Pallet industry associations set quality rules, represent producers to governments, publish statistics and organize events. The best known are EPAL, which controls the European Euro pallet standard; FEFPEB, the European federation of pallet and packaging manufacturers; the United States' National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA); and national bodies such as Timcon in the United Kingdom. Standardization and phytosanitary bodies, such as ISO and the IPPC, are not trade associations but shape the rules the industry follows.
Types of organizations
The bodies a pallet company will meet fall into four groups:
| Type | Examples | Typical role |
|---|---|---|
| Quality and licensing system | EPAL | Defines a pallet standard, licenses producers and repairers, audits quality |
| Trade associations | FEFPEB, NWPCA, Timcon, national federations | Lobbying, statistics, training, networking |
| Standardization bodies | ISO TC 51, CEN | Publish technical standards for pallets and testing |
| Plant-health authorities | IPPC (FAO), regional plant protection organizations, national NPPOs | Rules for wood packaging in international trade |
| Research centers | Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design | Testing, design software, surveys, education |
EPAL (European Pallet Association)
EPAL is the organization behind the Euro pallet quality system. It licenses companies to produce and repair EPAL pallets, sets technical specifications, controls quality through audits and maintains the exchange guidelines described in the pallet exchange system. It reports more than 1,700 licensed production and repair companies in over 40 countries. Process details are in the EPAL licence and the product in the EPAL Euro pallet. EPAL also pursues counterfeiters; see fake Euro pallets.
FEFPEB
The Fédération Européenne des Fabricants de Palettes et Emballages en Bois (FEFPEB), known in English as the European Federation of Wooden Pallet and Packaging Manufacturers, represents national federations in Europe. Members include organizations from countries such as Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and the UK. FEFPEB represents the sector toward European institutions, compiles European production statistics and holds an annual congress. At its 2014 congress in Brussels, it reported European pallet production of 339 million pallets in 2006, 371 million in 2010 and 401 million in 2013.
NWPCA
The National Wooden Pallet and Container Association, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, describes itself as the largest organization of wood packaging professionals in the world. According to its profile, it has more than 600 company members in 28 countries, who make, repair and distribute pallets, containers and reels or supply related products and services. NWPCA works with research partners such as Virginia Tech on industry surveys, and provides guidance and networking for the North American market. Its tradition ties to the 48 × 40 in pallet; see the GMA pallet.
Timcon and national associations
In the United Kingdom, the Timber Packaging and Pallet Confederation (Timcon) represents makers of timber pallets and packaging and is a member of FEFPEB. Most European countries have a comparable national federation, often organized with forestry or timber trade bodies. Their typical services include advice on regulations such as ISPM 15, technical guidance, and a collective voice in consultations on packaging and timber legislation. UK sizes are covered in UK pallet sizes.
Standards and plant-health bodies
Two bodies are not associations but influence everything a pallet company does:
- ISO TC 51 (Pallets and unit load equipment). Develops international pallet standards such as ISO 445 (vocabulary) and ISO 6780 (main dimensions). See ISO 6780 pallet sizes and pallet testing standards.
- IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention). Part of FAO, it adopts ISPM 15, the standard that regulates wood packaging material in international trade. National plant protection organizations implement it; see ISPM 15 country rules.
Research and education
University centers are the main source of independent data. In the United States, Virginia Tech's Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design produces surveys of wood and plastic pallet production, load capacity research and design software, and works with industry associations and foundations. The Pallet Foundation, a US body, has helped fund research including a study of pallet recycling and landfill diversion.
Statistics and advocacy
One of the most useful services of associations is data. Without national or European statistics, it is hard to judge whether capacity, prices or lumber supply are in balance, and numbers published by FEFPEB, NWPCA and university partners are widely quoted in the trade press. Associations also respond to legislation on packaging, forestry, plant health and waste, because rules written for consumer packaging can affect pallets in unintended ways. Members benefit from early notice of consultations and from technical comments prepared on behalf of the sector.
How to use associations
- Producers can join a national association for regulatory support, training and market data, and apply for the EPAL licence if they intend to make Euro pallets.
- Buyers can use association directories to find producers who follow recognized rules, and EPAL's licensee search for licensed suppliers.
- Students and researchers find statistics, congress proceedings and technical publications through association websites and university centers.
Memberships do not guarantee quality, so supplier checks remain necessary; see sourcing pallets internationally.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between EPAL and FEFPEB?
EPAL is a quality and licensing system for the Euro pallet. FEFPEB is a federation of national trade associations that represents European pallet and packaging manufacturers.
Which association represents pallet makers in the United States?
The National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) is the principal trade association, with company members in the US and abroad.
Who sets the ISPM 15 rules?
The International Plant Protection Convention, hosted by FAO, adopts the standard. National plant protection organizations apply and enforce it.
Do I need to join an association to make pallets?
No, except where a quality system is mandatory for a particular product: to make EPAL Euro pallets you need an EPAL licence. Otherwise, membership is voluntary.
Sources
- About EPAL — European Pallet Association
- National Wooden Pallet and Container Association profile — SupplyChain247
- FEFPEB Congress: European wooden pallet manufacturing shows significant growth — FEFPEB via PoliticsHome
- Timber Packaging and Pallet Confederation (Timcon) — ForestSource
- FEFPEB entry — Union of International Associations
- ISO 445:2013 Pallets for materials handling — Vocabulary — International Organization for Standardization
- Study shows 95% of wooden pallets are recycled — The Pallet Foundation