The European Federation of Wooden Pallet and Packaging Manufacturers (FEFPEB) is preparing a new strategic direction to strengthen its role in representing Europe’s wooden pallet and packaging sector. The initiative comes as businesses across the industry face an increasingly complex regulatory, environmental and political landscape.
Working closely with its member organisations across Europe, the federation is developing a framework that aims to improve industry representation while helping businesses respond more effectively to evolving legislative requirements.
The proposed strategy was discussed during FEFPEB’s spring meeting, held in Porto and hosted by the Portuguese Association of Wood and Furniture Industries (AIMMP) at the InterContinental Porto – Palácio das Cardosas.
The discussions focused on the future structure of the organisation. Long-term priorities were also examined.
Industry representatives agreed that stronger coordination will be required as new European legislation continues to reshape the operating environment for manufacturers of wooden pallets and packaging.
FEFPEB Secretary General Fons Ceelaert highlighted the federation’s longstanding contribution to the sector since its establishment in 1946.
Over nearly eight decades, the organisation has represented manufacturers across Europe by engaging with policymakers, supporting international trade discussions and promoting the environmental and economic benefits of wooden packaging solutions.
The federation has contributed to policy discussions covering international phytosanitary requirements, including ISPM 15, alongside circular economy legislation, packaging regulations and sustainability initiatives.
Its Packaging from Nature campaign has also promoted the role of timber packaging in supporting both economic activity and environmental performance across European industries.
According to Ceelaert, the growing complexity of legislation makes it essential for the organisation to evolve while maintaining its position as a unified representative body for the sector.
The new strategy is intended to strengthen industry engagement with European institutions and improve support for member organisations facing changing regulatory obligations.
The spring meeting was officially opened by FEFPEB President Rob van Hoesel.
Several industry specialists presented updates on policy developments and wider economic trends influencing the timber packaging market.
Among the keynote speakers was Nikhil Varghese, Director of Circular Economy at DGA Group, who outlined recent advocacy work relating to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). His presentation examined how the proposed legislation could influence future packaging requirements across European markets.
International developments were also reviewed.
Brent McClendon, Chief Executive Officer and President of Woodpack Global, introduced delegates to the organisation’s global objectives following its recent rebranding from the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA).
Economic conditions affecting European manufacturing were examined by Luis Rochartre Álvares, a postgraduate in sustainability at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. His presentation explored broader economic developments relevant to businesses operating within the forest products sector.
Sustainability remained another central theme.
Francisco Jaime Quesado, economist and manager at the University of Porto, delivered an assessment of sustainability trends and their growing influence on industrial competitiveness and future policy decisions.
The federation’s leadership also presented its early vision for the organisation’s future direction.
President Rob van Hoesel and Secretary General Fons Ceelaert invited member organisations to contribute to the strategic planning process. More detailed proposals will be developed throughout 2026 before the long-term framework is finalised.
Regulatory developments continued to receive significant attention during the meeting.
Delegates were updated on the latest guidance relating to the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), including recently published explanatory documents and frequently asked questions. The evolving implementation process continues to be monitored closely by businesses throughout the timber supply chain.
Public communication formed another important topic.
Dominic Weaver of 12 Communications reviewed FEFPEB’s public relations activities over the previous year and outlined ongoing efforts to improve industry awareness among policymakers, stakeholders and wider audiences.
Attention also turned towards the federation’s next major industry gathering.
Delegates received an advance overview of the 73rd FEFPEB Congress, which will take place from 30 September to 2 October 2026 in Båstad, Sweden. The event will be hosted by Swedish Wood under the theme Wood Packaging in a Resilient Europe.
The congress is expected to attract representatives from across the European wooden pallet and packaging sector.
Three days of networking have been planned. Industry presentations will be delivered. Company visits have also been organised.
Discussions will focus on market developments, sustainability, circular economy policy and the wider economic and geopolitical factors influencing the timber packaging industry.
Several prominent speakers have already been confirmed.
These include Viveka Beckeman, Chief Executive Officer of Swedish Forest Industries, Christian Nielsen, Market Analyst at Swedish Wood and the Swedish Forest Industries Federation, Nikhil Varghese from DGA, and geopolitical analyst Björn Fägersten.
As regulatory expectations continue to expand across Europe, FEFPEB’s evolving strategy reflects the sector’s determination to strengthen collaboration, improve policy engagement and ensure the wooden packaging industry remains competitive, sustainable and well represented in future legislative discussions.
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