The European Pallet Association e.V. (EPAL) has published the first version of the declaration of conformity of EPAL Euro pallets with the provisions of the EU Packaging Regulation. The association thus confirms that EPAL Euro pallets are reusable packaging that fulfils the requirements of the PPWR.
The EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) came into force on 11 February 2025, but its application will not begin until 12 August 2026. For many provisions, a later start of application is even regulated, as not all implementing provisions are yet available or a longer transitional period is necessary. In contrast, the provisions set out in Art. 39 PPWR Obligation to submit declarations of conformity Many companies that use pallets are already preparing for this and checking the PPWR compliance of the pallets they use.
„The manufacturers of EPAL Euro pallets are receiving an increasing number of requests for a PPWR declaration of conformity for Euro pallets, because many companies want to be sure when purchasing pallets that they will fulfil the reuse targets set out in the PPWR in the future. We are happy to fulfil this request from our customers, because EPAL Euro pallets and the open EPAL pallet pool are prime examples of reusable packaging and a reuse system in the sense of the PPWR.“
Dirk HofererPresident of EPAL
Declarations of conformity according to Art. 39 PPWR are must always be produced by the packaging manufacturer himself. However, as EPAL Euro pallets are manufactured in accordance with the association's internationally harmonised standard, EPAL can formulate the PPWR declaration of conformity and make it available to licensed manufacturers and repair companies. The users of the Euro pallets receive the PPWR Declaration of Conformity directly from their suppliers, but can also request the Declaration of Conformity from EPAL.
„Our Euro pallets fulfil all the requirements for PPWR conformity of packaging. This is not only confirmed by us in the PPWR Declaration of Conformity, but also explained in a concise manner. Reuse, repair and simple recycling without generating waste are just a few examples of the PPWR requirements that our Euro pallets have been fulfilling for many years. Important for users: quality assurance with around 25,000 unannounced tests per year will not only guarantee the high quality but also the PPWR conformity of EPAL Euro pallets in the future.“
Bernd Dörre, CEO of EPAL
Some of the PPWR requirements for packaging will only be regulated in detail by the EU Commission in various implementing provisions in the coming months and years. The association will therefore regularly adapt the PPWR Declaration of Conformity, if this should be necessary due to the implementing provisions of the PPWR. At the same time, PPWR declarations of conformity with identical content are also published for all other EPAL load carriers, e.g. for the EPAL3 pallets, which are increasingly in demand, and for all nine types of EPAL CP pallets.
Source: EPAL
