Tag Archive for: wood packaging
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
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 Celebrates Certification of Carbon Footprint of Wood Pallets
Statement from the Global Wood Packaging Forum
The Global Wood Packaging Forum (GWPF) congratulates the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) and the Pallet Foundation on its Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for United States Wooden Pallets. This document, certified by UL (formerly Underwriter Laboratories) and produced in conjunction with Forest Products Lab, the research wing of the U.S. Forest Service, is the first of its kind for a product in the distribution packaging space. This declaration speaks to the quantitative impact that wooden pallets have on the environment beyond their reusable, recyclable and biodegradable qualities.
Brent McClendon, President and CEO of the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association commented, “We are proud of the results of this EPD. When considering its life cycle, wooden pallets can have a potential net carbon positive impact. Through the unique properties of wood, carbon offsets may be achieved by the reuse of pallet materials and substituting wood fuel from pallet waste (e.g., unusable pallets) for natural gas.”
EPDs provide consumers and professionals with transparent and product-specific environmental information through an independent validation from a third-party organization. A critical component of the wooden pallet EPD study is a life cycle assessment (LCA), measuring the impacts of a wooden pallet’s product stages of gathering, transporting and manufacturing raw materials, the use and repair of the pallet, as well as its end of life usage.
John Dye, President of TIMCON, the UK Timber Packaging and Pallet Confederation commented, “The industry has been promoting for years the environmental benefits of wood and now thanks to the work of the NWPCA these claims have third party verification.”
Scott Geffros, General Manager of the Canadian Wood Pallet and Container Association notes “This EPD sets that standard that all competing platforms to wood packaging must follow. It supports what we have long known about the sustainability of wood and wood packaging. The Canadian industry applauds the work of the NWPCA and The Pallet Foundation in making the EPD possible.”
As part of this process, a Product Category Rule (PCR) with UL was also developed. “UL applauds the efforts of NWPCA and the Pallet Foundation to develop a PCR and now issue an EPD for wooden pallets to better understand the environmental impact they have,” said Alberto Uggetti, vice president and general manager of UL’s environment and sustainability division. “The reusable nature of wooden pallets makes them a more circular, sustainable form of reusable packaging, and with this EPD, manufacturers will be able to communicate the impacts of their products with more transparency and confidence.”
Today, wood remains a fundamental and sustainable part of the supply chain from manufacturer to distribution center, and finally retail store. Wood pallets are moving goods billions of times a day globally; every day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Wood pallets and wood packaging truly do move the world, and this report confirm that it’s done sustainably.
The full wooden pallet EPD, including its methodology and data, and the corresponding LCA, can be found here.
About GWPF
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.
About UL
UL fosters safe living and working conditions for people everywhere through the application of science to solve safety, security and sustainability challenges. The UL Mark engenders trust enabling the safe adoption of innovative new products and technologies. Everyone at UL shares a passion to make the world a safer place. We test, inspect, audit, certify, validate, verify, advise and train and we support these efforts with software solutions for safety and sustainability. To learn more about UL, visit UL.com.
Additional Resources
Wood pallet industry welcomes Waste Directive changes
FEFPEB welcomes changes that affect how recycling targets for wooden packaging are calculated, following work by the industry.
The European Federation of Wooden Pallet and Packaging Manufacturers (FEFPEB) said the European Union has accepted that wood used in both the reuse and repair of pallets and packaging should be included in the calculation of recycling rates. It informed members about the changes – which have been incorporated into the Packaging & Packaging Waste Directive – at its two-day spring meeting, held in Edinburgh at the beginning of May.
Speaking at the meeting, secretary general Fons Ceelaert, said FEFPEB had advocated the European Union’s Packaging & Packaging Waste Directive change and was pleased with the outcome. “Wood used in both reuse and repair of pallets and packaging has been accepted, which is a real success,” he said. “Not reaching recycling targets could cause great problems in terms of penalties, so we are happy with this helpful new regulation, which removes a lot of concern for our industry.” He added that under the amended directive, replacing one component in a pallet also now allows the full weight of the pallet to be accounted for as recycled.
Read the full story in Packaging News.