A Europool pallet (colloquially known as a Euro pallet) is a standardized four-way pallet, also known as a flat pallet. It complies with the regulations of the European Pallet Association (EPAL). The pallet is transported using industrial trucks such as forklifts or pallet trucks. The term four-way pallet refers to the possibility of loading and picking up the pallet from all four sides.
Dimensions and technical data of the Euro pallet
- Base area: 0.96 m²
- Dimensions: 1200 x 800 x 144 mm (length x width x height)
- Net weight: 20–24 kg (depending on wood moisture content)
- Load capacity: 1000 kg point load and 2000 kg with even distribution
- 11 boards
- 9 blocks
- 78 nails (24 conventional nails, 54 screw nails)
Marking and quality of Europool pallets
The corner blocks have the following markings:
- Left corner block: EPAL marking – see teaser image. This marking has not been mandatory since 2013, but is still required by many countries as a seal of quality.
- Middle corner block: A round test nail on one long side of repaired pallets, company mark with border, country of manufacture (e.g., “D” for Germany), an inspector’s marking clip, IPPC mark for pest-free wood, manufacturer’s number, year of manufacture, month of manufacture
- Right corner block: EUR with oval border
When exchanging Euro pallets, a distinction is made between different types of quality:
- New Euro pallet
- Euro pallet in mint condition (pallet that has been involved in no more than two exchange processes)
- Used/exchangeable Euro pallet (pallet with some defects, e.g. darker wood colouring)
- Worn/no longer exchangeable Euro pallet (rotten or broken pallet)
- Repaired Euro pallets
More information on Euro pallets can be found at Industriepalette.
Image source: © cmfotoworks – Fotolia
