In modern supply chain and logistics systems, pallets serve as the fundamental unit for cargo storage and transportation, directly affecting logistics efficiency and cost control. Euro Standard plastic pallets (referred to as "Euro Standard pallets") have gradually become an important choice for the global logistics industry due to their standardized design, durability, and environmental advantages. This article will analyze the definition, core advantages, structural types, and applicable scenarios of European standard pallets.
What is a European standard plastic pallet
European standard plastic pallets refer to plastic carriers that comply with the pallet specifications established by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), with typical dimensions of 1200mm × 800mm (compliant with ISO 6780 standard). This size design is fully compatible with European common shelves, containers (such as a 20 foot container that can accommodate 11 European standard pallets), and transport vehicles, aiming to achieve seamless cross-border logistics. Compared to American standard pallets (with dimensions of 1200mm × 1000mm), European standard pallets place greater emphasis on compatibility with European logistics infrastructure.
The core advantages of European standard plastic pallets
Standardization and compatibility
The uniform size design of European standard pallets greatly reduces the difficulty of adapting goods in cross-border transportation, and can efficiently match mainstream automated warehousing systems in Europe (such as three-dimensional shelves and AGV robots), reducing the adjustment costs during cargo transportation.
High strength and durability
Made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP) material, it is molded in one go through injection molding or blow molding processes, and has excellent impact resistance and low temperature resistance (some models can be used in environments ranging from -30 ℃ to 60 ℃). Its average service life can reach 5-10 years, far exceeding the 3-5 year cycle of wooden pallets.
Hygiene and Safety
The surface of the plastic material is smooth, without the risk of wood chips or exposed nails, and meets the EU food grade contact material standards (such as EU 10/2011), especially suitable for industries with strict hygiene requirements such as food and medicine. In addition, anti slip surface designs such as diamond shaped anti slip patterns or rubber anti slip pads can prevent goods from shifting during transportation.
Environmental Protection and Economy
Plastic pallets can be 100% recycled and reused, in line with EU circular economy policies such as the Green Deal. Under long-term use, its maintenance cost is lower than that of wooden pallets, and it does not require fumigation or heat treatment (avoiding ISPM15 standard restrictions), making cross-border transportation more convenient.
The popularization of European standard plastic pallets is not only an upgrade of logistics vehicles, but also a microcosm of the transformation of the global supply chain towards efficiency and environmental protection. Enterprises need to consider the characteristics of the goods (weight, shape), transportation environment, and cost budget when choosing, and prioritize products certified according to ISO 186 or EN 13698-1 standards to ensure performance and compliance. In the future, with the deepening of green logistics concepts, standardized and recyclable plastic pallets will become the cornerstone of global logistics.
2025-04-25
