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Pallet C e nt ral • No vem be r-D e cem be r 2 0 25 35 Connect on digital transformation through AI and data analytics. For others, growth may come from strategic expansion or diversification. "We will overcome decline in some segments by expanding in others," notes Reardon Pallet Company's Daniel Reardon Jr. Across the board, members identified flexibility and collaboration as the key to success in 2026 by working closely with suppliers, technology providers, and customers to anticipate and adapt to shifting market conditions. The Road Ahead: Resilient, Data-Driven, And Ready If 2025 was a year of adjustment, 2026 is shaping up to be one of recalibration. e industry's priorities are clear: strengthen operations, invest in technology, and build supply chains that can withstand volatility. As Pallet Alliance put it, "By addressing challenges and capitalizing on opportunities, we aim to contribute to the development of more efficient, sustainable, and resilient supply chains." at sentiment resonates across every response, from those forecasting growth to those bracing for continued uncertainty. e wooden packaging industry, once again, proves its ability to adapt and endure. And while no one can predict the precise path of global trade, one thing is certain: as pallets continue to move the world, the companies that build, repair, and innovate around them are finding new ways to move forward. Looking Forward: Turning Wood Residuals Into Future Opportuni es As the industry looks ahead to 2026, identifying markets for wood residuals is key to a more sustainable future. Based on feedback from NWPCA members highlighting the growing need to identify markets and solutions for wood residuals, the Pallet Foundation—in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and led by Tom Miles of T.R. Miles Technical Consultants—is launching a new research initiative to better understand the challenges and opportunities in this area. Your confidential feedback will help inform industry solutions, policy recommendations, and emerging market opportunities. is short survey aims to identify current disposal practices, explore potential end markets, and gather perspectives on policies that could enable more sustainable and cost-effective approaches. Take the short sur vey at w w w.palletcentral.com/wood-residuals. A ll responses will be kept strictly confidential by N W PCA staff and research partners.

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