Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1212207
PalletCentral • January-February 2020 13 solution to the current prohibition against certifying wood pellets if made from wood pallet residuals. NWPCA strengthened our work on the issue by contracting with outside experts, conducting multiple in-person meetings, building political connections, and then hosting a meeting with EPA professional staff. A final rule takes place in early 2020. If successful, this would be a great win for this sector of our industry and sends a message that wood pallets are clean materials. Achieving USDA BioPreferred® certification for PDS-designed wooden pallets was an important achievement for industry. It provides U.S. government preference in procurement. Vendors that supply products to the U.S. government frequently source these USDA biobased products. NWPCA has been working closely with USDA to mandate these pro-ducts in 2020. As part of our work, USDA wants to create a pilot project with a government agency to determine the amount of certified biobased products being specified and used. Staff is looking for opportunities to advance this marketing goal. Ultimately, the BioPreferred program helps position wooden pallets as a U.S. government-favored product. PalletPAC, the Political Action Committee of NWPCA, continues to be an impactful organization that further helps us represent the industry on Capitol Hill. A growing number of legislators, who seek our expertise and input on policies that impact our industry, are contacting NWPCA. PDS Product Releases and the Team The launch of the Pallet Design System™ (PDS) v6.0 in September 2019 has been a long-awaited entry into unit load mechanics for corrugated boxes. This is just the beginning of our work in this area, with pails and barrels to follow in 2020. We have expanded our relationships with relevant industries, the Association for Independent Corrugated Companies and Industrial Packaging Alliance of North America. These relationships increase market awareness and demand for the capabilities in pallet design. Our PDS team is the most advanced and competent wood packaging engineers and scientists ever brought together under one roof. Our staff of new and seasoned professionals with P.E.'s and Ph.D.'s, are bringing world-class scientific advancements to our industry.