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4 PalletCentral • March-April 2020 palletcentral.com PALLETCENTRAL March-April 2020 Volume 20 No. 2 CAPITOL HILL CORNER 12 | Pallet Manufacturers & Their Employees: The Unsung Heroes Battling COVID-19 U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency declared the wooden pallet and container sector as "Critical Infrastructure." The new language broadens the coverage for critical industries that make up the supply chain, specifically pallets. By Patrick Atagi SAFETY 24 | COVID-19: OSHA & DOT Considerations COVID-19 reached U.S. shores in early 2020 and was deemed "a public health emergency of international concern." Emergency declarations in place impose limitations on travel, requirements for health testing, and even prohibit retaliation against workers. OSHA and the DOT have been working around the clock to review and update their guidelines. Here is an update. By Adele L. Abrams, Esq., CMSP RECYCLING 30 | Circular Economy A major shift towards a circular economy is of great benefit to the wood pallet industry, which has been actively engaging in circular value-retention practices for decades. Fortunately, the circular economy presents a new and motivating way to describe the relative environmental benefit that these practices create. By Jennifer Russell BIOMASS 36 | NWPCA Scores Big Win with EPA on Biomass Residuals The NWPCA resolved a quintessential problem in Washington, DC, where a minor technical glitch caused a significant problem. By removing the prohibition against using wood pallet residuals to wood pellets, the industry now has access to a certification program and a growing market for biomass residuals. By Patrick Atagi Stay Connected Published six times annually by the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association 1421 Prince Street, Suite 340 Alexandria, VA 22314 703-519-6104 info@palletcentral.com Subscriptions to PalletCentral are complimentary, however you need to subscribe: PalletCentral.com>>Subscribe Changes and Renewals: Current subscribers may sign-in at PalletCentral.com>>Edit Bio (look for "Additional Information" to manage your subscription and edit your mailing address. Or fax changes to: 703-519-4720.The NWPCA does not sell our mailing list; data collected from PalletCentral subscribers is solely used for tracking our readership. COLUMNS 6 Chairman's Message DEPARTMENTS 8 Inside NWPCA 44 Advertisers IN THIS ISSUE 14 | Essential Business There is not one aspect of life or business that this coronavirus has left untouched. For members of the NWPCA, with a significant role in the world's supply chain, the call to serve has sounded, yet there are still many unknowns. In a recent survey of members, it is clear that the industry is feeling the pressure to perform, while keeping employees safe at the workplace. By Caryn Smith On the Cover: Workers: Coppersmith Photography, Truck: iStockphoto.com/Vitpho BUSINESS BLOG 40 | Sustainability for Corporate Leaders The buck stops at the top when it comes to corporate leadership and environmental responsibility. Sustainability has become a core element of corporate strategy, and having an active recycling program was offered as proof of a company's commitment to the environment. Now, companies are taking a broader view with an emphasis on zero waste that can deliver positive economic outcomes. Blog by Nature's Packaging