A strongly-worded statement was released by EPAL after the organisation that regulates the EPAL business in the UK – BREPAL – carried out recent surveys that suggested up to one third of used pallets in circulation were falling short of its quality specifications.
EPAL chief executive Martin Leibrandt said EPAL had successfully pursued cases of non-conformance to its standards in European courts and was prepared to do this in the UK.
“We will be writing to the used pallet trade to explain our position as well as explaining the situation directly to our users,” he said.
EPAL has strict specifications governing the load-bearing capacity, dimensions, design, materials used and construction.
Mr Leibrandt said many used pallets would have been damaged and repaired at some time and the EPAL system made exchange straightforward and effective, providing quality assurance and safety for users.
“The flow of unregulated repairs into the pool will reduce users’ confidence that they will receive a pallet that is fit for purpose.”
He said faulty pallets could compromise the supply chain and cause sizable economic losses.
