EPAL pallets are a standardized type of wooden pallet with international dimensions and design. They are manufactured and processed according to ISPM15 standards and quality-assured by the European Pallet Association (EPAL), making them suitable for international cargo transportation while offering repairability and reusability. EPAL pallets are widely popular in the transportation, logistics, and warehousing industries, making them an excellent choice for foreign direct investment (FDI) businesses. To learn more about the standard dimensions of EPAL pallets, continue reading this article brought to you by SKY PAK
The standard dimensions of EPAL pallets
The European Pallet Association, established in 1991, is an independent standardization organization that authorizes the use of the EUR and EPAL logos only for approved partners. EPAL, in particular, holds primary responsibility for safety and quality in all circulating pallets.
Currently, Euro EPAL pallets are the most widely used pallet type globally, with an estimated distribution and usage of over 350-500 million Euro pallets.
The standard dimensions of Euro EPAL pallets have a width of 800 mm, fitting standard door sizes (the most common DIN door size being 850 x 2,000 mm). To meet specific usage requirements, derivative versions of EUR pallets have been developed, including EUR-1, EUR-2, and EUR-3 pallets, all of which closely resemble the standard size of American pallets (40 in × 48 in). Additionally, for retail applications, there is the EUR-6 pallet with dimensions half the size of a EUR pallet (600 mm × 800 mm). ISO standards have also been applied to these European pallet types.
To accommodate EUR pallets, larger multi-purpose containers have been developed, typically referred to as “full pallet containers,” which are slightly larger by about 2 inches (5 cm) than the pallet. These containers have an inside width of 2,440 mm, allowing easy placement of two 1,200 mm long pallets side by side. This has been widely accepted by many European maritime transport services because standard containers have sufficient depth to accommodate them in regular interlocking spaces.
Notably, tall, wide, 45-ft cube-shaped maritime containers have been extensively used, as they can replace A-Behälter swap bodies with a length of 13,670 mm, commonly used for truck transport in Europe. The EU has initiated standardization for container loading on full pallets through the EILU initiative (European Intermodal Loading Unit).
Popular types of Euro EPAL pallets currently
Currently, the most commonly used type of Euro EPAL pallet is the Euro EPAL 1 pallet, with dimensions of 800x1200x144mm. In recent times, the market has also seen the introduction of several other versions, including:
Euro EPAL 2 Pallet:
- Dimensions (length x width x height): 1200 x 1000 x 162 mm
- Weight: Over 30 kg
- Dynamic load capacity: 1500 kg
- Static load capacity: 4500 kg
Euro EPAL 3 Pallet:
- Dimensions (length x width x height): 1000 x 1200 x 144 mm
- Weight: Over 30 kg
- Dynamic load capacity: 1500 kg
- Static load capacity: 4500 kg
Half Euro EPAL 6 Pallet:
- Dimensions (length x width x height): 800 x 600 x 144 mm
- Weight: Over 9.5 kg
- Dynamic load capacity: 750 kg
- Static load capacity: 1500 kg
Half Euro EPAL 7 Pallet:
- Dimensions (length x width x height): 800 x 600 x 163 mm
- Weight: Over 9.5 kg
- Dynamic load capacity: 500 kg
- Static load capacity: 1500 kg
Prominent benefits of EPAL wooden pallets
Ensuring Quality
Euro EPAL pallets are processed in compliance with the ISPM15 standard, making them an ideal choice for transporting goods to European Union member countries. This compliance not only ensures that the pallets meet international phytosanitary requirements but also makes them suitable for various industries, including food and pharmaceuticals.
In particular, processing to the ISPM15 standard offers significant benefits in customs control. When exporting goods on these Euro EPAL pallets, having a certificate of ISPM15 compliance becomes a necessary requirement to ensure a smooth and obstacle-free customs process.
Ease of Handling and Transportation
The design of Euro EPAL pallets incorporates several unique features that make them a highly convenient and efficient transportation tool. With four entry points, Euro EPAL pallets can be accessed from all sides, allowing compatibility with most forklifts and pallet jacks. This facilitates the loading process, ensuring optimized work efficiency.
Furthermore, the standardized dimensions of Euro Pallets have contributed to the standardization of the interior dimensions of trucks. This means that Euro EPAL pallets not only facilitate transportation but also help optimize the use of space within transport vehicles. This ensures efficiency in packaging, transportation, and storage of goods.
Euro Pallet as a Sustainable Solution
Euro EPAL pallets play a crucial role in environmental protection and contribute positively to resource conservation while minimizing adverse environmental impacts. The production process of EPAL pallets requires the use of high-quality wood as a raw material, but the key is that this wood is repairable and reusable.
The quality of the wood and the design of Euro EPAL pallets allow them to be easily repaired and reused. This not only reduces costs related to replacing new pallets but also minimizes the amount of wood waste entering the environment. Additionally, reusing pallets helps optimize resources, especially precious wood resources.
To manufacture a quality Euro EPAL pallet that meets standard pallet dimensions is something that not every Vietnamese enterprise can achieve. To make a wise choice when purchasing authentic products that meet your specific needs, it’s essential to research carefully, consult multiple sources, and gather information for a well-informed decision.
