Glossary: load carriers & procurement
The key terms around pallets, containers and procurement – explained briefly and clearly.
EPAL
The EPAL euro pallet is the standardised, exchangeable euro pallet (1200 × 800 mm) of the European Pallet Association. Every pallet is certified and exchangeable in the open pool.
UIC
Standard of the International Union of Railways (Union Internationale des Chemins de fer) for euro pallets. UIC and EPAL pallets are technically equivalent and exchangeable.
ISPM 15
International standard for phytosanitary measures: wooden packaging is heat-treated ("HT" stamp) and thus approved for worldwide export.
Pooling / pallet exchange
A system in which exchangeable pallets are swapped 1:1 for equivalent ones instead of being bought individually – lowering costs and avoiding empty runs.
Load carrier
Umbrella term for aids that bundle goods and make them transportable: pallets, mesh boxes, pallet collars, containers and more.
One-way pallet
Light pallet for single-use (export) transport without return; cheaper than reusable pallets.
Reusable pallet
Robust, reusable pallet (e.g. EPAL) that withstands many cycles.
PPWR
EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2025/40). It applies for the most part from 12 August 2026 and, among other things, is expected to introduce staged reuse targets for transport packaging such as pallets. Details and dates are explained in our guide – this is not legal advice.
Load capacity (static / dynamic)
Static load capacity is the load when stationary or stacked; dynamic load capacity is the load when moving with a pallet truck or forklift.
CP pallet
Standardised chemical pallets (CP1–CP9) for the chemical industry – depending on size and application.
Mesh box
Stackable steel container (euro mesh box, approx. 1240 × 835 × 970 mm) with a loading opening for heavy and bulky goods.
Pallet collar
Foldable wooden frame that turns a euro pallet into a stable, stackable box.
Hygiene pallet
Plastic pallet (HDPE) for food, pharmaceutical and hygiene environments; durable and easy to clean.
Contact
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Carl-Benz-Straße 31
48734 Reken
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- Fax
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- service@pacurion.com
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