18 WESTERN PALLET
pallet users have become familiar with block pallets. “People began to recognize that the block pallet is very functional. In many ways, it is much more functional and can reduce operating costs. He noted that the slide is consistent with manufacturing trends--75% stringer and 21 to 25% block.
“I think we are starting to see that growth in block manufacturing starting to ebb a bit, and it makes sense. Certainly, the rental companies are all on block pallets, and the pools are maturing. But the growth in the recent past from stringer to block pallet was significant.
More new wood pallets, fewer recycled being purchased
This year’s survey showed an increase in wood pallet purchasers buying new, with a significant drop in those purchasing used pallets, which speaks to the continuing degradation of pallet core quality.
“The availability of the core that becomes the basis for used repaired or remanufactured pallets in the marketplace has declined,” Dr. White said. “And as that declines, the quality of used pallets has also declined.” He cautioned, however, that the used pallet market very much pertains to the 48x40 pallet, which is only 35% of the pallet market. “This doesn’t really tell us what is going on with repairing the odd sizes…” He suggested that increased purchases of new pallets might help improve quality in the used pallet market.
Circularity 19 Conference Call for Speakers
The call for speakers is now open for the Circularity 19 conference, taking place June 18-20 in Minneapolis, MN. Submit a nomination here.
The world is facing stark limits in being able to provide enough food, water and goods for 8.5 billion people by 2030, and companies are under pressure to reduce waste — including plastics and excess packaging — and to create innovative products and services.
To address these challenges, the circular economy has emerged as a business strategy focused on designing and manufacturing products and materials that have continuous and infinite life-cycles, or which can be returned safely to the soil.
The circular economy isn’t just another sustainability framework — it is a radically different way of doing business. It requires that a company engage its entire value chain, even its competitors. It’s transformational, disruptive, regenerative and will create opportunities at every part of the economic spectrum, including those in traditionally marginalized communities.
Moving to a circular economy is also a massive business opportunity — $4.5 trillion, according to Accenture. The business opportunities exist globally, across multiple markets and sectors, and leading companies are already embracing it.
However, it is still early days. There is still a lack of awareness and many myths and misunderstandings about what a circular economy means and how more companies and cities can get involved.
Circularity 19 will bring together more than 500 thought leaders and practitioners to define and accelerate the circular economy. Through inspirational plenaries, interactive breakouts, hands-on design charrettes, networking opportunities and a solutions-focused expo, Circularity 19 will inspire, inform and empower participants to make the shift to a circular economy.
The conference is looking for more than 80 speakers for the Circularity 19 program, which will be framed by six program tracks:
- Business Strategy & Innovation
- Circular Cities
- Design & Materials
- Logistics & Infrastructure
- Next-Gen Packaging
- Standards & Metrics
The submission deadline is December 21, but everyone is encouraged to submit your nomination soon — speaking slots for this conference will fill up quickly.
CHEP Appoints Jake Gilene as Senior Vice President, Sales and Customer Service
CHEP has appointed Jake Gilene to the role of senior vice president, sales and customer service, CHEP USA. This position was previously held by Dan Martin, recently named president, IFCO North America.
“CHEP prides itself on developing and promoting world-class talent,” said Laura Nador, president, CHEP North America. “The way the world moves, makes and sells goods is being transformed, and Jake will ensure we continue to be on the front line of solving our customers’ challenges, every day.”
Gilene will lead a team devoted to positively impacting the industry and customers. He will be responsible for commercial strategy, delivering new products, services and solutions to help customers find more value in their supply chains.
The new position is the most recent promotion in Gilene’s long, tenured history with CHEP. Over the last 12 years, he has served in numerous customer-facing roles, including vice president of retail supply chain solutions and vice president of global business development. Gilene has led teams focused on introducing CHEP’s comprehensive capabilities that deliver sustainable value and improved asset productivity. He and his teams have helped customers drive cost out of supply chains, improve efficiencies and create a better shopping experience at the point of sale.
“I am committed to working collaboratively with customers and building strong value pipelines to establish savings in the supply chain,” stated Gilene. “I look forward to continuing to work with partners who have helped shape our business into what it is today.”