The last year was historic for the Pallet Foundation (Foundation); it supported a record number of projects, and the organization hired its first staff. As the need for industry research and promotion grows, it is important for the industry to understand the role that the Foundation plays in shaping the future of the pallet industry around the globe.
The Foundation is the leading non-profit organization dedicated to research and promotion within the international wood pallet market. Distinct from trade associations, it tackles projects beyond their scope, focusing on advancing science, technology, and innovation for the wood packaging industry. By funding research and defending the industry, the Foundation supports the global use of wood packaging in unit-load solutions and helps companies thrive. The new executive director of the Foundation, Brad Gething, PhD, recently sat down with Pallet Enterprise to discuss the evolution of the organization and its work. Formed in 1996, the Foundation has become the preeminent research and promotion vehicle for many key projects important to everyone, including those who have never supported it.
Pallet Enterprise: The Foundation has added new staff and capabilities this year. How will this move help the Foundation improve its industry impact and service in the future?
Brad Gething: Over the past fifteen years, the PF has experienced remarkable growth, increasing its project funding from less than $25,000 to more than $1 million. This substantial expansion has naturally led to a need of dedicated staff, which is essential for managing the organization’s increasing responsibilities and opportunities.
Looking ahead, we know this strong foundation positions the Foundation to further enhance its industry impact. With improved organization and structure, the addition of new programs and events, and more effective fundraising strategies, the Foundation is poised to provide even greater service in the future.
Pallet Enterprise: Many pallet companies are experiencing ownership transition as the founders retire or pass away. This is providing previous owners significant cash infusion. How can these companies/individuals make tax-deductible donations? What types of donations are accepted other than cash, for example?
Brad Gething: As a 501(c)(3) all donations made to the Foundation are tax deductible, whether they be cash or the cash value of things like items donated to the Foundation Auction.
Some donors have taken advantage of qualified charitable distributions or QCDs. This approach offers eligible older Americans a great way to easily give to charity before the end of the year. And, for those who are at least 73 years old, QCDs count toward the IRA owner’s required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year.
Other donors have connected us with their family foundations, allowing the Foundation to submit grant requests for support of our projects. While others have talked about family estate planning and including the Pallet Foundation in their will.
All of these options provide an array of ways people can support the Foundation and is a great example of why we think having dedicated staff will help the Foundation. We plan to explore new donation channels beyond our usual methods and also consider ways for industry members from outside the United States to get more involved.
Pallet Enterprise: What are the Foundation’s biggest contributions to the industry over the past few years? What cutting-edge projects are in development that will positively affect both those inside and outside of the NWPCA?
Brad Gething: Clear standouts are the development of the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) and the Landfill Avoidance study. Being able to report environmental impacts clearly and credibly has been essential to the industry as new regulations surface. We have a phenomenal story to tell as an industry, but we need to back that story with facts to be successful. Over the past several years, our most significant policy wins were made possible by the studies the Pallet Foundation has funded. With these facts, we’ve been able to win, despite being the sole voice speaking up for the industry. PDS investment is also paramount, with ongoing investments leading to improvements like Unit Load Analysis. There are very exciting things on the horizon for PDS this year, including new fasteners, an ISO analysis, and online collaborative tools. We’ll also be releasing an Environmental Impact Calculator, which will estimate things like the carbon impact of manufacturing or recycling a customized pallet.
The Foundation is also funding the development of a crate design software, which will be released this year. For years, we’ve heard that the industry is missing a design solution for crates, and we’re hopeful this software will do for crates what PDS has done for pallets.
Lastly, but certainly not least, we have the US Forest Service Wood Innovations Grant (WIG) that investigates solutions for wood residuals. We know this is an industry-wide problem that we hope to begin to alleviate.
Pallet Enterprise: What is the key rubric that the Foundation uses to decide whether to fund a project? Is the Foundation open to funding projects outside of those initiated by the NWPCA?
Brad Gething: The extent to which a project aligns with the Foundation’s Strategic Plan significantly influences its funding priority. Presently, there are two strategic goal areas relevant to projects: (1) PDS and (2) the value of wood (e.g., Nature’s Packaging). Projects must also emphasize research, education or the promotion of PDS or the industry as a whole.
Given the close relationship between the Association and the Foundation, projects have traditionally originated internally. Nonetheless, this does not exclude external proposals. Any project that satisfies the aforementioned criteria will be duly considered for funding.
Pallet Enterprise: I already support the NWPCA. Why should I support the Foundation too? How are these two organizations different?
Brad Gething: Both organizations are fundamentally connected by a shared mission: to advance the interests of the wood packaging industry. However, both have different legal structures, with NWPCA a 501(c)(6) organization and the Foundation a 501(c)(3). NWPCA launched the Pallet Foundation because a 501(c)(3) provides tax-deductible benefits for the donor, and also opens up opportunities to obtain federal grants, whereas contributions to a 501(c)(6) are not tax-deductible and they have more limited options for accessing government funding programs. However, a 501(c)(6) organization like NWPCA can do an unlimited amount of lobbying, whereas the Foundation cannot.
This relationship can be best illustrated through joint projects. For instance, the Association employs advocacy professionals who address policies and regulations affecting the industry, utilizing data generated by Foundation-supported projects to inform their efforts. Access to this data significantly enhances the advocacy team’s effectiveness and has contributed to numerous successes over the years. Similarly, the development and improvement of PDS led by NWPCA’s staff and professional engineers are directly supported by funding from the Pallet Foundation, enabling advancements that would not be possible otherwise.
For those within the industry who support the Association’s objectives, contributions to the Foundation serve as a powerful means of amplifying the Association’s impact and furthering the collective mission. I think it’s fair to consider the Foundation as a supercharger for the Association’s engine.
Pallet Enterprise: What are some of the ongoing projects that the Foundation regularly funds? Explain why some of these are so important to the overall pallet industry.
Brad Gething: This is another good example of the complementary role the Foundation plays with the Association, as funds are used to fill gaps in expertise that the Association would not be able to pursue otherwise.
Through Pallet Foundation funding, the industry can consult with experts in a variety of areas, including ISPM 15, fire codes, environmental reporting including LCAs and EPDs, and crisis management and communications.
Furthermore, the Foundation funds the ongoing maintenance and expansion of Nature’s Packaging, the industry’s education and outreach initiative that promotes the environmental benefits of wood pallets and containers, providing research-backed resources, tools, and messaging for supply chain and packaging professionals.
Pallet Enterprise: How has the Foundation improved its partnerships and funding relationships over the past few years? Does this mean the Foundation needs less money to fulfill its mission?
Brad Gething: The Foundation has expanded partnerships tremendously over the past several years, collaborating with the US Forest Service through the Forest Products Lab (FPL) as well as the WIG. We’ve also worked extensively to expand our work with the Softwood Export Council (SEC), which is a public/private partnership with the Foreign Agriculture Service.
Without a doubt, the only way we have been able to work with these partners is through the financial strength of the Foundation. These days, outside funding rarely comes without a “match”, where you pool funds together with other interested parties. Strength begets strength. We can do more with more.
Pallet Enterprise: Are there any new fundraisers for the Foundation in 2026?
Brad Gething: We are continuing to develop offerings that we refer to as “special experiences,” designed to foster meaningful connections among industry professionals in engaging and distinctive settings. This year, the Foundation will host a yacht dinner cruise on Tuesday, March 24th, preceding ALC. Guests will enjoy an evening sailing through the Intracoastal waters of Ft. Lauderdale with exceptional dining and scenic views.
Editor’s Note: If you would like to find out more about the Pallet Foundation or would like to make a contribution, please visit www.palletfoundation.org or call (703) 519-6104.
