Millions of loading units are being transported around the globe every day. Harmonized standards ensure that they can pass through different points in the process chain without any obstacles. This is backed up by a complex logistical system - Efficient Unit Loads. 
What does EUL Expect from Reusable Shipping Packaging?
Just as in the case of one way packaging there is an array of packaging in reusable systems. Many manufacturers solely concentrate on the features of their own goods when selecting the right type of packaging and fully ignore the effect for the entire logistics chain. Retailers have to sort, collect, make available and return different types of packaging to the respective supplier. This creates higher costs, occupies more floor space and requires more staff input than in the case of standardized reusable systems. The objective of the Efficient Unit Loads approach is to establish harmonized packaging standards which meet specific demands. These include the demand that reusable packaging has to be easily stacked. It also has to be robust and sturdy enough to allow safe handling.
Largely Standardized: The Pallet
Reusable shipping packaging includes pallets and all other kinds of reusable boxes. Standardized reusable boxes for beverages are already in wide spread use as are so-called Euro 1 pallets. Its dimensions are 800 x 1200 mm, and most warehouse and logistics technology is adapted to this format. Exchanging Euro 1 pallets between manufacturers and retailers is based on a simple pallet for pallet swap: for every full pallet manufacturers deliver to a store the truck driver takes one empty pallet back. The store and the supplier keep records of exchanged pallets. This is important in case the store is unable to provide enough empty pallets. A pallet account records how many pallets are owed.
So-called rental pallets, also known as CHEP pallets, are an alternative to Euro 1 swap pallets. In this approach suppliers order required pallets based on a rental contract. These are then stacked with products and shipped to stores. The supplier needn’t take empty pallets in return but simply leaves the pallet with the retailer. The company CHEP takes care of the pallets being picked up.
So-called rental pallets, also known as CHEP pallets, are an alternative to Euro 1 swap pallets. In this approach suppliers order required pallets based on a rental contract. These are then stacked with products and shipped to stores. The supplier needn’t take empty pallets in return but simply leaves the pallet with the retailer. The company CHEP takes care of the pallets being picked up.
GS1 Germany Recommendation for Reusable Shipping Packaging
In order to fully exploit the Euro 1 pallet swap system retailers and manufacturers defined general application rules for Efficient Unit Loads in their GS1 Germany Recommendation. The basic pre-condition for an operating system is maintaining the same quality of pallets. This can be achieved if partners consider the following criteria:
- Pallets have to be manufactured according to specific standards (EPAL specifications for dimensions etc.).
- All Euro 1 pallets are branded with the symbol of a European rail company, bear a specific quality seal with a manufacturer code as well as the symbol of the European pallet pool.
- Manufacturers of pallets are called upon only to use dry, light wood.
- If a pallet is damaged or defective – i.e. slats are missing or the pallet is extremely dirty – it has to be removed from the swap cycle. Criteria for a swappable pallet are defined in UIC guidelines.
GS1 Germany has also defined specific requirements for rental pallets. Rental pallets have to comply with the following points:
