Glossary
EPAL pallet
Also called: EPAL 1, Euro pallet, EUR pallet, EPAL Euro pallet
Reviewed
An EPAL pallet is a Euro pallet made by a manufacturer licensed by the European Pallet Association (EPAL) and carrying its marks. The EPAL 1 is 1200 x 800 x 144 mm, weighs about 25 kg, has 11 boards, 9 blocks and 78 nails, and has a safe working load of 1,500 kg.
EPAL 1 construction
| Part | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 1200 x 800 x 144 mm |
| Top deck | 5 boards, 1200 long, 22 mm thick: 3 at 145 mm and 2 at 100 mm wide |
| Stringerboards | 3, 800 long x 145 wide x 22 mm |
| Blocks | 9: 145 x 100 x 78 mm and 145 x 145 x 78 mm |
| Bottom deck | 3 boards: 2 at 100 mm and 1 at 145 mm wide, chamfered |
| Nails | 78 EPAL-approved nails, at least 20 mm from edges |
| Weight | about 25 kg |
Licensing and marks
Only EPAL licensees may build and mark EPAL pallets. The EPAL oval sits on the left block, the center block carries the producer code, year and month and the IPPC information, and the EUR oval (on the right block) plus a control staple complete the marking. EPAL pallets are heat treated to ISPM 15. In the US, EPAL licensees have been few; check EPAL's licensee list.
EPAL vs "Euro-size"
Any mill can build a 1200x800 block pallet, but without a license it is only a Euro-size pallet and cannot carry EPAL marks. Say which one you need. See EPAL, euro pallet and the 1200x800 size page.
Questions
- How much weight can an EPAL pallet hold?
- The EPAL 1 has a safe working load of 1,500 kg. Stacking and support conditions change what it can carry.
- Can any manufacturer make EPAL pallets?
- No. Only EPAL-licensed manufacturers can make and mark EPAL pallets; others can make Euro-size pallets without the marks.