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Interpal Conference & Expo Highlights Sustainable Solutions for the Wood Pallet Industry

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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 

Second Annual Mexican Wooden Packaging Conference and Expo Resounding Success

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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

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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

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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

NWPCA

NWPCA hosts first-ever Mexico Chapter conference

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MONTERREY, NUEVO LEON, MEXICO September 9, 2022 – The inaugural conference of the Mexico Chapter of the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) took place from September 7-8 in Monterrey, Mexico. The Conferencia de la Industria Mexicana del Embalaje de Madera brought together more than 130 international business leaders from five countries.  

“The formation of the Mexico Chapter (Capítulo) in March 2022 has been a member-based initiative,” said Brent McClendon, president/CEO of NWPCA. “We’re excited to continue to support our Mexican members and become an industry thought leader in Latin America.” 

“The Mexican pallet market, valued at over USD 3 billion, is growing with many new business opportunities,” added Hilary Carr, senior director, Mexico & Latin America. “We were thrilled to bring an exciting program to enhance networking and have expert presentations on topics like sustainability, automation or investment opportunities, and the economy.” 

Some of the conference speakers included: 

  • José Luis Burnes, business development manager, American Industries Group
  • Natalya Calleja, vice president, Marketing & Communications, 48forty Solutions 
  • Brad Gething, PhD, vice president, Science & Technology, NWPCA 
  • Jocelyn Moreno Piña, director general, Cámara Nacional de la Industria Maderera 
  • Jeff Williams, president, PRS Group 

The Mexico charter was made official during a signing ceremony at the event. Fernando López Bello, Losifra, serves as president of the Capítulo and is an international director of the NWPCA Board, and María José Martínez, El Martillo, is vice president of the Capítulo.  

“It’s an honor to serve as the Capítulo President and represent Mexico on the Board of Directors,” added Fernando. “Over the past year, we’ve worked hard to expand our network and connect with wooden packaging manufacturers across Mexico. María José and I will continue to ensure that the Chapter highlights the dynamic nature of our industry by providing the highest level of professional service.” 

The Capítulo leadership and staff are full steam ahead with next year’s conference planned for Guadalajara.  

Thank you to sponsors: Softwood Export Council, Deacero (Mid-Continent Steel), Freedom Sourcing, GoFast Manufacturing, PRS Group, Southern Mississippi Trading, and Wood-Mizer. 

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ABOUT THE NATIONAL WOODEN PALLET & CONTAINER ASSOCIATION (MEXICO CHAPTER)  

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.  

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 700 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.  

FEFPEB president calls for packing industry action to attract staff

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President of the European Federation of Wooden Pallet & Packaging Manufacturers (FEFPEB), Rob van Hoesel, has called on the wooden pallet and packaging sector to update its businesses and communication to ensure it can attract and retain high quality staff for the future.

The head of the organisation said the industry must adapt its operations to provide rewarding careers and personal development, and communicate its strong ethical characteristics to potential employees, to give it an advantage in an increasingly competition jobs environment for companies. Large numbers of staff have left positions across many sectors since Covid, while younger people coming into the market have new priorities to cater for, he added.

“Similar to those in many other industries, pallets and packaging businesses are facing a recruitment challenge, which we only expect to increase in the years ahead,” said Mr van Hoesel. “People are no longer just looking for financial rewards, they are looking to work for businesses that give them flexibility and opportunities to learn and develop, which have ethically sound operations and make a positive difference to society. We need to make sure we tick all these boxes in order to attract the highest calibre staff.”

He added that the wooden pallets and packaging industry already had many of the ethical credentials today’s employees were looking for.

“The wooden pallets and packaging business is inherently ethical, based on a raw material that is endlessly renewable, and manufactures, repairs and reuses its products until they are recycled at the end of their useful life. With a majority of wood from managed, sustainable sources, the industry encourages tree planting, which helps remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It has care for the environment at its heart and, as illustrated during the pandemic is an industry that is essential to the smooth running of the global economy,” he said. “These are just some of the attributes which make it an exciting place to work and attractive to the younger generation, and we need to make sure we communicate this well to potential employees.”

He added that companies in the industry needed to keep up to date with technological developments, to help them attract staff and compete well into the future.

The subject of attracting and retaining staff will be one of those addressed at the 70th FEFPEB congress, which will be held on September 28-30 in Florence, Italy. Other topics will include sustainability, reforestation and the future of the pallets and packaging sector. The event will include a one-day tour around some of Italy’s leading pallet and packaging businesses.

Source: Timber Trades Journal Online, August 17, 2022 – https://www.ttjonline.com/news/fefpeb-president-calls-for-packing-industry-action-to-attract-staff-9934351/

The Supply Chain’s Unsung Hero: The Wooden Pallet

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The impact that wooden pallets and containers have on the supply chain as an important and sustainable stakeholder, especially how it impacts up the chain of supply and demand for the industry’s customer base, is a message that cuts across the cluttered decision making process that companies are faced with when choosing their distribution packaging.

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Pallet Manufacturing is an “Essential Service” and “Critical Infrastructure” for Supply Chain Continuity and COVID-19 Recovery Efforts

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Statement from the Global Wood Packaging Forum

As our global leaders across the world put in place emergency measures to protect the world’s population from the spread of COVID-19, we respectfully urge that policies being developed and implemented safeguard the ability of essential businesses to continue operations. We need to avoid an inadvertent mistake that has a global negative impact.

Wooden pallets and containers are essential services and critical infrastructure. We are the ‘blood cells’ of the body of the world; moving food, medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, beverages, and essential paper products. There are 2 billion pallets in circulation in the United States alone and over 4 billion in Europe. Businesses that manufacture, repair wooden pallets, offer pallet pooling services, and provide wood containers and wood packaging that are essential to maintaining critical operations and the flow of commerce. Community members providing critical care, and services should be assured they will receive their shipments in a timely manner and in good condition. This will be crucial beyond the current crisis, when we turn to recovering from this pandemic.

We are appealing to all Governments to support pallet and packaging manufacturers, pallet pools, reconditioned pallet businesses, and the logistics industry; and also ensure that global sawmilling and material support operations are able to continue providing timber and essential equipment and supplies to our operations. Many pallet manufacturing businesses affected are family owned and support their local economy. The industry does this through purchases of lumber, nails, machinery, and related goods. Most importantly, wooden pallets and containers are a critical piece of global supply chain logistics, as no other ‘essential’ goods make it through the supply chain without pallets.

This is an unprecedented situation and we will be working with the industry and with the Government to ensure these businesses can carry on operating to ensure continuity of supply of these essential products.

About:

The Global Wood Packaging Forum is a collaboration of associated wood packaging organizations and representatives from around the world that meets to discuss global issues that affect the industry. 

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