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Composite Pallet Pooler Raises $225 Million in IPO to Launch Big Time - Jan 16, 2014
Composite pallet maker RM2 International, which has been in a research and development mode for years, plans to launch a major pallet pool of 20 million pallets or more in both North America and the United States.; USDA Extends Hardwood Checkoff Comment Period: The comment period will remain open until February 18, 2014. more...
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Hardwood Checkoff – Is It a Good Idea? - Jan 10, 2014
Those against the measure are coming out in full force and seem to outnumber the supporters.; Pallet Industry Holds Two Major Meetings Early in 2014: The Western Pallet Association (WPA) celebrates its 40th anniversary at Palm Desert, Calif. on January 17-20. The NWPCA will be holding its annual meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. on March 1-3.; News Briefs: Karen Wanamaker of the NWPCA is leaving the association. Two different groups are working on studies related to converting forest waste to biofuels. The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) is looking for comments on a draft of the SFI 2015-2019 Standard. Unseasonable wildfires in parts of California have caused concern among fire experts. more...
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EPAL and UIC Reach Exchange Agreement - Jan 3, 2014
Both EPAL and the UIC need each other because the rail authorities are very influential in European transport.; Deadline Approaches for Hardwood Checkoff Comments: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently taking public comments until January 13, 2014.; Renewable Electricity Standard Proposed: The House bill would require utilities to generate 25% of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025.; Online PR Pitfalls: While PR and website marketing professionals may be better at messaging, generating search engine rankings, distributing press releases or developing videos, they don’t understand the industry.; European Timber Shortage Expected: TIMCON said delegates were expecting 2014 to begin with extreme and unseasonable pressure on the availability of timber in Europe. more...
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The Year in Review - Dec 23, 2013
Key concerns for pallet companies to consider as they prepare for 2014 and beyond.; CPC Dodges Shutdown, Calls for Action: While there remains widespread support for the CPC among many in the Canadian grocery sector, the future of the pool is far from certain. Recycle Bits: The two biggest players in the European pallet market have finally reached an agreement in principal over a dispute. iGPS Logistics and Nice-Pak Products, Inc. have extended their pallet pooling agreement. LOSCAM has signed an agreement with Bed, Bath & Beyond in New Zealand to become its sole provider of managed pooled pallets. Greystone Logistics, Inc. recently manufactured and shipped recycled plastic pallets to various sites in the Anheuser Busch system as part of a pallet test and product evaluation. A bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would establish the first national renewable energy standard. Commercial Lumber & Pallet located in City of Industry, Calif. has announced that Bruce Benton, formerly of Hunter Woodworks, has joined its team. more...
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Canadian Pallet Industry at a Crossroads - Dec 20, 2013
The CPC has postponed a shutdown and is working to bolster its network, but the future of the pool is far from certain.; News Brief: iGPS Logistics and Nice-Pak Products, Inc. have extended their pallet pooling agreement. A bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would establish the first national renewable energy standard. Commercial Lumber & Pallet has announced that Bruce Benton has joined its team as the director of marketing and production. Holiday Schedule: Pallet Profile will not be published December 27, 2013 according to our regular schedule. more...
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Study Indicates Surprises on Where Greatest Potential Exists for Woody Biomass Conversion, EIA Releases Forecast - Dec 13, 2013
Much of the pellet production is now going overseas to Europe as governments over there push to meet renewable energy targets. But what about the potential for growth in heat and energy production here in the United States using wood biomass?; SHOP Exchange Delayed: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that the federal online Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) exchange, will not be operational until November 2014. more...
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Thinking Out Loud about the Hardwood Checkoff - Dec 6, 2013
Led by strong support from grade hardwood interests, a checkoff program is designed to benefit the overall industry, but not everyone is happy with the proposal.; Profile Changes in 2014 Will Include Softwood Lumber Prices East of the Rockies: We will start reporting Southern Yellow Pine prices across the South and SPF prices across the northern tier of states.; Arrest Made in Pallet Scam: Gene Ferrell, 36, allegedly brokered pallet deals but never paid the manufacturers or delivery companies.; AUCTION: December 14, 2013 more...
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ALSC and NWPCA Agree to Create Task Force to Resolve Conflict - Nov 27, 2013
At its annual business meeting, the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) voted to table the discussion on the issues raised by the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) involving mark removal and other concerns raised by recyclers.; Recyclers Conference Draws Large Crowd,Covers Key Issues: The strong attendance means that the association is likely to do a similar event each year that involves plant tours.; Bankruptcy Court Confirms iGPS Settlement Terms: All claims had to be submitted by October 24, 2013.; New Chemical Safety Resources Available: Employers also need to remember the upcoming December 1 deadline for training workers on OSHA’s new label elements and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) format.; RECYCLE BITS: IFCO has appointed Fred Heptinstall senior vice president of global business development. CAPS has rebranded its intermediatebulk container management business as CHEP Pallecon Solutions, officially becoming part of the Brambles family.; CHEP USA recently unveiled its new half-size pallet after re-engineereing every part of the design based on feedback from leading retailers and product manufacturers. more...
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Research Looks at Market Opportunities for U.S. Hardwoods in Asia and Western Europe - Nov 27, 2013
The research involved case study analysis of importers at various trade shows as well as company visits in Germany, China and Vietnam.; State of Missouri Quarantined for EAB: Previously, only a portion of Missouri was regulated due to the establishment and enforcement of equivalent state quarantines.; EXPO Richmond Scheduled for May: The trade show, which will be held at the Richmond Raceway complex in Richmond, Va. on May 16-17, 2014.; NEWS BRIEFS: An increase in exports of southern pine lumber was reported in September.; AUCTION: December 14, 2013. more...
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Federal Government Releases Hardwood Checkoff Draft Proposal - Nov 22, 2013
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently published a draft proposal for a hardwood checkoff program to be levied on major U.S. sales of hardwood lumber, plywood, and lumber products, such as unfinished flooring, cants and railroad ties.; EAB Found in Colorado: An infestation now confirmed in the Boulder, Colo. area.; Canadian HT Program in Flux: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has agreed to a new process that will increase inspection frequency but not as much as first planned.; 2-way Pine Hybrid Pallet Introduced: Green Pallets Inc. is continuing the expansion of its first four stringer pallet made of wood with molded plastic bumpers. more...
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