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Pallet C e nt ral • No vem be r-D e cem be r 2 0 26 3 3 "Europe already has a proven circular success story in wooden pallets," said Jan Ponnet, Chair of Wood Pallets for Europe, at the Alliance's launch. "Built on extensive reuse, repair, refurbishment, and ultimately recycling into secondary products, our sector demonstrates how renewable materials can support both competitiveness and sustainability." Why Woodpack Global Joined At The Founding Stage For Woodpack Global, choosing to help found the Alliance rather than join later was deliberate. To show this commitment, Brent McClendon, President & CEO of Woodpack Global, also serves as Treasurer of Wood Pallets for Europe. In this role, he is directly involved in the Alliance's leadership. "Woodpack Global proudly joins the Alliance as a founding member," said McClendon. "We are excited to work with leading EU pallet manufacturers and associations to increase the industry's voice and impact in Brussels, building awareness of wooden pallets' sustainability credentials, while protecting our industry against harmful legislation in the EU and what that means globally." is leadership also shapes the Alliance's approach. e group plans to use data- driven advocacy to highlight wood 's natural sustainability, ensure future laws account for wood 's unique qualities, and prevent legislation that disproportionately affects wooden pallets. A Strong Model For Brussels Engagement e founding-member structure is also a more efficient way to work in Brussels. Instead of each organization running its own advocacy efforts, Wood Pallets for Europe allows members to combine their resources into a single coordinated group. is approach extends each organization's influence beyond what it could manage alone, saving each organization extensive costs. As McClendon notes, "We moved quickly to launch, and we welcome other companies and associations to join the Alliance. e Alliance will complement the work of existing trade bodies and strengthen our industry's voice." For Woodpack Global, it means the same commitment to representing our members' interests in Europe, now supported by five other organizations working toward the same goals. What It Means On This Side Of The Atlantic Some U.S. manufacturers might think this is just a European issue that does not affect them. However, Woodpack Global's Board of Directors sees it another way. "When the Board looked at this, the question wasn't whether European policy would reach our members; it was when," said Scott Vipond, Woodpack Global Board Chair. "Our members sell into global supply chains. We wanted Woodpack Global to be a founding member of Wood Pallets for Europe because decisions made in Brussels will shape what customers ask of our industry here at home." For Jason Ortega, Senior Vice President of Woodpack Global, that founding role is the key distinction. "ere's a real difference between joining a coalition and founding one," he said. "Being in the room from the start means we're helping define how this Alliance advocates for wood packaging's sustainability story in Brussels. For our members with operations, customers, or supply chains touching Europe, our influence on EU policy started before the ink was dry, not after the rules were already written." e stakes are real and practical. EU rules on sustainability claims, recyclability, and material restrictions often become the standard that global customers and supply chain partners follow, including those in the United States. If these regulations are made without considering the realities of wood packaging, they could cause problems for U.S. supply chains, such as changing sourcing requirements or creating standards that unintentionally favor other materials. As a founding member, Woodpack Global can identify these risks early and help ensure new rules include the industry's needs. e organization believes this is much more effective than reacting to legislation after it is already in place. Looking Ahead Wood Pallets for Europe will work directly with EU institutions and policymakers in the coming months, with Woodpack Global representing industry interests as part of this unified group. Securing wood packaging's role in a sustainable, circular economy is now a global issue. Being involved early is more valuable than making a strong case after decisions are made. Members can follow the Alliance's work at woodpalletsforeurope.com. "Instead of each organization running its own advocacy efforts, Wood Pallets for Europe allows members to combine their resources into a single coordinated group." Annee Ferri is Woodpack Global's vice president of communications. She plays a senior role in leading the organization's communications with the members of Woodpack Global and the industry. She may be reached at 703.519.6104 or annee@woodpackglobal.org.

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