The National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) Secures Major Win for Wooden Pallet Manufacturers in New EU Packaging Regulation
March 26, 2024 – NWPCA today announced a significant victory for wooden pallet manufacturers worldwide following the finalization of the European Union’s (EU) Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). NWPCA’s successful advocacy efforts secured an exemption from the regulation’s reuse requirements for wooden pallets entering and leaving the EU under load.
The PPWR aims to tackle the pressing issue of packaging waste by introducing rules for all packaging placed on the EU market. Key objectives of the regulation include reducing packaging waste through recycling and reuse initiatives. As wood is a natural and fully recyclable material, NWPCA fully supported the PPWR’s aims to reduce waste and promote recycling. However, concerns arose regarding the prioritization of reusability over recyclability and the interpretation and implementation of the pallet reuse requirements, which posed a significant challenge to manufacturers and stakeholders.
Recognizing the potential impact on the wooden pallet industry and its users, the NWPCA engaged extensively with EU decision-makers, including the European Commission, the European Parliament, and member states in the Council of the EU. NWPCA explained the logistical issues with managing a reuse system of imported pallets and advocated for a targeted exemption to alleviate these burdensome requirements for wooden pallets entering and leaving the EU under load. Through consistent communication and collaboration with key stakeholders, NWPCA actively built support for this critical exemption.
Jason Ortega, Vice President of Public Affairs at NWPCA, stated, “This exemption is a clear win for wooden pallet manufacturers globally. Any company shipping goods into or out of the EU on a pallet will be exempt from challenging and costly reuse requirements. Wood pallets are made from a natural, renewable resource, and billions of them serve as the backbone of the supply chain. We know that in the United States, they are recovered and recycled 95% of the time, more than any other packaging product. We do not contribute to the growing global landfill problem. Our successful engagement on this issue minimizes supply chain disruptions and safeguards the pallet industry’s vitality.”
NWPCA’s success in securing the inclusion of the “within the territory of the Union” language in the final negotiated text is a testament to the organization’s steadfast dedication and collaborative approach. NWPCA acknowledges the invaluable support of its partners, including the international membership of the Global Wood Packaging Forum, the Canadian Wood Pallet and Container Association, the UK Timber Packaging and Pallet Confederation, and allies in the Canadian and United States governments, whose collective efforts helped raise awareness and advocate for the exemption.
The final adoption of the negotiated text by each branch of the EU institutions is anticipated to proceed smoothly, paving the way for the regulation’s implementation phase. NWPCA remains committed to supporting sustainable solutions within the transport packaging sector and celebrates this milestone achievement as a testament to the power of collaboration and advocacy.
Contact
Jason Ortega, JD/MBA
Vice President, Public Affairs
703.519.6104
Email
Interpal Conference & Expo Highlights Sustainable Solutions for the Wood Pallet Industry
Alexandria, Virginia – The highly anticipated Interpal Conference 2023, a gathering of the global wood packaging industry every four years, concluded on a high note in Montreal from October 3 to October 5. Co-hosted by the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) and the Canadian Wood Pallet and Container Association (CWPCA), the event marked a significant milestone in the industry’s calendar.
Attracting participation from across the world, Interpal 2023 witnessed an exceptional turnout. There were over 480 participants from 18 countries, including Brazil, China, Malaysia, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Interpal attendees used the opportunity to discuss new ideas and innovations, network, and collaborate on industry best practices, business strategies, and emerging technologies. With sustainability top of mind, the conference focused on further advancing the sustainable practices and technologies that the industry is currently championing.
Attendees kick-started the conference with pallet manufacturing facility tours at Herwood, Interco, and LCN. Participants gained invaluable insights into cutting-edge practices, innovation, and efficient processes.
Educational programming focused on the industry’s sustainability efforts, with sessions including:
- Unlocking the Power of Sustainability in the Global Supply Chain
- Panel on Carbon, Sustainability & the Wood Pallet Industry
- Global Wood Supply and Markets in Transition
- Panel on Global Business, Sourcing Challenges & Opportunities
- How to Reduce Packaging Waste and Expand Reuse Through Smart Pallet Design
- How Global Directives Impact Your Business: Waste Reduction & Increased Circularity
- Nature’s Packaging and Packaging From Nature: A Shared Global Approach to Messaging and Resources You Can Use
“The Interpal conference’s success, marked by an exceptional lineup of speakers and enthusiastic attendees, underscores that wood pallets are the linchpin of a sustainable supply chain thanks to the industry’s proactive and innovative leadership,” said Brent McClendon, NWPCA President and CEO. “The critical role of wood pallets in the global supply chain is undeniable, and through events like these, we spotlight the industry’s immense contribution to solving complex environmental challenges as global shipping demands continue to grow.”
The CWPCA and NWPCA thank our Interpal 2023 attendees and participating member companies and look forward to reconvening in 2027.
Contact
Annette Ferri, Vice President of Communications
NWPCA
Email
703.519.6104
Photo gallery
Review/download photos from Interpal 2023. Download PIN: 9765
Global Wood Packaging Forum Meets During Interpal 2023 in Montreal
Members of the Global Wood Packaging Forum gathered together for an in-person meeting during the renowned Interpal 2023 event in Montreal. This significant convergence saw 22 distinguished participants from a diverse range of countries, marking a momentous occasion for the industry.
After four years of prolonged period of virtual interactions, this year’s face-to-face assembly underscored the industry’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainable progress. The event provided an invaluable platform for these experts to exchange insights, discuss challenges, and set the roadmap for the future of wood packaging.
The meeting emphasized the importance of the wood packaging industry in supporting global commerce and its unique challenges, from sustainability concerns to technological advancements. It also fostered international collaboration, laying the foundation for future partnerships and innovations.
Interpal 2023 and the Global Wood Packaging Forum continue their commitment to furthering the industry, offering expert knowledge, tools, and resources. This year’s in-person meeting was not only a testament to the resilience of the community but also a beacon of hope for brighter days ahead for global trade and collaboration.
Second Annual Mexican Wooden Packaging Conference and Expo Resounding Success
GUADALAJARA, Mexico – September 7, 2023 – The Mexican Chapter of the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) concluded its Second Annual Mexican Wooden Packaging Conference and Expo from September 5-6 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. The event was a great success, combining networking, exhibits, and a distinguished speaker program. This year’s conference drew another sell-out crowd. Attendees spanned 13 different countries, a 73% increase from its inaugural event in 2022.
“We are thrilled to repeat such overwhelming success and build off last year’s conference,” said Ing. Fernando César López Bello, Losifra, S.A. de C.V. and president of NWPCA’s Mexican chapter. “The sell-out nature of the event underscores the significance of the wood packaging industry in Mexico and an enthusiastic drive to remain updated and connected.”
Distinguished speakers presented insights on relevant industry matters:
• Néstor Eduardo García Romero, MBA, director of Planning & Projects, Secretary of Economic Development, State of Jalisco, presented “Nearshoring & Strategic Planning.”
• Omar Taboada, MBA, investment analysis director, Citibanamex Brokerage House, addressed a “Global Macroeconomic Perspective & Overview of the Mexican Market.”
• Alejandra Sánchez Ayala, MBA, sustainability officer, C&A Mexico, discussed “Sustainability in the Industry: Why is it Important to Talk About This?”
• Dr. Brad Gething, vice president of science & technology, NWPCA, delved into “Unlocking Business Value with PDS: Present & Future Features.”
• A special panel on “Wood Pallets: What the NWPCA is doing on the Global Stage to Advance Industry” featured Hilary Carr, PhD, senior director of Mexico and Latin America, NWPCA; Dr. Brad Gething; and Jason Ortega, JD/MBA, vice president of public affairs.
The conference fostered discussions among industry professionals, allowing a dynamic exchange of ideas, insights, and best practices.
“I commend the Mexican chapter’s dedication, leadership, and vision that made this year’s conference a benchmark event,” said Brent McClendon, president and CEO, NWPCA. “We believe in fostering regional expertise and celebrating the unique identity of the chapter while being part of our global community.”
Next year’s Mexican Wooden Packaging Conference and Expo will be held in Queretaro, Mexico, in September 2024 (exact dates to be determined). For more information about future events, visit www.palletcentral.com/events.
About the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA)
The National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) is the world’s largest organization of wood packaging professionals. NWPCA has over 750 companies that manufacture, repair, and distribute pallets and wood packaging in unit-load solutions or supply products and services to the industry. For more information, visit www.palletcentral.com.
About the Mexico Chapter of the NWPCA
The Capítulo Mexicana was created in March 2022 by NWPCA members in Mexico. The goal is to promote using wooden pallets and packaging as a sustainable and high-value supply chain resource in the Mexican market. For more information, visit www.palletcentral.com/tarimas-de-madera.
Contact
Hilary Carr, PhD
NWPCA
Sr. Director, Mexico and LATAM
Email
NWPCA, MI Publish New Wooden Pallet Industry Workforce Study
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 25, 2023 – Alexandria, VA – The National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) today published a new study, Wooden Pallet Industry Workforce Challenges, which identifies the key workforce challenges that wooden pallet companies are facing as well as the efficacy of solutions being tested at the company level. NWPCA partnered with the Manufacturing Institute’s Center for Manufacturing Research (MI) to conduct the study, which consisted of an online survey and in-depth interviews with members that took place from March through May 2023.
While almost every industry in the manufacturing sector has reported facing workforce challenges in a post-pandemic world, this study specifically identified the challenges that are most pressing to the wooden pallet industry: recruitment, hiring, and retention. The report also compiled helpful insights from wooden pallet companies that have been implementing creative solutions around those top challenges.
“This study provided a critical opportunity for us to better understand the workforce challenges facing the wood pallet industry and the manufacturing sector at large, by hearing directly from our member companies,” said Jason Ortega, NWPCA Vice President of Public Affairs. “We look forward to continuing the conversations this study has sparked. As we look to take action informed by these initial findings, we are grateful to our partners at MI for helping us conduct this critical research and to our members for their ongoing commitment to the workforce that moves the world one pallet at a time.”
“The Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers—is constantly seeking solutions to address the toughest structural workforce problems in our industry to bolster the workforce of tomorrow. In the NAM’s Q2 Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey, 74% of manufacturers identified attracting and retaining a quality workforce as their top challenge. To unleash innovation and competitiveness in America, we must address the labor shortages hurting every sector of our economy,” said MI Director of Manufacturing Research and NAM Chief Economist Chad Moutray. “This study identifies a critical three-pronged solution for NWPCA to implement for its member companies through second chance hiring, in-person workshops and educational webcasts to fix labor shortages in the industry. The MI is proud to conduct this research for the wood pallet industry as it is a critical component to the manufacturing supply chain.”
As the voice of the wooden pallet and container industry, NWPCA is committed to continuing this important research with the MI, along with adopting recommendations that will continue to bring attention and innovative solutions to this critical workforce.
NWPCA members may access the full report here. Non-members interested in learning more about the key findings and recommendations may access the Executive Summary here.
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ABOUT THE NATIONAL WOODEN PALLET & CONTAINER ASSOCIATION
The National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) is the world’s largest organization of wood packaging professionals. NWPCA has over 750 companies that manufacture, repair, and distribute pallets and wood packaging in unit-load solutions or supply products and services to the industry. For more information on NWPCA, visit www.palletcentral.com.
ABOUT THE MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE CENTER FOR MANUFACTURING RESEARCH
The Manufacturing Institute builds a resilient manufacturing workforce prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Through implementing groundbreaking programs, convening industry leaders and conducting innovative research, the MI furthers individual opportunity, community prosperity and a more competitive manufacturing industry. As the 501(c)3 nonprofit workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, the MI is a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with solutions to address the toughest workforce issues. For more information on the MI, please visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.
CONTACT
Annette Ferri
NWPCA Vice President, Communications
Email
703.519.6104 ext. 207
Global Wood Packaging Forum Announces Interpal 2023 Conference in Montreal, Canada
MONTREAL, CANADA – The Global Wood Packaging Forum (GWPF) is pleased to announce the Interpal 2023 Conference from October 3-5 in Montreal, Canada, hosted by the Canadian Wood Pallet and Container Association (CWPCA) and the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA). This quadrennial event brings together industry leaders, innovators, and professionals worldwide to discuss the latest developments and trends in the wood packaging sector.
“Interpal isn’t just a conference. It showcases the global wood packaging industry. The plant tours especially are real-time examples of innovation and sustainability, demonstrating what our industry has to offer.” – Scott Geffros, General Manager and HT Program Certification Manager, Canadian Wood Pallet & Container Association
The three-day conference features keynote speeches, plant tours hosted by Herwood, Interco, and LCN, and education sessions tailed for the wood pallet and wood packaging industry. Four hundred attendees can network and collaborate on best practices, emerging technologies, and new business strategies to drive the industry forward.
“We are excited to co-host this event with CWPCA. Our industry plays an essential role in supply chain resiliency and advancing global sustainability solutions. We are proud to unify the global packaging community through events like Interpal.” – Brent McClendon, President and CEO, National Wooden Pallet & Container Association
Montreal, a city known for its innovation and commitment to sustainability, offers the perfect backdrop for the conference. Registration for the Interpal 2023 Conference is available at: www.palletcentral.com/page/Fallplanttours
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About the Global Wood Packaging Forum (GWPF): The GWPF is a collaboration of associated wood packaging organizations and representatives that meets to discuss global issues that affect the industry. For more information: www.globalwoodpackagingforum.org
IPPC publishes new guide on wood packaging material
Rome, 3 May 2023. The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) has published the new Guide to Regulation of Wood Packaging Material which is seen to help countries better manage the introduction and spread of plant pests through the international movement of goods.
Around 80 percent of all consignments moving in global trade include some type of wood packaging material (WPM), such as pallets, crates, drums, dunnage and other wooden units that are used to secure, protect or assist in the movement of cargo or a commodity.
Wood packaging is a potential pathway for the introduction and spread of pests, particularly species that could have negative impacts on living trees and forest ecosystems. The issue is further complicated by the fact that WPM may be used by many industries and can be associated with any imported consignment, including those containing goods that would not normally be subject to phytosanitary intervention.
The IPPC and phytosanitary experts developed the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 15 or the Regulation of wood packaging material in international trade to offer countries a harmonized approach by which they may address the pest risk posed by the international movement of WPM.
ISPM 15 describes phytosanitary measures to protect forests from quarantine pest introductions, but also facilitates trade by replacing the need for phytosanitary certificates with a globally recognized mark. This ISPM 15 mark may only be applied to WPM that has been treated in accordance with the standard. Implementation of ISPM 15 is considered to significantly reduce the introduction and spread of pests and subsequently their negative impacts on both cultivated and natural forests.
The newly published IPPC Guide provides comprehensive information to improve the understanding and implementation of ISPM 15. It provides practical guidance to help national plant protection organizations apply the phytosanitary measures that are currently approved in ISPM 15 and describes the procedures required to produce compliant wood packaging material. The IPPC Guide is designed to provide relevant information to ISPM 15 treatment providers, wood packaging material manufacturers, repairers and remanufacturers and other stakeholders, to help them to improve compliance with ISPM 15 and reduce the incidence of quarantine pests. The Guide provides a wealth of information on approved treatment options for wood packaging material, applying the ISPM 15 mark, manufacturing, repairing and reusing wood packaging material, import-inspection procedures, and phytosanitary actions in response to ISPM 15 non-compliance.
By including several case studies, the IPPC Guide also highlights the diverse ways that countries have approached some of the challenges associated with implementing ISPM 15. These include raising public and industry awareness, registering ISPM 15 treatment providers, enhancing compliance, using generic heat treatment schedules and managing ship-borne dunnage.
Faith Ndunge, IPPC Implementation Committee representative for Africa, expressed her thoughts upon seeing the publication of the guide, stating, “This newly published resource is a valuable addition to the library of IPPC guides and training materials. It provides practical information and recommends best practices to support national plant protection organizations in effectively implementing ISPM 15. By doing so, it helps mitigate the risk of spreading forest pests and facilitates trade in goods transported using wood packaging material.
“On behalf of the Implementation Committee, I wish to thank the working group members and reviewers who contributed to the development of this much anticipated IPPC Guide,” she added.
The IPPC Guide to Regulation of wood packaging material can be downloaded through this link.
Related information:
ISPM 15 Frequently Asked Questions
Article published by International Plant Protection Convention on May 3, 2023.
Wooden pallet & packaging body warns supply chain cost pressures remain
Supply chains across Europe have been warned that remaining high prices of inputs other than raw materials are expected to keep costs of essential products such as pallets and packaging high for the foreseeable future.
The European Federation of Wooden Pallet & Packaging Manufacturers (FEFPEB) said according to some European industry indices, the costs of raw materials used to make packaging – pallet wood and steel (for nails) – fell during quarter 3 2022.
But high cost of energy and fuel are pushing upward rates for logistics, and for heat treating and kiln drying timber.
And other higher-priced inputs, including labour, are now making up a considerably larger proportion of the price of goods such as pallets and packaging than they were previously.
This has all pushed the price of these items up significantly.
According to the European Road Freight Rates Benchmark Report, produced by Transport Intelligence, Upply and IRU, in Q3 2022, average European road freight contract prices reached an all-time high, and while the cost of diesel would usually account for one third of total operating transport costs – but may now account for 50% of costs.
Market and consumer data company Statista says the average monthly OPEC basket crude oil price rose from US$85.41 in January 2022 to $117.72 in June 2022.
European Union agency Eurostat said that hourly labour costs rose by 4% in the Euro area in the second quarter of the year and 4.4% compared with the same quarter the previous year.
Increased costs of inputs such as these are impacting on manufacturing businesses of all kinds around Europe, including the pallet and packaging sector.
Fons Ceelaert, Secretary General of FEFPEB, said: “Having reached all-time highs, raw material costs have eased slightly in recent months. However, national associations across Europe are reporting that ongoing highs in the cost of energy, transport and labour are still impacting heavily on the prices paid by manufacturers and repairers.
“Pallet and packaging businesses across Europe are working closely with their customers to minimise the impact of these continuing pressures. In the meantime, FEFPEB will continue to monitor this situation and keep the market informed about the latest developments.”