Everything You Need to Know About Euro Pallets

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Wares in Foils on Pallets in Warehouse
Credit: pexels.com, Wares in Foils on Pallets in Warehouse

Euro pallets are a type of pallet designed to be used in Europe, typically made of wood and measuring 800 x 1200mm. They're incredibly versatile and widely used in the shipping and logistics industry.

A standard euro pallet can hold up to 1,000 kg of weight, making them perfect for transporting heavy goods. This is due to their sturdy construction and the fact that they're designed to be used multiple times.

In terms of dimensions, euro pallets are designed to fit snugly in standard shipping containers, making them an ideal choice for international shipping. This also helps to reduce storage space and increase efficiency.

Euro pallets are also available in different types, including new and used pallets, as well as plastic and wooden pallets.

Additional reading: Planter Boxes Out of Pallets

Euro Pallet Specifications

Euro pallets have a standard width of 1,200 mm, which allows for easy stacking and transportation.

The height of a euro pallet is a relatively compact 144 mm, making it perfect for storing and moving goods in tight spaces.

Pile of orange cement bags on a wooden pallet in an industrial setting.
Credit: pexels.com, Pile of orange cement bags on a wooden pallet in an industrial setting.

The weight of a euro pallet is approximately 25 kg, which is surprisingly light considering its sturdy construction.

The safe working load of a euro pallet is a respectable 1,500 kg, but it's essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure safe use.

When stacking laden pallets, the bottommost pallet must not exceed a load of 5,500 kg to avoid any structural damage.

All euro pallets must be equipped with 7 EPAL control staples, which are a mandatory feature for safety and quality purposes.

Euro Pallet Markings and Identification

Euro pallets have specific markings that indicate their quality and authenticity. These markings are crucial for ensuring that the pallets meet the required standards.

The most distinctive marking is the EPAL logo, which is displayed on the left corner leg of the pallet. This logo signifies that the pallet has been produced in accordance with the national plant protection rules.

Each EUR-pallet also bears a unique code of the producer company, along with the signature of the verifier and the name of the railway company that installed the verifier. This information is displayed on the central leg of the pallet.

Credit: youtube.com, The Amazing World of Pallets - How to Read Pallet Markings

If the EUR-pallet has been repaired, a round verification nail is placed in the central chunk, indicating that the pallet has been inspected and certified. The production year and possibly the type of wood used are also indicated on the pallet.

Here's a summary of the markings found on a EUR-pallet:

Markings

The markings on a Euro pallet are an important aspect of identification and verification.

A mandatory marking since January 1, 2010, is the IPPC branded marking, which follows national plant protection rules.

This marking is required for all EPAL pallets, ensuring they meet specific standards.

An 8th marking is present only on repaired EPAL pallets, identified by a repair marking nail.

Materials and Identification

Euro pallets have a specific nailing pattern that requires at least 78 nails of a particular type. The final pallet typically weighs between 20 to 25 kg (44 to 55 lb).

Only dry wood can be used to make a Euro pallet, as it reduces the risk of mold. This is a crucial aspect of Euro pallet construction.

Credit: youtube.com, Pallet base identification

Each Euro pallet bears a number of quality marks that provide valuable information about its origin and history. These marks can be found on the pallet's legs.

The EPAL logo is displayed on the left corner leg, originally used for railway company designation but now required by many framework agreements. This logo is a key identifier of a genuine Euro pallet.

The central leg shows the code of the producer company, the signature of the verifier, and the name of the railway company that installed the verifier. If the pallet has been repaired, a round verification nail is placed in the central chunk.

The EUR logo is displayed on the right corner leg, encircled in an oval that resembles a nationality sticker for cars. This logo is another essential identifier of a Euro pallet.

Here's a summary of the quality marks found on a Euro pallet:

  • EPAL logo on the left corner leg
  • Producer company code, verifier signature, and railway company name on the central leg
  • EUR logo on the right corner leg

Common Euro Pallet Types

The four common sizes of EUR-pallets are a great place to start when working with these versatile containers.

Wooden Pallets
Credit: pexels.com, Wooden Pallets

EUR-pallets come in different sizes, but the most common ones are the EUR 1, EUR 2, EUR 3, and EUR 6.

The EUR 1 measures 800 mm × 1,200 mm, which is the same size as the ISO1 pallet.

The EUR 2, on the other hand, measures 1,200 mm × 1,000 mm, equivalent to the ISO2 pallet.

The EUR 3 measures 1,000 mm × 1,200 mm, while the EUR 6 measures 800 mm × 600 mm, which is half the size of the EUR pallet.

Here are the common EUR-pallet types at a glance:

Common Types

The common types of Euro pallets are quite straightforward. There are four main sizes to know.

The EUR or EUR 1 pallet is the largest and most commonly used, measuring 800 mm x 1,200 mm.

Here are the four common sizes of Euro pallets in a handy table:

The EUR 2 pallet is slightly smaller, measuring 1,200 mm x 1,000 mm.

The EUR 3 pallet is another variation, with dimensions of 1,000 mm x 1,200 mm.

The EUR 6 pallet is the smallest, measuring 800 mm x 600 mm, which is half the size of the standard EUR pallet.

What Are

A man sits by stacks of wooden pallets against a rustic facade with teal doors.
Credit: pexels.com, A man sits by stacks of wooden pallets against a rustic facade with teal doors.

A Euro pallet is a type of pallet that measures 800mm x 1200mm.

These pallets are widely used in Europe and are designed to be compatible with other Euro pallets, making them easy to stack and transport.

Euro pallets are typically made of wood and have a uniform design, which helps to ensure safe and efficient handling.

They usually have a maximum gross weight of 1,250 kg and are designed to be used with a forklift or pallet jack.

Euro Pallet Regulations

Euro Pallet Regulations are in place to ensure quality and safety. These regulations are strict and include regular inspections by independent firms.

To be approved, Euro pallets must meet certain criteria, which include specific materials, dimensions, and markings. The absence of an approval logo indicates a counterfeit pallet, which can cause damage to products or even lead to serious penalties.

Here are the key requirements for Euro pallet approval:

Approved companies must follow these regulations to ensure the quality and safety of Euro pallets.

Benefits and Standards

Credit: youtube.com, Euro Type Standard Size Plastic Pallet

Euro pallets are incredibly easy to move around warehouses because they are compatible with all standard handling equipment.

Their efficiency increases productivity and helps reduce costs, making them a worthwhile purchase for customers.

Euro pallets are designed to be versatile and can be used in a variety of settings, from warehouses to transportation.

They are a great option for businesses looking to streamline their operations and save money.

The standard size of Euro pallets ensures that they can be easily stacked and moved around, taking up minimal space.

This standardization also makes it easier to find compatible equipment and supplies.

Their ease of use and compatibility make Euro pallets a practical choice for businesses of all sizes.

Euro Pallet Details

Euro pallets have specific details that ensure their quality and safety for international use. A Euro pallet must have a thickness of between 22 and 24 mm for its boards, with stringers up to 25 mm.

Burlap sacks of coffee beans stacked on a wooden pallet in an industrial warehouse setting.
Credit: pexels.com, Burlap sacks of coffee beans stacked on a wooden pallet in an industrial warehouse setting.

The safe working load of a Euro pallet is not guaranteed if it's rotten, decayed, or has heavy splintering, damaged stringers, or unacceptable components.

To meet the quality classification for fit for use, a repaired Euro pallet must be done by a licensed operation and meet the EPAL Technical Regulations. Only dimensionally accurate components may be used in the repair process.

Euro pallets must comply with the ISPM 15 standard for international movement of goods, which requires heat treatment. All newly produced EPAL Euro pallets are heat treated in accordance with ISPM 15 since 01/01/2010.

A Euro pallet measures 1200mm by 800mm by 144mm.There are different types of Euro pallets, including EUR, EUR 1, EUR 2, EUR 3, and EUR 6, each with its own dimensions.The EUR-pallet must use at least 78 nails of a specific type that are subject to a prescribed nailing pattern.

Materials Used

Euro pallets are constructed from a variety of materials, with wood being the most common.

Credit: youtube.com, EURO Pallet Racking - The Used Racking Company

Wood pallets are a great choice due to their weight, durability, and cost-effectiveness. They're also highly reparable if damaged and can be recycled.

Approved types of wood include coniferous (fir, pine, spruce), softwood (alder, birch), and hardwood (ash, acacia, oak, maple, sycamore, European chestnut).

To prevent mold from developing, wood pallets must be dried to 22% or 16% moisture content. They also have to meet ISPM 15 standards when shipping internationally.

Plastic pallets are another option, offering durability, high-performance design, and lightweight properties. They're also fire-retardant and suitable for export.

Here's a comparison of the two materials:

The EPAL logo is shown on the left corner leg of a Euro pallet, originally used for railway company designation.

The central leg displays the code of the producer company, the signature of the verifier, and the name of the railway company that installed the verifier.

Details

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Euro pallets are made from wood, and their quality is crucial for safe and reliable use. The safe working load is no longer guaranteed if the pallet is rotten, decayed, or has heavy splintering.

Brown Wooden Barrels on Pallet
Credit: pexels.com, Brown Wooden Barrels on Pallet

You'll notice that Euro pallets are designed with specific features to ensure their quality and safety. These features include the use of dimensionally accurate components, as required by the EPAL Technical Regulations.

The EPAL Euro pallets may only be repaired by licensed repair operations, and using unlicensed repair services can lead to legal prosecution. This is because only licensed repair operations can guarantee the quality of the repairs.

If you're looking to repair your Euro pallet, make sure to use dimensionally accurate components that meet the EPAL Technical Regulations. This will ensure that your pallet meets the quality classification for fit for use.

Compliance with the ISPM 15 standard is essential for the unrestricted use of Euro pallets in international trade. This standard requires that pallets be heat-treated to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.

To identify whether your Euro pallet has been heat-treated according to ISPM 15, look for the branded markings on both central blocks on the long sides. It's also worth noting that treating Euro pallets with methyl bromide (MB) is prohibited.

Euro pallet boards must have a thickness of between 22 and 24 mm, with stringers up to 25 mm. It's also important to note that poplar wood is not permitted for stringers.

Euro Pallet Quality High-Quality

Credit: youtube.com, EPAL | Euro pallet QR | EN | EN subtitle

Euro pallets are manufactured to a fantastic quality, allowing them to withstand heavy loads. This makes them a durable container for any goods.

Each pallet is fabricated for optimum weather resistance, ensuring they can handle various conditions without compromising their structure. The material used is also safer to work with, as it's not prone to chipping or exposing workers to sharp splinters, corners, or nails.

Their lightweight structure makes them easy to handle, yet they can hold a variety of weights. This balance of durability and portability makes Euro pallets a practical choice for many industries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Euro pallets safe to use?

Yes, heat-treated Euro pallets are safe to use for international shipping, marked with the IPPC logo. They meet strict standards to prevent pest and disease transfer.

What is the difference between CHEP and Euro pallets?

CHEP pallets are slightly larger than Euro pallets, measuring 1200 x 1000 mm compared to the Euro pallet's 1200 x 800 mm. This difference in size can impact your supply chain efficiency and performance.

What is the difference between American and European pallets?

American and European pallets differ in size and cost, with the European pallet being more robust and standardized, and the American pallet being wider and more budget-friendly

Clara Donnelly

Writer

Clara Donnelly is a versatile writer with a passion for crafting engaging content across various industries. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she brings complex topics to life through her writing. Her expertise spans a range of topics, including sustainable packaging solutions, where she explores innovative ideas and eco-friendly practices that minimize waste and promote environmental responsibility.

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