Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/877664
- 13 - The Pallet Foundation 2017 was a significant growth year for The Pallet Foundation and led to a substantial expansion of current projects. One of the most effective and well known projects is "Natures Packaging" which continues to grow in size and effectiveness. The stated purpose of Natures Packaging ® is research, education and marketing to promote positive messages about the wood packaging industry based on environmental strengths. PROJECTS Environmental Product Declarations (EPD's) Environmental Product Declarations (EPD's) are fast becoming the worldwide standard for comparing materials and products for their environmental impact. To develop usable EPD's for the wooden pallet, the Pallet Foundation is funding an initiative in conjunction with the USDA Forest Products Lab. Pallet Industry Outreach to Packaging Universities NWPCA technical staff continues to travel to multiple packaging schools with the goal of elevating the wood packaging industry within the academic community. A preview of PDS is provided to students while also sharing the positive environmental attributes of wood packaging materials. Develop and Deliver Educational Background Materials A new initiative called Change the Pallet began with the specific goal of ending the use of wooden pallets, especially on the state and local level. The Pallet Foundation is funding the production of one-pagers and a presentation deck to quickly explain the industry's impact on local economies and importance of wood packaging to federal and state legislators, and regulators. North American Forest Partnership – Year 2 2017 marks the second year of a two-year initial commitment to this $2 million environmental messaging and marketing initiative including stakeholders in the forest ownership and forest products industry. Expanded Research for the Pallet Design System - Enhanced Functionality – Forklift Handling of Notched Stringer Pallets PDS currently does not analyze stringer pallets when supported by fork tines within the notch. The stresses in notched stringers in this support condition are completely different than for other support conditions. Physical testing is required to generate data in order to create and verify a new structural analysis for this support condition.