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12 PalletCentral • March-April 2021 palletcentral.com C arbon Impact. Circular Economy. Sustainability. ese are more than merely buzzwords in today's global economy. ey are becoming profitable indicators for many businesses when building relationships with current and new customers. But more than that, it is becoming an overarching responsibility that is pervasive in business to ensure companies provide for today's needs without robbing up-and-coming generations of tomorrow's provisions. Fortunately for the industry, the use of materials and circular processes contribute in a positive way to efforts for renewable resources. e fact that these materials and processes have been certified by the UL, in conjunction with the US Forest Products Lab, through the presentation of an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is fantastic timing for the increased attention on reducing the carbon impact of supply chains. In short – the wooden pallet and container industry makes a big difference by the way they operate. Marketing Sustainability So, what does that mean for most wooden pallet and container companies? It means that there is clear evidence for the value of durable pallets, ongoing repair and recycling, and the critical importance at end-of-life of using wood pallet residuals to replace the fossil fuels our world consumes (e.g. in manufacture of wood pellets). While you are focused on continuous improvement in your operations, the latest research shows we certainly can improve how this information is shared to benefit a customer company, and the industry overall. Taking advantage of this validation in communications and marketing improves the industry's image as we all assist small and large companies alike in achieving their carbon impact goals. When customers evaluate how they will improve their operations and supply chains to move products around the world, they can choose wood with confidence. Environmental Currency For this second article in our series, we will look at how to use the Environment and Forest Sustainability in marketing and business building. Specifically, how does this topic help you get customers? Well from the looks of the semi-post-COVID times, many current and potential customers are doing well. Just a look at the news indicating that consumer spending is on the rise: A recent Ad Age headline says, "Spring is the new Christmas as brands prep for the return of Roaring '20s consumerism. Industry bets big on marketing as Americans move from 'hesitancy to hope.'" A headline from Forbes touts: "e Rise Of Warehousing: A Steam Train With No End In Sight." e article goes on to report "America's warehouse space demand is marching toward a better future. Buoyed by the acceleration of e-commerce, warehousing today sees more growth opportunities than perhaps ever before, and this is no hyperbole. Data backs it up. U.S. retail e-commerce sales are estimated at $209.5 billion for the third quarter of 2020. at's an increase of 36.7% from the third quarter of 2019. e supply chain is also reporting positive news." All that good news means pallets will continue to move the world, with 90% of all U.S. products By Caryn Smith Wood Pallets and the EPD in the 'Zero is the New Hero' Era WOOD WORK AT

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