Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/877664
- 7 - During the fl y-in, NWPCA was also able to meet with Federal agencies. A formal relationship to work more closely was cemented with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Together we are focusing on further educating the public and private sector on preventing the introduction of invasive species and keeping ISPM-15 a strong program in the coming years. Additionally, NWPCA is discussing a closer collaboration with the Department of Labor. LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD As is often said by NWPCA's CEO Brent McClendon, "If you're not at the table, you're on the menu." NWPCA ensures you have a seat at the table. We are here for you, whether it's a long-term regulatory negotiation or participating and belonging to state, federal and international forums. Here are some examples of achievements this past year and what lies ahead for the industry. FIRE CODE COMPLIANCE The NWPCA worked with fi re safety experts to develop a section of the fi re code on outdoor pallet storage that applies specifi cally to the wood packaging industry. This code update will mandate the use of effective safeguarding procedures. The revised fi re codes of both the National Fire Protection Association and the International Code Council will include these updated requirements for outdoor pallet storage. Our educational outreach efforts include development of a Fire Code Compliance Manual, which releases Fall 2017, and will be widely distributed to members and others in the industry. Past NWPCA conferences, and the August safety regional meeting, all featured upcoming changes to the fi re codes and what it means to new pallet manufacturers and recycling facilities. The educational efforts on fi re code compliance will continue well into 2018 and beyond. INITIATIVES TO ELIMINATE SOLID WOOD PACKAGING The Cary Institute for Ecosystem Studies has a $120 million endowment and has proposed the elimination of solid wood packaging – wooden pallets and containers. They are not only pursuing this on Capitol Hill and at Federal agencies, but also at the state level. They are engaging with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and working to convince him to move the state to what they defi ne as 'pest free packaging.' Due to these efforts, we strongly support increased funding for the USDA ISPM-15 program. The Deputy Administrator of the USDA Plant Protection Quarantine, Osama El-Lissy said, "NWPCA needs to work closely with the USDA to ensure that the high integrity of ISPM-15 continues." NWPCA is a key part of a technical working group with the USDA that identifi es how to leverage current industry practices to further mitigate pest risk. Signifi cant time and resources are being dedicated to this issue. CHANGE THE PALLET Change the Pallet's (CTP) stated goal is to "reduce carbon emissions" by replacing wooden pallets with paper-based products. To no surprise, CTP was actually founded by and currently led by the president of a company that sells paper-based pallets. Through this non-profi t organization, Change the Pallet, the founder is asking for preferential treatment for his products. Recently, Haverford College in Pennsylvania, requested their vendors to use corrugated pallets when possible for shipping products to the college. The NWPCA quickly FIRE CODE COMPLIANCE MANUAL National Wooden Pallet & Container Association FOR OUTDOOR STORAGE OF WOOD PALLETS Fall 2017