NWPCA PARTNERSHIP PROPELS PDS TRAINING INTO THE FUTURE

March 16, 2021 (Alexandria, VA) – The National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) has partnered with AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, to connect the Pallet Design System™ (PDS) training, AICC’s packaging education program, and the Packaging School’s online learning management system.

“We’re excited about the partnership and to offer content to our members from AICC’s world-class online training system,” said Brent McClendon, NWPCA President & CEO. “Our recent release of PDS for Unit Load for Corrugated Boxes make the partnership an ideal fit with AICC.”

AICC’s existing program provides comprehensive training for corrugated, folding carton and rigid box plant industries. As part of the partnership, the Packaging School will include the PDS curriculum on unit load for boxes in AICC’s course offerings.

“The opportunity to partner with NWPCA on this course is a natural because the box always goes someplace. The PDS from NWPCA shows graphically how that happens, which is a critical element for designers at the box plant,” said Michael M. D’Angelo, AICC President.

“The pace and scale at which NWPCA is advancing PDS provide great opportunities for manufacturers and packaging professionals everywhere,” said Kristen DeLack, PE, PDS Structural Engineer. “AICC courses on corrugated board and other paper-based packaging media will give members a great foundation to build upon for their custom pallet and unit load designs.”

The NWPCA and the Packaging School developed a member portal to access the complete course bundle that focuses on corrugated boxes and pallet design. An initial catalog of four courses in English and Spanish covers unit load design and corrugated boxes. NWPCA’s staff will release new courses on PDS and related topics as the year progresses.

“This is an exciting virtual learning program that we are announcing,” said Brad Gething, PhD, NWPCA Director of Science & Technology Integration. “It is our responsibility as global leaders in wood packaging to ensure we address opportunities for digital inclusion and greatly expand PDS as the global tool in pallet design and unit load solutions.”

Access to these courses is free for NWPCA members. Access to PDS training and packaging courses is available through the NWPCA-AICC portal at www.palletcentral.com/packaging-school (NWPCA member login is required).

ABOUT NWPCA AND PDS

The National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) is the largest organization of wood packaging professionals in the world, with more than 670 company members in 30 countries. The Pallet Design System™ (PDS) is the proprietary software of the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association. More details about NWPCA or the software is available at www.palletcentral.com or www.palletdesignsystem.com respectively.

ABOUT AICC, THE INDEPENDENT PACKAGING ASSOCIATION

AICC is a growing membership association which serves independent corrugated, folding carton, and rigid box manufacturers and suppliers with education and information in print, in person, and online. AICC membership is for the full company and employees at all locations have access to member benefits. AICC offers free online education to all members to help the individual maximize their potential, and the member company maximize its profit. Learn more about AICC.

CONTACT

Annette Ferri
Vice President, Communications
email
703.519.6104 ext. 207