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Pallet types

CP pallets (CP1 to CP9): chemical industry pallet sizes

Reviewed

In short

CP pallets are nine standard wood block pallets, CP1 to CP9, defined by the European chemical and plastics industry (APME/VCI) for bagged, drummed and bulk goods. CP1 is 1000 x 1200 mm, CP3 is 1140 x 1140 mm; CP1 to CP5 have runner-style bottoms and CP6 to CP9 have perimeter or frame bottoms.

On this page
  1. What are CP pallets?
  2. CP pallet sizes and bottoms
  3. How CP pallets are built
  4. When to use CP pallets
  5. When not to use them
  6. CP pallets vs EPAL and custom block pallets
  7. How to specify a CP pallet

What are CP pallets?

CP (chemical pallet) designs were standardized by the European chemical and plastics industry associations (APME and VCI) so that the industry's products move on a known set of pallets. Each CP number is a fixed design, not just a footprint, so CP pallets are ordered by type. The Uniform Standard includes them in an annex.

CP pallet sizes and bottoms

Type Size (mm) Bottom construction
CP1 1000 x 1200 Runner (skid-type) bottom
CP2 800 x 1200 Runner bottom
CP3 1140 x 1140 Runner bottom
CP4 1100 x 1300 Runner bottom
CP5 760 x 1140 (some sources give 780) Runner bottom
CP6 1200 x 1000 Perimeter or frame bottom
CP7 1300 x 1100 Perimeter or frame bottom
CP8 1140 x 1140 Frame bottom, with an opening in the top deck
CP9 1140 x 1140 Flush overlap bottom

CP1 to CP5 have bottom boards running in one direction, like runners under the blocks. CP6 to CP9 have perimeter or frame bottoms. The CP9's bottom is recessed flush, and the Pallet Design System added overlap bases with filler boards (6.2), CP-7 bottom boards between blocks (6.1) and discontinuous top deckboards such as the CP-8's opening (6.9) to model them.

How CP pallets are built

All nine are block pallets: top deckboards on stringerboards over blocks, with a bottom that is either runner-style or framed. Exact board and block dimensions come from the CP specification for each type, so request the current CP data sheet from your supplier rather than scaling a similar design.

When to use CP pallets

  • Shipping to or within the European chemical industry, where filling and storage systems expect CP types.
  • Customers who name a CP number on the order.

When not to use them

  • North American domestic freight, where 48 x 40, 48 x 48 and 44 x 44 stringer or block pallets are normal for chemicals and drums. See drum pallets.
  • When only the footprint matters. A custom block pallet on a CP footprint is not a CP pallet unless it matches the design.

CP pallets vs EPAL and custom block pallets

CP pallets EPAL 1 Custom block pallet
Defined by Chemical industry (APME/VCI) European Pallet Association Buyer and manufacturer
Designs 9 fixed types 1 fixed design Any
Typical footprints 1000 x 1200, 1140 x 1140, 1100 x 1300 mm 1200 x 800 mm Any
Industry Chemicals, plastics General European logistics Any

How to specify a CP pallet

  1. The CP type (CP1 to CP9). The number fixes the size and construction.
  2. ISPM 15 heat treatment for export.
  3. Moisture: kiln dried if required.
  4. Marking requirements.
  5. Quantity, delivery and any customer-specific additions.

palletdesign.ai does not carry CP templates. It can design a block pallet on the same footprint, such as 1200 x 1000 (CP1 and CP6) or 1200 x 800 (CP2), which is useful for comparison or a non-CP alternative. In the US, Hinton Lumber lists CP pallets among its products.

Questions

What does CP stand for in CP pallets?
Chemical pallet. The nine CP types were standardized by the European chemical and plastics industry for its products.
What size is a CP1 pallet?
1000 x 1200 mm, with a runner-style bottom.
What is the difference between CP3 and CP9?
Both are 1140 x 1140 mm. CP3 has a runner-style bottom; CP9 has a flush overlap bottom.

Sources