The EPAL Euro pallets network has reached a defining milestone with its 35th anniversary international conference in Munich, bringing together logistics leaders, manufacturers, and trade associations from across the world. The event marked not only the evolution of EPAL as the largest open pallet pool system globally but also its growing influence on the wood packaging industry and modern supply chain design. Held in the city where EPAL was founded in 1991, the conference highlighted how standardised pallet systems have become essential infrastructure for international logistics efficiency, sustainability, and circular economy principles.
EPAL 35th Anniversary Milestone in Munich Strengthens Global Logistics Dialogue
The anniversary conference welcomed around 320 participants from nearly 30 countries, reinforcing EPAL’s position as a global coordination platform for the pallet pool system. The gathering in Munich was symbolic, as it marked a return to the birthplace of EPAL’s founding meeting. Since its establishment in 1991, EPAL has grown from a European quality assurance initiative into a worldwide logistics standard.
Today, the organisation oversees nearly two billion EPAL Euro pallets produced over its history, with more than 670 million pallets and over 20 million box pallets currently in circulation. These figures underline the critical role of EPAL in stabilising global freight movement, particularly within the supply chain pallets ecosystem that supports retail, manufacturing, and industrial distribution networks.
Euro Pallet System at the Core of Circular Logistics and Supply Chain Stability
The conference placed strong emphasis on how the Euro pallet standard continues to underpin global trade efficiency. Speakers from industry and academia discussed regulatory changes, automation trends, and digital transformation shaping logistics infrastructure.
For woodworking professionals and pallet manufacturers, EPAL’s open system remains a cornerstone of reusable pallets and sustainable material flow. The system’s circular design ensures repeated use, repairability, and standardised quality control, reducing waste while improving operational consistency across borders.
Participants also explored how evolving EU packaging regulations are pushing logistics operators to adopt more transparent and traceable systems. EPAL’s model was repeatedly highlighted as a benchmark for scalable circular logistics, where wood packaging materials are kept in continuous use rather than discarded after a single cycle.
Logistics Leaders Debate Digitalisation, Sustainability and Wood Packaging Innovation
A central theme of the Munich conference was the accelerating impact of digitalisation and sustainability requirements on pallet logistics. Industry leaders examined how artificial intelligence, automated warehousing, and real-time tracking systems are reshaping the future of wood packaging industry operations.
Jarek Maciążek, President of EPAL, reinforced the organisation’s strategic direction, stating:
“EPAL pallets are everywhere today. In every company, in many countries and often even in the private environment. EPAL’s success is based on the trust of millions of users of EPAL pallets as well as the worldwide commitment of our licensees, the national associations and their employees. This strong network is not only the reason for EPAL’s success story over the past 35 years, but also the basis for a successful future for the open EPAL pallet pool. Especially in a time of major economic, technological and ecological changes, our task is more relevant than ever. Digitization and automation, artificial intelligence and constantly growing sustainability requirements are changing the present and future of logistics. EPAL will continue to play an active role in shaping this change in the future – with innovative strength, clear standards and a firm commitment to taking responsibility for the economy and the environment.”
The discussions confirmed that the circular logistics model is no longer optional but central to modern supply chain resilience.
Founders Reflect on Origins of Euro Pallet Standardisation in Europe
A key highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring EPAL founders Ulrich Feuersinger, Hans-Erich Schilling, and Honorary President Robert Holliger. The discussion revisited the early challenges of harmonising pallet quality standards across a rapidly integrating European market.
Before 1991, pallet quality assurance systems were fragmented and nationally regulated, creating inefficiencies in cross-border trade. The founding of EPAL addressed this gap by establishing a unified system for the Euro pallet standard, enabling interoperability across industries.
The founders also reflected on how the system evolved beyond expectations, becoming a model for sustainability. What began as a technical solution for logistics efficiency has now become a global example of circular economy design within the pallet pool system, influencing both policy and industrial best practices.
EPAL’s Global Expansion and Future Outlook for Wood Packaging Industry
EPAL’s international reach has expanded significantly since 2006, with operations now active in more than 40 countries across Europe, Asia, China, and North America. Dirk Hoferer, President of EPAL, highlighted this globalisation trajectory, noting the organisation’s increasing role in shaping logistics standards worldwide.
“EPAL’s success over the past 35 years is no coincidence. It is the result of the commitment and dedication of many people from numerous countries. Following its expansion in Europe, EPAL has been building its presence in China, Asia, and North America since 2006. The EPAL brand has thus become one of the best-known international brands in logistics and is is now seen as proof of the high quality, reliability and sustainability of pallets. We are proud of this development. My father, Albert Hoferer, was also one of EPAL’s founders, and so I have been able to follow EPAL’s development up close from the very beginning and have actively supported it since the mid-1990s. During this time, EPAL’s open reuse system has not only become an industry standard but has recently even been cited by the European Commission as an example of an open reuse system in accordance with the EU Packaging and packaging waste regulation.”
This recognition positions EPAL as a benchmark organisation within global wood packaging industry standards, reinforcing its influence on sustainability policy and logistics innovation.
EPAL Euro Pallets Reinforce the Future of Circular Logistics and Global Supply Chains
The EPAL 35th anniversary conference in Munich reaffirmed the enduring relevance of the EPAL Euro pallets system in modern logistics. As global supply chains face increasing pressure to become more sustainable, digital, and efficient, EPAL’s standardised and reusable model continues to deliver stability across industries.
With its strong foundation in the pallet pool system, commitment to circular logistics, and expanding international footprint, EPAL is positioned to remain a central force in shaping the future of the wood packaging industry. The Munich gathering not only celebrated 35 years of achievement but also set the stage for the next phase of innovation in global supply chain infrastructure.
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