The Euro-pallet size arose from the need to standardise pallet use in order to make the most of available space. Consequently, the measurements of these pallets, known as EUR-pallet, EPAL-pallet or European Pallet, were determined from the UNE-EN 13698-1 standard in a European wide manner. According to the building specifications for these bases set out in this standard, the 800 x 1,200 mm sized euro pallet was adopted. With regards to weight, a euro-pallet weighs around 25 kg and withstands loads of up to 1.5 tonnes (and static loads, with non-moving pallets, of up to 4 tonnes).
There are many advantages associated with using this pallet. It can be used in any storage system, but above all it is ideal for automated warehouses. It can be handled, without restrictions, by any type of forklift or handling equipment. In addition, the dimensions (800 x 1,200 mm) are multiples of standard plastic boxes, which makes it easier to group goods and products.
Standard plastic boxes are sub-multiples of 800 x 1,200 mm pallets.
As explained earlier, the dimensions of the most commonly used plastic and cardboard boxes are submultiples of 800 x 1,200 mm.
Standardisation has also resulted in spaces in lorries and shipping containers being made more uniform. The platforms used by trailer-type trucks can fit 33, 800 x 1,200 mm pallets, positioned as shown in the images below.
Shipping containers are able to house fewer pallets, since the inner dimension of these containers is 2,300 mm.
Pallets distributed in a shipping container.
While the advantages are clear, what specifications must be met for a pallet to be classified as a Euro pallet?
Euro pallets are type 1 pallets that measure 800 x 1,200 mm and are produced according to specific quality specifications. The different parts of the pallet and the dimensions are shown below. One important detail about Euro-pallets is that they have chamfers on the four corners and bevelled upper edges on the skids to assist their extraction.
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| Pallet stud. | Pallet skid. |
| Table of pallet parts | |||
| No. | No. of parts | Name of the parts | Measurements (mm) |
| 1 | 2 | Lower opening | 1,200 x 100 x 22 |
| 2 | 2 | Upper opening | 1,200 x 145 x 22 |
| 3 | 1 | Central board | 1,200 x 145 x 22 |
| 4 | 3 | Tie bar | 800 x 145 x 22 |
| 5 | 1 | Central board | 1,200 x 145 x 22 |
| 6 | 2 | Intermediate board | 1,200 x 100 x 22 |
| 7 | 6 | Block | 145 x 100 x 78 |
| 8 | 3 | Block | 145 x 100 x 78 |
| 9 | 42 | Threaded countersunk wood screw or threaded nail. | M 5.5 x 90 |
| 10 | 18 | Threaded countersunk wood screw or threaded nail. | M 5.5 x 38 |