If logistics had to have an emblem, it would undoubtedly be the pallet. They come in multiple dimensions adapted to various uses. Let's look at the Europe palette. Also known as a europallet, this standardized wooden handling tool is a must in logistics and transport. In addition, it complies with rigorous standards, both for its production and for its dimensions or its treatment. But what are the dimensions of a European pallet? How do you recognize them? Or, what regulations are in force? Discover the essentials of this essential logistical tool in this article.
You can recognize a Europe palette thanks to the EPAL or EUR logos surrounded by an oval. Even after repair or reconstruction, this pallet remains easily identifiable thanks to the nails marked with the acronym EPAL. But that is not the only indication that this palette contains. Indeed, each palette also offers other essential information, such as:
La EPAL pallet is designed to be reused, thus minimizing industrial waste. It can be recycled, refurbished, or repaired. The nail marked EPAL attests that the pallet has been repaired in accordance with standards, by an EPAL certified professional.
Good to know: The acronym EPAL, engraved on the pallets, is the acronym for European Pallet Association. This is the entity that licenses manufacturers and repairers who strictly adhere to EPAL specifications. Obtaining this license is a painstaking process and certified professionals are subject to rigorous inspections on a regular basis. Although EPAL has its headquarters in Germany, it is represented in France by EPAL France.
The Europe pallet measures 800 mm in width, 1200 mm in length and 144 mm in height. It also exists in a half-pallet version, with dimensions of 800 mm in width, 600 mm in length and 144 mm in height. European pallet size is standardized. This standardization allows optimal use of space during the storage and transport of goods, thus facilitating international exchanges and the handling of products.
Source: LogisMarket
The Weight of a pallet Europe is around 25 kg. Its dynamic capacity is 1,500 kg, but if several pallets are stacked, the one at the bottom can support up to 5,500 kg. It should be noted that the weight varies according to the material of manufacture and the precise model of the pallet.
A Europe palette is structured around the following components:
The Euro pallet is mainly made of wood, often pine or beech, due to its strength and availability. It is not unusual for a single pallet to combine several types of wood. The commission dedicated to wood pallet trades and services, formerly called SYPAL, supervises the use of wood in the manufacture of pallets and issues relevant recommendations. As a result, pallets can be composed of planks of various species. To prevent damage caused by pests, fungi or bacteria, these pallets undergo specific treatments. Since 2010, these treatments, in accordance with the NIMP15 standard, have been eco-responsible. According to this standard, solid wood with a thickness greater than 6 mm must undergo a double treatment: first a debarking and then a heat treatment, where the wood is heated to 56°C for at least 30 minutes. This last treatment is indicated on the pallet by the acronym “HT”, meaning “heat treatment”.
The use of Europe pallets in the transport and logistics sector is subject to several regulations and standards. For what purpose? In order to ensure the safety, quality and durability of this equipment.Here are the main aspects to take into account:
Europe pallets are governed by the European standard EN 13698-1. It defines dimensions, materials, and marking requirements. In addition, they must also meet the international standard ISO 6780 for general-purpose pallets. These standards ensure that pallets meet the specifications required to ensure the safe handling and transport of goods.
As mentioned earlier, the protection of wooden pallets is essential to avoid the spread of plant pests and diseases across international borders. To do this, they receive phytosanitary treatment in accordance with the international standard ISMP 15 (International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15). This treatment generally consists of heat treatment or fumigation with methyl bromide. However, you have to go to experts to do this. In fact, authorized companies are responsible for carrying out this treatment. Finally, this treatment requires a clear and precise indication. A pallet that has received this treatment will therefore have a specific marking (for example, the letters “HT” for heat treatment).
Finally, the environmental management of European pallets is also an important issue. More specifically, with respect to their recycling and reuse. Businesses are encouraged to implement pallet repair and reuse programs. This thus makes it possible to extend their lifespan and reduce the environmental impact. In addition, damaged or unusable pallets can be recycled into construction materials, fuel for industrial boilers, or even into reconditioned pallets. This sustainable approach contributes to the minimization of waste and the preservation of natural resources.
If the use of the Europe pallet in the transport and logistics sector has become a must, above all, it is because it offers numerous advantages. Let's discover some of them.
The standardization of the dimensions of the Europe pallet greatly facilitates the loading and unloading of goods. In fact, pallets are easily manipulated using standard handling equipment such as forklifts and pallet trucks. This thus reduces the time and effort required to move the products. In addition, the robustness of the Europe pallet ensures better protection of the goods. This minimizes the risk of damage during transport.
The uniform size of the Europe pallet allows optimal use of storage space in warehouses and transport vehicles. Pallets can be stacked neatly and stably. In this way, you maximize available space while reducing storage costs. Likewise, during transport, the use of standardized pallets facilitates the loading of vehicles. In this way, you optimize the available space of the commercial vehicle and thus reduce your transport costs.
Widely recognized, the Europe palette is accepted in international exchanges. It therefore facilitates the transport of goods between different countries. By using pallets with standardized dimensions, businesses can:
Finally, the standardization of pallets allows better traceability and more efficient management of goods flows. This then contributes to the improvement of the global supply chain.
On average, the cost of a Euro pallet is between €30 and €60. However, it is important to note that the price can decrease significantly when buying in large quantities. There are also companies that are dedicated to the marketing of used pallets, thus offering competitive prices.
In A semi-trailer, you can load 33 to 34 standard Europe pallets. If the truck has a 20 foot container measuring 6.05 meters by 2.43 meters, it can accommodate 11 Europe pallets. To best arrange them, we recommend that you place seven in a transverse position and four in a longitudinal position. And for one 40 foot container ? A container of this size can contain up to 24 EPAL pallets placed on the ground.
