Economic pallet marking

EPAL certified printing system for pallets

Print instead of burn

Before

Nahansicht des aufgebrannten EPAL Schriftzugs auf einer Palette
EPAL logo branded

After

Detailansicht des aufgedruckten EPAL Schriftzuges
EPAL logo printed

Pallets as load carriers are used to transport many products stacked (e.g. cartons) or heavy, bulky products safely. The aids significantly facilitate the transport of heavy loads.

There are two distinctions in pallet labeling: The transport label (e.g. GS1), which is often applied directly to the enclosing packaging film, and the marking of the pallet itself.

Close-up view of a pallet with printed QR code

The marking by the label serves thereby the organization, traceability and security of the commodity. The marking of the pallet itself serves to assign it to a specific production regulation with certain quality criteria (e.g. EPAL).

Many pallet manufacturers mark their pallets with branding marks. This results in high costs and inflexible workflows. Large character inkjet printers are therefore increasingly being used in the pallet industry. Large character coders from Diagraph reduce costs and offer numerous advantages: The print image can be changed in seconds, while the flexibility also increases speed and productivity. Make an appointment and digitize pallet labeling via inkjet printer.

Different types of pallets

The term pallets initially represents the short form for the term transport pallets. They are counted among the load carriers. Their use is for the safest possible transport as well as for the storage of stackable goods. Among the common types are differentiated lattice box pallets, tank pallets or flat pallets. With regard to the material, wood, pressed wood, plastic or cardboard are used. If we look at the shipping of goods, the wooden pallet dominates there due to its robustness and versatility.

A distinction can also be made between disposable and reusable pallets. For the one-time transport of a good, the one-way variant is used. Reusable pallets, on the other hand, are used several times, and their production is carried out according to a firmly defined standard. Here, the Europlate dominates, it has the highest level of use and awareness. Euro pallets are internationally exchangeable, durable, very resilient and approved for export. In addition, the Euro pallet allows the use of lifting and conveying equipment.

Paletten kennzeichnen: Anwendungsfälle in der Industrie

In the fields of storage, transport and logistics, pallet labeling is an elementary component of daily processes. Modern industries need precise and reliable industrial printers to mark large quantities of pallets to specification in a time-saving manner.

To be mentioned are:

Food industry

Pharmaceutical industry

Shipping and logistics

Regulations and signs

Pallets can be marked with different information such as logos, logos, data, codes and text. Pallet identifiers such as IPPC or EPAL are applied using a large character coder, while the GS1 transport label is applied using a labeler. In order to be allowed to carry the corresponding logo such as IPPC and EPAL, the respective rules and regulations must be observed.

  • IPPC stands for International Plant Protection Convention: International Plant Protection Convention. It has been ratified by over 180 countries worldwide. The FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) of the United Nations is responsible for the administration. The agreement aims to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases and pests to plants and plant products. It is a protective agreement. Associated with the IPPC is the set of rules for importing plants and plant products, which is called the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM). The provisions according to ISPM 15 regulate the handling of solid wood as packaging material for export. The goal is to stop the importation of wood pests into foreign ecosystems. The formulated import regulations and quarantine provisions thus help to protect the native flora of the participating countries. The pallet marking with IPPC states that the applicable regulations are met. The plant protection organizations of the nations are responsible for implementation in each case.
  • EPAL is the abbreviation for European Pallet Association. If a wooden pallet meets the regulations regarding dimensions and components for a Euro pallet, then the product is certified by the European Pallet Association. It then bears the protected EPAL mark and may call itself a Euro pallet. This reusable pallet can be used many times and exchanged several times. Pallet labeling with EPAL also states that the IPPC/ISPM-15 standard is met. The term Europool pallet is sometimes used as a synonym for the common term Europallet. As a load carrier, the Europlate is used primarily in the European region.
Close-up view of a pallet with EPAL printed on it on a conveyor belt
  • The GS1 transport label contains central information about the pallet. As a standardized pallet label, it is located on the foil. GS1 - also called NVE label or SSCC label - is elementary for the logistic flow between trade and industry. The technology of labelers is used to apply this information.

Euro pallet (EPAL1)

Merkmale Wert
Boards11
Nails78
Blocks09
Length800 mm
Height144 mm
WeightAbout 25 Kg
Load capacity1500 Kg

Possibilities and distinctions of pallet marking

  • Marking with branding iron: This traditional method uses branding iron to realize the required or prescribed stamp image on wood, cardboard or other materials. Overall, branding irons fulfill the function of marking materials, applications and workpieces. Example: affixing IPPC markings to Euro pallets, wooden crates, packing cases and packing wood. IPPC branding stamps reach their operating temperature in a short time and mark the objects to be marked with permanent, indelible impressions. These stamps can have different dimensions. They are considered durable, robust and easy to clean. In the context of transport logistics and storage, the stamps can be personalized if required. Nevertheless, marking with branding irons demands more manual effort - and thus time.
Close-up view of the burnt-on EPAL lettering on a pallet
Palette From Above
  • Printing digitally instead of burning in: To reduce waste and faulty branding, large character coders are increasingly being used in industry and commerce. The approach differs significantly, because in this modern technology the pallets are no longer marked with branding stamps. Instead, marking is done in the production process using industrial-grade inkjet printers. Practically, these industrial printers are installed with their print heads directly on both sides of the production line. Modern methods of pallet marking thus make it possible to print EPAL logo and IPPC marking on pallet blocks as they pass by.

Pallet marking: Labeling vs. printing

Labeling pallet loads

Labeling involves attaching one or more labels to the load on the pallet - often wrapped in film. These labels contain important information, such as

  • Logistics details: What is on the pallet?
  • Shipping data: For example, a GS1 shipping label for tracking purposes.

Advantages of pallet labeling:

  • Flexibility: Adaptable to different loads and requirements, including changing information.
  • Variety of information: Space for detailed information such as barcodes, shipping data and logos.
  • Material compatibility: Can be used on other materials in addition to film.
  • Traceability: Enables integration into logistics systems through standardized labels (e.g. GS1).

This method is relevant for all customers who ship goods on pallets - regardless of sector or load.

Printing on pallets

When printing on pallets, the pallet blocks are provided with markings such as EPAL, EUR or an IPPC marking directly during production. This is done using the ResMark 5000, a large character printer that was specially developed for this application.

Advantages of pallet printing:

  • Cost-efficient: No additional materials such as labels required.
  • Robust solution: Particularly useful in dusty production environments.
  • Flexibility: print images in different sizes possible.
  • High print quality and automatic nozzle cleaning ensure precise results.
  • Efficient: print image heights of up to 100 mm for large markings

This method is suitable for pallet manufacturers to support the manufacturing process with high-quality direct printing.

Marking pallets: Use cases in the industry

Sehen Sie unsere Palettendrucker im Einsatz

Play Video

Brennstempel ersetzen und 80% Kosten sparen

Serradora Boix hat 2021 die Palettenkennzeichnung von gasbeheizten Brennstempeln auf Großschriftdrucker ResMark 5000 von ITW Diagraph umgestellt.

Dadurch konnten die Kosten um 80% gesenkt, die Produktivität gesteigert und die Arbeitssicherheit erheblich verbessert werden.

Anwenderbericht kostenlos herunterladen

Serradora Boix spart 80% bei den Kennzeichnungskosten für Paletten

  • Die Druckbilder kommen direkt aus dem Warenwirtschaftssystem
  • Direktdruck ist günstiger als Branding
  • Mit dem Drucksystem kann flexibel auf Kundenanforderungen reagiert werden
Play Video

Flexible direct printing on pallets

When it comes to marking EPAL pallets, speed and maximum precision are essential in an environment that is not suitable for most conventional printers.

The IJ4000 masters this task to perfection, as you can see in this video.

Download case study free of charge

Paletten Service Hamburg successfully replaces branding stamps with large character printers

  • The print images come directly from the merchandise management system
  • Direct printing is cheaper than branding
  • The printing system enables a flexible response to customer requirements

Advantages of pallet printing over branding

Direct printing on pallets has numerous advantages over conventional branding irons in terms of speed, quality, operation and cost/benefit ratio. Modern technology in pallet labeling is therefore an essential part of economic activity.

High contrast and top print quality.

No rejects due to faulty branding.

Better productivity due to less start-up and changeover times.

Pallet labeling in the production flow saves time.

No need for a long start-up of the printer to mark the pallets.

Significantly lower costs due to reduced power consumption during digital printing of the pallets.

Large character coders are suitable for the harsh conditions of the pallet industry.

Variable data such as barcodes, logos or text can be applied quickly.

Even with small quantities, the individualization of the pallets is problem-free.

Improve occupational safety by minimizing the risk of fire.

In the marking of pallets, speed and maximum precision are decisive factors for efficient processes. It should be noted that the pallet marking operations are realized in a demanding environment. Many printers are not optimally suited for this. We therefore offer custom-fit commercial solutions in the form of our high-performance large character printers.

Digital solutions for marking pallets

Diagraph makes it possible for every pallet manufacturer to digitize their marking.
As experts in industrial printers, we are familiar with the practical problems of pallet marking. We solve this challenge with a complete pallet printing package certified by EPAL.

The ResMark 5000 masters all relevant tasks to perfection. The standard applications of the ResMark 5000 also include printing on cardboard boxes. This is where the device really comes into its own: It marks the materials at high speed with product data, codes and logos in the highest quality. Replace outdated branding with a superior system that gives you the best printing results cost-effectively. With one device you can fulfill all customer requirements regarding pallet labeling.

Pallet that is printed
  • You want to save costs?
  • You want to guarantee high print quality?
  • You want to print your pallets and save time?
  • You want to act environmentally friendly?

Then the Diagraph ResMark 5000 is just right for you!

What our customers say

PSH_Logo_201120140305-31108-sheqy8

In the past, the labeling on our pallets was often difficult to read and we had a lot of rejects.

Since we have been using Diagraph printers, every pallet receives a perfect print image and we have been able to reduce our labeling costs by 50%.

Ingo Mönke, Chairman of the Board PALETTEN-SERVICE Hamburg AG

embalajes-blanco-logo1

The production process has improved considerably:
Increased production, higher quality, zero waste and avoidance of downtime during job changes,
as these are now immediate, safe and reliable.

Pablo Blanco, Managing Director of Embalajes Blanco, Murillo de Río Leza, Spain

Boix Principal Verde Sinfondo

By switching from branding stamps to direct printing, the costs for labeling have been reduced by approx. 80%.

Ramon Marginet, Director Industrial, Serradora Boix, Spain

Three steps to perfect labeling

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communications

Contact us

Our experts offer you competent advice.

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integration

Find a solution

You get a complete solution tailored to your needs, comprising labeling systems, software, networking and consumables.

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customer

Enjoy

You can work comfortably –
your system is running smoothly.

FAQ

Do you have further questions? You can find more details here.

What are the regulations for pallet labeling?

A selection of the requirements for the use of pallets reflect the marks and seals described above, such as IPPC and EPAL. They define regulations for safe pallets in the context of international use.

What options do I have to mark pallets?

For which industries can the pallets be marked?

Coding made simple

We are the experts in our field.
We always think one step ahead and solve problems before they arise to make it as easy as possible for our customers to label their products reliably.
With us, every customer has a direct contact person who takes care of their concerns, asks the right questions and finds the right answer.
So that everything is simple and straightforward for our customers.

Over 125 years

Experience

DIN ISO 9001

Certificate

EPAL

Certificate

Patented

Developments

Own

Production

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