12 WESTERN PALLET
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The Pallet Foundation
Project Focus: Economic Impact Study
Wooden packaging is more than just an essential piece of the supply chain, it is also essential to the fabric of our nation, providing jobs and supporting our local communities. The Pallet Foundation has funded significant research on the sustainability footprint of wood packaging and examined the economic footprint and the importance of wooden packaging to the national economy.
This article dives into the findings of recent economic research titled, "Economic Analysis of the U.S. Wooden Pallet and Container Industry, 2018." The study clearly illustrates the far-reaching positive effects of the industry on our nation's economy through a compre- hensive analysis of employment, production, output, and overall eco- nomic activity.
The research found that the wooden pallet and container industry generates an economic impact of US$31 billion and has a direct or indirect impact on more than 173,000 jobs. The study was conducted by the NAM's Center for Manufacturing Research in partnership with INFORUM. NWPCA initiated the project to validate the wood packaging industry's role in a very complex supply chain and answer questions increasingly asked by elected officials and regulatory agencies.
Pallet Foundation Secretary (and NWPCA President & CEO) Brent McClendon comments, "We now have the critical data proving the breadth and depth of benefit our industry creates for American jobs and their local economies. These results help inform policies that further the wood packaging sector and support our local communities."
In individual states, and nationwide, the numbers confirm the vital link our sector plays in the supply chain. The COVID-19 pandemic has further raised the profile of our sector, clearly showing the essential nature of our industry.
Some key findings of the report include:
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Labor compensation reached $3 billion; robust growth has outpaced job gains, indicating higher average wages.
Direct output exceeded $10.7 billion, the highest level of output since 2007.
Production levels increased 4% per year from 2009-2016, outpacing the overall economy.
Labor compensation reached $3 billion; robust growth has outpaced job gains, indicating higher average wages.
Direct output exceeded $10.7 billion, the highest level of output since 2007.
Production levels increased 4% per year from 2009-2016, outpacing the overall economy.
Labor compensation reached $3 billion; robust growth has outpaced job gains, indicating higher average wages.
Direct output exceeded $10.7 billion, the highest level of output since 2007.
Production levels increased 4% per year from 2009-2016, outpacing the overall economy.
Labor compensation reached $3 billion; robust growth has outpaced job gains, indicating higher average wages.
Labor compensation reached $3 billion; robust growth has outpaced job gains, indicating higher average wages.
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This 2018 economic impact study is yet another tool that shows how wood pallets move the world. The full report, along with a breakdown of the numbers by state, is available at https://palletfoundation.org/portfolio-item/economic-impact-study-january-2019/.
The Pallet Foundation funds projects such as the Economic Impact Study through the generous voluntary support of many wood packaging companies and individuals throughout our sector. Learn more and contribute to the great work of the Foundation at https://palletfoundation.org/projects/.
Written by Grace Johnson, Manager, Policy and Public Relations, NWPCA