Partnership with NWPCA on PDS 19 Jun 2020, 5:00 am

The Canadian Wood Pallet & Container Association (CWPCA) is pleased to announce that we have signed an exclusive partnership with the National Wood Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) to market Pallet Design System™ (PDS) in Canada.

Statement on COVID-19 from Global Wood Packaging Forum 25 Mar 2020, 5:00 am

The Global Wood Packaging Forum has released a statement calling on governments around the world to recognize and declare the production of pallets and wood packaging, its inputs and distribution networks as essential services.

The Philosophy of Plant Tours 1 Oct 2019, 5:00 am

The other day I came across an interesting article about Kaizen, the Japanese philosophy often associated with Toyota’s high productivity. Basically, the idea is to continuously improve, through small or significant changes, and to involve all employees in this process.

The Next Challenge 3 Sep 2019, 5:00 am

I have been thinking much about this recently, and quite frankly, the more I do, the more that I feel we as an industry need to understand more about the type of insect behind the seasonal measures taken by Australia and why it is such a big deal.  Not specifically the species, but the types of insects that travel by way of “hitchhiking” on goods being shipped around the world. 

New import requirements for Australia 14 Aug 2019, 5:00 am

A few months back, we received notice from the Australian Government that Canada had been added to their list of countries targeted as risks in the spread of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB).  We have been in consultation with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Canadian Forest Service, Canada Wood, the Canadian Lumber Standards and Accreditation Board and the Australian Government to identify all of the forest products covered under their regulations and how they are impacted.  

A stinky situation in the land down under 1 Aug 2019, 5:00 am

Fortunately, those of you who supply pallets and other wood packaging destined for the land down under currently do not have to take many more steps in addition to conforming to ISPM-15.  However, having said that, please make sure that you read the information thoroughly and understand what you need to do for your clients who are shipping to Australia with regards to your wood packaging. 

Fall Plant Tours: Have you registered yet? 2 Jul 2019, 5:00 am

Over my years working for the Association, conversations with our members indicate that plant tours have provided so much value to them, and that they are an important tool that has helped them improve their own operations.  Reflecting back long ago to my early years in the business I recall my first experience with plant tours and how I returned from the trip full of ideas and plans to better my operation.

Why CWPCA? 1 Jun 2019, 5:00 am

As an operations manager in the pallet industry, I found much value to being a member of and being involved in the CWPCA.  From networking and building contacts, to forging business and personal relationships, to feeling “in the know” when it came to industry issues, the CWPCA became a tool that I used in my day to day life around the plant.  Stepping into the CWPCA as an employee, it never really crossed my mind that members saw things any differently.  Here I am 5 years in, and I have realized that there are many who question, or are unsure of the role of the CWPCA, or what exactly it is we do, and thus what the benefits of membership are.

Planning For The Worst 1 May 2019, 5:00 am

One thing that became clear to me during this experience, after having conversations with our awesome staff in Ottawa, is that while we may not want to think about it, there is a huge need to make plans in the event that your day to day life becomes compromised and you cannot tend to your daily duties.  

A busy start to 2019 1 Apr 2019, 5:00 am

Reflecting on the past weeks and the first four months of 2019, I felt that I should take this opportunity to highlight the CWPCA activities to date this year, and look ahead at what is to come.

Sustainability: It’s not just about the trees 1 Mar 2019, 5:00 am

While we can definitely demonstrate many successes on the environmental side, we still have some work to do and we as an industry need to assess our position and role in delivering on the Social and Economic goals.

Automation for the People 1 Feb 2019, 5:00 am

What did surprise me is how many individuals, regardless of their type of operation commented on their experiences with smaller scale and lower cost investments in equipment and technology aimed at making essential, but non-value add processes usually tasked to general labour employees simpler for staff.

Switching it up for AGM 2019 3 Jan 2019, 5:00 am

The premise of the 2019 AGM is to add more social/networking opportunities for our members and delegates, with the introduction of two receptions, a fishing excursion, whale-watching adventure, and a golf tournament.

CWPCA, the voice of the Canadian wood packaging industry 1 Dec 2018, 5:00 am

The successful delivery of the inspection program to close to 460 clients from coast to coast has served to benefit the Association and the wood packaging industry in many ways.

$100 million earmarked for Forest Products Sector 1 Nov 2018, 5:00 am

I am approached every so often by people who are looking for advice and seeking opportunities to apply for grants and incentives that they may access in order to help them with their business operations.

Three easy ways CWPCA resources can boost your business 1 Oct 2018, 5:00 am

Have you ever wondered if you are getting all you can out of your membership? How can the CWPCA help me grow my business or improve my bottom line? 

Interpal/AGM Highlights 3 Sep 2018, 5:00 am

INTERPAL can be described simply as a huge success. Over 620 delegates from around the globe spent three days networking, touring plants, cruising around the exhibit hall, and hearing from several amazing speakers and panelists on a variety of subjects.

US Formaldehyde Regulations 2 Aug 2018, 5:00 am

In the July edition of Bark Bits, we reported on US legislation which requires imported composite wood products to meet standards with regards to formaldehyde emissions.

Summer is here and it’s hot. Looks like the fall is going to pot. 1 Jul 2018, 5:00 am

Just a friendly reminder to you all to make sure that your hot weather policies are put into practice. Remind your staff to stay hydrated and allow them some “cool down time” to keep them healthy and safe.

The Other L Word 1 Jun 2018, 5:00 am

Labour struggles have been well documented, and in many regions of the country the availability of quality labourers able to fill the requirements of our businesses is shrinking.