The European Pallet Association (EPAL) has released the results of research conducted by international logistics consultancy Hermes SA, which, it says, show EPAL solutions to be “typically 20% cheaper than exporting to continental Europe using private pooling models”.

“The test data involved at least 20 well recognised large scale organisations over a four-month consultation period and is statistically robust,” said Hermes director Andrea Fossa.

According to the research, organisations found that up-front investment costs in EPAL-approved pallets were outweighed by the products’ longer lifespan and fewer repairs fees

There are currently more than 500 million wooden Euro pallets in circulation, which are standardised and certified by EPAL. Under EPAL’s control and licence more than 60 million new pallets a year are produced in 30 countries with more than 1,000 repair centres worldwide.