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32 Pallet C e nt ral • July -Aug u st 2 0 25 PCR CONT. Anne e Ferri is NWPCA's vice president of communica ons. She plays a senior role in leading the organiza on's communica ons with the members of NWPCA and the industry. She may be reached at 703.519.6104 or aferri@palletcentral.com. at's where the entire industry plays a part. To ensure the LCA reflects how pallets are produced, used, and recycled today, NWPCA calls on pallet manufacturers, recyclers, and suppliers to contribute data. e goal? To represent approximately 100 million wood pallets, a volume big enough to tell a meaningful story and move the industry forward together. "Five years ago, the success of our first-ever Environmental Product Declaration depended on accurate, representative data, and we got there," says Gething. "We know the industry continuously improves its energy and fuel consumption by using more solar [energy] and electric vehicles. is is just one example, and why it's so important for companies to participate in the LCA survey. e more data we collect, the stronger and more defensible our environmental story becomes." With the PCR complete, the wooden pallet industry has a clear, credible, and science-backed pathway to the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). "is PCR represents the best of what our industry can do when we work together," Gething adds. "From manufacturers to researchers, everyone had a hand in shaping a document that will guide sustainability reporting for years to come." Be Part Of The Process Want to help shape the next chapter in pallet sustainability? Participate in the Life Cycle Assessment Survey to ensure the industry's EPD reflects the real-world practices you're proud of. Learn more and get involved: palletcentral.com/ lcasur vey. How A PCR Leads To An EPD—Step-by- Step Flowchart Creating a credible sustainability nutrition label for wood pallets doesn't happen overnight. It takes a series of structured, transparent steps and collaboration across the industry, starting with the Product Category Rule. e NWPCA, with support from the Pallet Foundation, leads this process by working closely with members and third-party experts to ensure scientific accuracy and global credibility. Partners like Smart EPD, John Beath Environmental ( JBE), and independent LCA professionals bring deep experience in environmental data, verification, and reporting. However, without the support and data from NWPCA members, the EPD for Wooden Pallets would not exist. Here's a simplified look at how a Product Category Rule (PCR) leads to a trusted Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)—and how your input fits in: Start ↓ [1] Product Category Rule (PCR) is Created or Updated [Smart EPD Consulting] • Sets the rules for how to measure environmental impact • Tailored to a specific product (e.g., wood pallets) ↓ [2] Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is conducted [NWPCA members, broad industry] • Companies provide real-world data (materials, energy use, etc.) • LCA follows the methods outlined in the PCR ↓ [3] Data is Analyzed [ John Beath Environmental & Sustainability Consultants] • Environmental impacts are calculated (carbon footprint, waste, etc.) • Results are reviewed for accuracy ↓ [4] ird-Party Verification [UL Environment] • Independent experts verify that the LCA and results follow the PCR • Ensures transparency and credibility ↓ [5] Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is Published [UL] • Clear, standardized report of a product's environmental impact • Can be shared with customers, regulators, and stakeholders ↓ End → e industry has a verified, credible way to tell its sustainability story!

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