Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1311385
PalletCentral • November-December 2020 29 Myth Busting As an industry, it is important that to our partners we demonstrate why wooden pallets are such an important resource to the supply chain. Using an industry example, take an auto manufacturer vs. a Wal-Mart. Two very different supply chains with a vast range of products that needed to be transported – a standard 48x40 pallet is not going to get every job done. Perhaps Wal-Mart may be able to use a standard 48x40 more often, given the lighter CPG products they're bringing in. But they'll still need to customize pallets for transporting electronics and other heavier goods. In fact, only one-third of all pallets are the 48x40 size! And an auto manufacturer may need something more durable for shipping different parts of their vehicles that weigh hundreds of pounds. Our industry serves the unique needs or retailers with shipping solutions that meet their specific requirements. From wide and thin to overly massive, we've broken down the customization of pallets to an exact science –based on what products are coming in and going out. We have the pallet to help "move the world" efficiently and sustainably. We must continue to share this message whenever possible to bring awareness, to ensure that we have a seat at the supply chain table at all times. Here are two great talking points to share with your partners as opportunities arise! • Wood Pallets are ubiquitous: Not only are pallets customizable, but they're everywhere. By setting the example in terms of sustainability, we are giving the supply chain expert an opportunity to make their operations greener, more efficient and more effective. • Wood Pallets are environmentally friendly: The NWPCA relationship with the forestry community is one of our biggest priorities, and we have even gone out of our way to adhere to the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) standards that protect forests and ensures our work does not put the health of our ecosystem at risk. • Wooden Pallet industry supports sustainment of the forests: In fact, each year, nearly 2 billion trees are planted in the U.S., which is more than 5 trees for every man, woman and child in America. Even better, our industry is a leader in sustainable forest practices. Forest certification involves independent third party assessment that companies are operating in accordance with the principles of sustainable forest management that value the socio-economic and environmental contributions of forests. When you look at the four certification programs used in North America, we're talking about more than 1.6 billion acres of trees. We're proud to be a part of the progress happening with our forests, and when suppliers choose wood, they too can be a byproduct of that progress. • Wood Pallet numbers speak for themselves: There are more than 1.8 billion pallets in service every day. Think 90/90 – 90% of all products shipped on pallets, 90% of all those pallets are made of wood. We can often get caught up by the bright, shiny objects and techy innovations that wow us and paint a picture of a robot-driven future. But for the tens of BILLIONS of products that move across the U.S. every single day, it's one simple material that makes it happen – wood. Let's Talk Today's Supply Chain Pallets are often overlooked as an essential piece of the supply chain, but it is more than that. They are essential to the efficiency of the supply chain and its overall sustainability. As companies from every industry seek to shift their business models to further Composition: Caryn Smith. Images: iStockphoto.com/ jamesteohart/Bet_Noire/ Grassetto