The Solution Ushers in a New Era of Wooden Crate Design

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Woodpack Global today announced the launch of Crate Design System™ (CDS), a new software tool built to support the design of wooden crates and industrial wood packaging.

Wooden crates play a key role in global commerce, from export packaging to heavy equipment enclosures, but much of the foundational research on crate design dates back to the 1960s. Many professionals in the space have had to rely on outdated methods and tools that weren't built specifically for this work. CDS is a first step toward a more modern, purpose-built option for the industry.

"The wooden crate design space has been underserved for a long time," said Kristen DeLack, PE, PDS Principal Engineer & Strategic Business Advisor, Woodpack Global. "This first release of CDS is just the beginning, and it was shaped by feedback from professionals who work with these structures every day."

CDS draws on the foundation of Woodpack Global's Pallet Design System™ (PDS), adapting some of its core approaches to fastener behavior, wood properties, and structural performance for crate applications. This initial release supports sheathed and cleated crates and solid wood boxes, with future versions planned to add more crate styles, additional tools, CAD integration, and support for other wood packaging formats.

"CDS has been a great addition to our design process," said Jon Farinha of Girard Wood Products, Inc. "The ability to quickly create detailed crate designs and show customers 3D and exploded views has made it much easier to communicate our designs, while also helping us identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs."

"We're excited to add the Crate Design System to our suite of wood packaging software solutions," added Brent McClendon, President & CEO, Woodpack Global. "This is an early but meaningful step in extending our software work to a segment of the industry that hasn't had many dedicated tools. We're looking forward to building this out further alongside the members and businesses who'll be using it."

Woodpack Global's Crate Design System is available now. Learn more and request a personalized demo at woodpackglobal.org/cratedesign .

About Woodpack Global

Woodpack Global (formerly National Wooden Pallet & Container Association) is the leading trade association representing the wood transport packaging industry. Founded in 1947, the association serves more than 820 member companies across 43 countries, and has lobbying offices in the EU, USA, and Mexico, advancing advocacy, safety, sustainability, and innovation throughout the global supply chain. United by the message Pallets move the world®, Woodpack Global supports the businesses that make modern commerce possible.

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SOURCE Woodpack Global