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Paper Pallets Fail to Meet the Rigors of Oregon's Correctional Supply Chain in Trial
Last year the wood pallet industry, led by NWPCA and WPA, successfully challenged Oregon Bill 4089, legislation which would have mandated state agencies to use paper pallets, based on an inaccurate claims that they are more sustainable than wood.
The issue still lingered, however, when Oregon governor Kate Brown ordered a trial of paper pallets by the Oregon Depart-ment of Corrections (DOC).
The results of that test now reveal that paper pallets failed to deliver the performance required for that supply chain.
“The National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) has reviewed the Oregon Department of Corrections’ analysis of a statewide corru-gated pilot and agrees with the findings of the report," stated Brent McClendon, President / CEO of NWPCA .
“NWPCA and its member companies are committed to developing sustainable, safe and all-purpose packaging that move more than 94 percent of the products shipped on pallets around the United States. Close to 2 billion wood pallets are used every day in domestic shipping and warehousing operations; and about $400 billion worth of American trade is exported annually using wood pallets and containers. Based on wood pallets reliability, customization, and safety performance, our industry’s products are trusted by America’s shipping companies and the global supply chain network.
“Through more than 30 years of research and innovation, the wood pallet industry is shaping the future of packaging around sustainability and safety. To this end, we are working hand in hand with the USDA to promote the growth of biobased wood pallets and mandatory purchasing requirements through the agency’s BioPreferred® program. USDA has recognized the NWPCA’s Pallet Design System to certify and label wood pallets for their strength, stiffness and durability.
“For more information about NWPCA and America’s wood pallet industry, please visit www.palletcentral.com.”
Above: Dave Sweitzer, WPA Executive Vice-President, was one of the industry leaders who testified at last year's hearing.