Minutes, EIPS Meeting Sept. 21, 2000

Attendees:

Ron Johnson (Intel)
John Clarke (Va. Tech)
Bob Sanders (IBM)

Notes:

Ron Johnson provided some suggested edits to the draft spec which will be sent hardcopy due to file conversion problems.

A meeting is set for Nov. 6, 2000 (8am - noon) at the IBM Building (One IBM Plaza) in Downtown Chicago (333 North Wabash Avenue). The agenda may include 1+ hour private EIPS meeting and up to 3 visits by pallet Mgt. companies which may include Ongweoweh, CAPS, and IFCO to add to our knowledge base (ref. previous CHEP discussion). These could be 30-45 minute presentations by each in sequence. This should help us to further assess next steps and feasibility of a pool program for our industry. The PACK EXPO itself may also provide some things for us to consider. This opens on Nov. 5th.

Appendix A of the spec will be modified as follows..... Line 23 will be removed from the "core table" and provided as a separate table for "reusable pallets" and "one way pallets". All details of the core requirements are the same for each with the exception of line 23 "Durability Requirements".

Approved Testing Labs will be listed somewhere in the document. For now, this list should include Va. Tech, MSU, and SJSU. Bob Sanders will contact each for their agreement and correct contact information. Additional International labs may be required. If anyone knows of any comparable labs in Europe and Asia, please advise.

Statements clarifying the difference between heat treated lumber and kiln dried lumber will also be included. Bottom line, KD lumber usually meets the requirements for heat treatment (but may not) and heat treated lumber does not necessarily imply that the wood is also adequately dried (<20% moisture) if regulations require that (example: New EU Directive 2000/29/EC).

We need to come up with a logo or marking scheme to represent tested and approved pallets. Any ideas?

There is confusion in China about some types of hardwoods being confused for softwoods by Chinese inspectors. This has led to held shipments. Species such as Alder, Yellow Poplar, and Aspen are notorious for this. Reminder: Hardwood=leaf bearing, Softwood=needle bearing. It has nothing to do with relative hardness. Did you know that BALSA is a Hardwood??

1000x1200 and 1200x1000mm will be allowed. However, 800x1200mm is the only approved orientation for that size. Note: True "Euro Pallets" avg. 57 lbs.

Actions:

1. Ron Johnson will provide hardcopy of his suggested edits

2. John Clarke will provide contact names for CAPS and IFCO

3. Bob Sanders will extend invitations to CAPS, IFCO, and Ongweoweh for the

Nov. meeting

4. Bob Sanders will make edits as suggested by Ron and other conversations

5. Bob Sanders will contact suggested test labs for their concurrence

6. John Clarke will advise of reference materials which can help inspectors identify species of lumber visually

7. Paul Russell to post these minutes and previous minutes (June? July?) to website

Next Meeting: Oct. 19, 2000. 11am Eastern Time 712-271-3804, passcode 96707#

Regards,

Bob Sanders

WDOS, Dept. VQZ, Bldg. 002-3, Office MM302

RTP, North Carolina, USA, 27709-2195

Phone: 919-543-1260, Fax: -4253 (IBM T/L: 441)

email: btsander@us.ibm.com

IBM Intranet: w3.wwd.ibm.com/documentation/packaging