Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1099303
intelligence specific to advocacy; Lobbyit firm brings additional lobbying 'boots-on-the- ground' power to our staff 's activities. For 2019, SidleyAustin law firm will assist on resolving some wood pallet residual issues brought about by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Pallet Foundation delivers critical funding to support the wood packaging industry. The aforementioned research studies on landfill avoidance and economic impact are two examples. Research for an environmental product declaration (EPD) for wood pallets, which began in 2017, concludes later this year following the collection of in-depth survey data. The Foundation also supports PDS software, funding research and development, enhanced functionality and future development. In 2018, the Pallet Design System™ (PDS) gave us the full user interface in eight languages: Dutch, English, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish. Full integration of PDS into machinery has been implemented and is growing among equipment manufacturers. Intensive research also provided for twenty additional international wood species classifications in PDS. Read more about the impressive team behind PDS on pages 38-40. The environmental messaging through Nature's Packaging® is also made possible by the Foundation, together with NWPCA, and support from the Western Pallet Association and the Canadian Wood Pallet & Container Association. Strategic Partnerships, Getting Our Story Told NWPCA builds relationships with many organizations, including conservation groups. Over the years, NWPCA leadership and advocacy efforts have been built to advance our mission and grow a healthy network of interest groups. Healthy markets, healthy forests, and healthy communities are all connected. In 2018, NWPCA produced a video, "Wood Packaging Supports Healthy Forest and Strong Communities," in collaboration with the American Forest Foundation, The Conservation Fund, National Association of State Foresters, U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, and transcripts provided by The Nature Conservancy. "Without pallets and containers, we would see vastly fewer mills which means far less management…or conversion of private lands to other uses, which means fewer healthy forests," said Vicki Christiansen, Chief of the U.S. Forest Service. The video work transformed NWPCA's relationship with these groups. These groups are key influencers, who use their formidable leverage, and tell our story. Strength in Numbers 70+ year association 660+ member companies 440+ Pallet Design System™ licenses with 1,000+ users, globally 75% members represent small to medium-sized businesses $4 MILLION revenue association $1.7 MILLION Pallet Foundation (research, education and marketing) 95% recyclable rate for wood pallets $31 BILLION industry $3 BILLION labor compensation 173,000 American jobs 16 PalletCentral • January-February 2019 palletcentral.com "We like to see timber uses, such as wood pallets, that increase the value of sustainable harvested, lower value timber so more effective forest management can be implemented that improves overall forest condition and health in the future." — CHRISTOPHER TOPIK, PHD, THE NATURE CONSERVANCY "NWPCA is a great partner for The Conservation Fund because we're both focused on ensuring that healthy working forests remain in the future. And that our rural communities not only have a chance to survive, but thrive." — LARRY SELZER, PRESIDENT AND CEO, THE CONSERVATION FUND NWPCA STORY