Record result of 115.8m EPAL pallets in 2017
European Pallet Association e.V. (EPAL)
PRESS RELEASE
EPAL: Record result of 115.8m EPAL pallets in 2017
EPAL pallets win over trade and industry worldwide with their high quality and reusability
Düsseldorf, January 19, 2018 – The European Pallet Association e.V. (EPAL) announce a record result for 2017 of 115.8 million EPAL quality load carriers produced and repaired. Compared to the previous year, this is an increase of nearly 10%. In 2017, production figures alone rose by 9.7% to 88.3 million EPAL pallets, while repair figures climbed to 27.5 million; a solid increase of 10% compared to the previous year.
The EPAL Euro pallet is considered an early indicator for the economy. The rising economic barometer in economically strong countries over the past few years has driven the demand for EPAL Euro pallets to a peak last year: EPAL producers and repairers have been working to full capacity for months. The persistently high demand for sawn timber led to a shortage of the raw material in 2017 and a huge price rise in sawn timber for pallets, increasing cost pressure for EPAL pallet producers.
Martin Leibrandt, CEO of EPAL, “The current demand peaks can be cushioned with sound planning and a long-term partnership between EPAL pallet producers, suppliers and customers. Trade and industry partners who planned at an early stage and who value long-term supplier relationships are being well provided for. The outstanding 2017 figures are the result of the joint work of all EPAL National Committees and licensees, and a sign that trade and industry are increasingly relying on independently tested quality and safety, which pay off in the long term.”
The EPAL system with its three pillars of consistent international standardisation, independent quality assurance and the protection and prosecuting of trademark rights infringements, guarantee users high-quality load carriers for efficient global logistics. EPAL Euro pallets can be reused several times and can be repaired cost-effectively, so they also conserve natural resources.
About EPAL:
The European Pallet Association e.V. (EPAL) ensures a smooth flow of goods in the logistics world with over 450 million EPAL Euro pallets and 20 million box pallets in the world’s biggest open exchange pool. Founded in 1991 as the umbrella association of licensed producers and repairers of EPAL load carriers, EPAL is globally responsible for their consistent quality. EPAL pallets are produced from sustainably grown, CO2-neutral wood, can be repaired and recycled, and reduce transport distances thanks to their high level of availability. As a registered association, EPAL does not pursue any commercial interests and makes all its decisions in the interests of its industry, trade and logistics partners. EPAL is represented in more than thirty countries by fourteen National Committees which have committed themselves to implementing the EPAL objectives.
For further press information:
European Pallet Association e.V. (EPAL)
Andrea Engels
T +49 211 98 480 48 90
M +49 172 69 325 95
andrea.engels@epal-pallets.org