Timber Packaging & Pallets Industry Sets Scene for EU Congress

Aug 27, 2012 Warehousing Ireland News 0

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The European Federation of Wooden Pallet and Packaging Manufacturers (FEFPEB) says it expecting large numbers of members from across the industry to attend its 63rd FEFPEB congress, 3-5 October 2012.

Unveiling the programme for the three-day event, the FEFPEB Secretariat said all 14 member countries would be represented, together with pallet pools and associated members, with delegates meeting to discuss progress on the main issues affecting the pallet and packaging business – as well as seeing firsthand the vital role timber products play in Spanish supply chains. 

During the first day, visits have been organised to several parts of the Spanish logisitics industry, including pallet, plywood and fruit packaging manufacturing companies, and to the Port of Valencia.

This will be followed by a day-long business session, consisting of presentations and discussion on subjects such as sustainable forestry, trade and supply of wood, logistics and distribution, computer pallet design, food safety and changes to the ISPM 15 regime.

There will also be an update on FEFPEB’s activities and progress on its pan-European Packaging from Nature campaign, which aims to tackle key issues of importance to the industry, notably biomass and competition from other materials. The campaign was launched in English in October 2011, and has since been rolled out in French, German, Italian and Spanish.

FEFPEB President, Gil Covey, said: “Representing the most active industry groups and companies in European timber pallet and packaging, FEFPEB is an extremely well-organised assocatiation, with collaboration and cooperation of members at its heart. Throughout the year, we take a central role in monitoring developments affecting our business, participating and intervening when necessary and keeping stakeholders informed of progress.

“The annual congress is one of the cornerstones of FEFPEB’s work, where European colleagues can meet in person, share experiences and ideas, and discuss solutions of common interest to the challenges we face.

“This year, the subjects of governmental biomass subsidies and increasing competition will be high on the agenda. We will also be reporting on our awareness campaign, Packaging from Nature, which is tackling these two issues across Europe.

“Timber remains the first choice of material for pallets and packaging throughout Europe, accounting for approximately 95 per cent of the business. It is reusable, repairable and recyclable, grown in sustainable forests and stores the carbon it absorbs in the products it is used to manufacture. It is also the most versatile and most affordable option.

“Our sector has absolutely everything going for it, but we are having to work hard to ensure that politicians and users across Europe understand the exceptional benefits of timber – and,moveover,reflect this in their policymaking.  We have made good progress, and we are very much looking forward to discussing this, and next steps, at our congress in October.

For more details on the 63rd FEFPEB Congress, visit http://www.fefpebcongress2012.es

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