Projects

Foundation Sponsored Projects

The Pallet Foundation remains committed to the goals of our Strategic Plan. The goals outline our dedication to research and development for projects that benefit the wood packaging industry and provide financial support to the Pallet Design System™ (PDS) to ensure that PDS is the leading unit-load design system and that PDS remains cutting-edge technology.

From Our Trustees

“We are funding the projects that matter the most to our business. We educate our customers and the population on how pallets move the world most sustainably. The results are astounding, and I’m so honored to be a Trustee of the Pallet Foundation.” Kathleen Dietrich, Commercial Pallet

Pallet Foundation Trustees

Sampling of other projects supported by the Foundation

Research adhesive fasteners for pallets (1998)Develop cost effective, light weight wood-based composite material not subject to IPPC Guidelines (2004)NWPCA Employer Policy & Procedures Manual into Spanish (2008)
Research impact of changes in shipping logistics on pallet markets (2000)Pallet and container production & recycling research (2004)Lab testing @ Virginia Tech to develop the expanded structural and durability analysis and supplement wood pallet test data in PDS (2009)
Research impact of evolving retailing methods on pallet use in the U.S. (2000)Finger-jointing of green hardwood pallet parts follow-up to verify technical feasibility of use in assembled pallets (2004)Purchase digital pressure mat to conduct initial laboratory testing for PDS (2011)
Enable PDS to evaluate remanufactured pallets and pallets constructed with recycled parts (2001)Topographical mapping of the mechanical stressing of wood pallets during use (2004)Unit Load testing and research for PDS (2015)
Wood-based composite material (2001)Grocery Distribution Study (2005)Investigation of the Effect of Column Stacked Corrugated Boxes on Load Bridging Using Partial FourWay Stringer Class Wooden Pallets (2019)
Modifying the PDS to predict the performance of pallets assembled with used, reclaimed wood pallet parts (2002)Webnet Safety & Health Training program (2005)Investigation of the Interaction Between the Components of Palletized Drums and Pails Throughout Storage and Distribution (2019)
Audio CD test project: fact sheets and Washington Alerts in audio format (2002)Improving the properties of wood packaging (2006)Spanish translation of the “NWPCA Fire Code Compliance Manual for the Outdoor Storage of Wooden Pallets” (2020)
Assess the use of pressure sensitive film in the topographical mapping of the mechanical stresses on wood pallets during use (2003)Trends in raw material supply (2006)Trenched stringers and filler boards for block pallets in PDS v6.2 (2020)
Preliminary performance evaluation of pallets made of green finger jointed hardwood components (2003)Comparison of wood versus alternative materials (2006)Unit load for sheet goods analysis in PDS v6.3 (2021)
Trends in wood waste and by-products (2006)Employer Policy & Procedures Manual (2007)PDS User’s Guide in Spanish and French, PDS v6.4 (2021)
Cost Study: Renting vs. Purchasing Pallets (2003)I-9 compliance manual/training and enforcement training (2007)

Support The Pallet Foundation

Make an online contribution (secure server) or mail a check/money order to: Pallet Foundation c/o NWPCA, 1421 Prince Street, Suite 340, Alexandria, VA 22314. The Pallet Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation and all contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Contributors will receive a statement for tax purposes. Please contact the foundation treasurer, Michael Saylor, if you need additional assistance.