The new EPAL Euro pallet QR is marked with an individual QR code on the right-hand corner blocks, enabling easy integration into digital goods and pallet logistics processes. With the market launch on 01.01.2024, the new EPAL Euro pallet QR can be ordered immediately from selected manufacturers of EPAL Euro pallets and used and exchanged in the open EPAL Euro pallet pool. This marks the successful completion of EPAL's first step towards digitizing the EPAL Euro pallet pool.

From load carrier to information carrier

Each individual EPAL Euro pallet QR is marked with an individual and unique QR code on the two right-hand corner blocks and therefore has a unique identity. Users can use their own IT systems or software developed by EPAL to link the QR code to the goods on the pallet, and Track&Trace gives them full transparency about the location of the goods and pallet.

Dirk Hoferer, President of EPAL: "During production, a unique QR code is generated for each new EPAL Euro pallet QR and printed on the right-hand corner blocks. We have opted for this sophisticated solution of labeling with individual QR codes so that the EPAL Euro pallet QR can be linked by the users with their own data. This means that in the future, the EPAL Euro pallet will not only be a load carrier, but also an information carrier."

EPAL Euro pallets must always be available in sufficient numbers and in the right place to ensure that users' supply chains function perfectly. The new Euro pallet QR enables the simple, fast and location-based recording of pallet stocks and the evaluation of quantity and quality data. This makes it possible to ensure that the right number and quality of Euro pallets are always available in operational pallet logistics, regardless of where the pallets are needed in goods and transport logistics.

The EPAL Euro pallet QR is fully exchangeable

The new EPAL Euro pallet QR can be exchanged without restriction in the open EPAL Euro pallet exchange pool. This guarantees the immediate use of the EPAL Euro pallet QR in all logistics and exchange processes. Used EPAL Euro pallets with QR code will be available in the same way in the future and will be part of the established processes for sorting used EPAL Euro pallets in order to provide users with the qualities of used EPAL Euro pallets they require.

The QR code on EPAL Euro pallets can not only be used to obtain information about the location and loading of the pallet and its load, but also provides information about the pallet. In addition to data on the production of the pallet, which improves counterfeit protection, this includes in particular data on material and recycling as well as exchange and reuse. The QR code is being developed by EPAL into a digital product passport, so that the new EPAL Euro pallet QR will meet the future legal requirements for the digital product passport at an early stage.