-lasting. Our kiln dried heat treated (KDHT) 48x40 pallets offer superior performance, ensuring your products are safe from moisture, pests, and environmental damage. Whether you need pallets for international shipping, long-term storage, or heavy-duty usage, KDHT pallets provide the durability and cost efficiency that your business requires.

When choosing between heat-treated and kiln dried heat treated pallets, it’s clear that KDHT pallets offer superior benefits in terms of moisture control, durability, weight, and cost efficiency.

By investing in KDHT pallets, businesses can enjoy longer-lasting, more reliable pallet solutions that save money over time. For high-quality KDHT pallets in the Atlanta area, M7 Pallets has the expertise and selection to meet your needs.