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4 Pallet C e nt ral • No vem be r-D e cem be r 2 0 26 PALLETCENTRAL, Volume 26 No.6 PalletCentral ® is a bi-monthly publication of Woodpack Global™, © 2026 Woodpack Global™. All rights reserved. Woodpack Global 225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 560 Alexandria, VA 22314 703-519-6104 info@woodpackglobal.org Advertising: To advertise in PalletCentral, contact Mark Barford at 703-519-0186 or mark@woodpackglobal.org. Publishing Partner: Tulip Media Group Subscriptions to PalletCentral ® are complimentary, however you need to subscribe: woodpackglobal.org/pallet-subscription >>Subscribe Subscribe to ensure you receive the latest edition of PalletCentral ® and to make sure we have your correct mailing address and/or email address for digital editions. Please note that Woodpack Global™ does not sell our mailing lists. ©2026 Woodpack Global™. All rights reserved. The views expressed in all articles, editorials and advertisements appearing in PalletCentral are solely those of the author and advertiser, respectively, and do not necessarily represent the views of Woodpack Global. IN THIS ISSUE DEPARTMENTS 8 Leer From Our President 10 Policy At Play 14 Inside Woodpack Global 30 Our Advertisers 17 42 WOODPACK GLOBAL November-December 2026 • Volume 26 No. 6 36 | Introducing The Crate Design System™ Woodpack Global launches Crate Design System™ (CDS), a new soware tool designed specifically for wooden crates and industrial wood packaging. Built on the foundation of Pallet Design System™, CDS helps designers create detailed 3D designs, improve efficiency, reduce material costs and beer communicate designs with customers. BY MICHELLE SULLIVAN 24 | Recycled Pallet Class Standards: What Do Recyclers Agree On? Woodpack Global's Recyclers' Council is working to establish consistent grading standards for recycled pallets. With a dra definition for top-tier 48×40 pallets developed, the task force is seeking industry feedback to create clearer expectations, improve consistency and establish a common baseline for recyclers and their customers. BY KATE DOHERTY 32 | Woodpack Global Co-Founds New Brussels Alliance Woodpack Global joins Wood Pallets for Europe as a founding member, strengthening the wood packaging industry's voice in Brussels. The new Alliance brings leading manufacturers and associations together to influence EU packaging policies, promote the sustainability of wooden pallets and protect the industry's interests in global supply chains. BY ANNETTE FERRI 17 | The 2027 Pallet Playbook As pallet manufacturers and wood packaging companies plan for 2027, sustainable growth will require more than increased production. Discover how strategic investments, cost management, operational efficiency, new opportunities and resilience can help businesses strengthen profitability and prepare for what's next. BY WOODPACK GLOBAL 42 | Opiates Reach The Workplace: Are You Prepared? New OSHA guidance highlights the importance of opioid overdose preparedness in the workplace. Learn how employers can recognize overdose symptoms, provide lifesaving reversal medications, train employees for emergency response and understand their responsibilities for protecting workplace safety. BY ADELE L. ABRAMS, ESQ., ASP, CMSP 32