EPAL General Assembly 2021 – Strategies for the largest pallet exchange pool in the world
EPAL General Assembly 2021 – Strategies for the largest pallet exchange pool in the world
In its jubilee year (60 years of Euro pallets and 30 years of EPAL), EPAL once again had to arrange the General Assembly of the European Pallet Association e.V. (EPAL) on 18th June 2021 as an online conference due to the Covid 19 situation. Chaired by the President of EPAL, Robert Holliger, the board members and CEOs of EPAL’s 14 National Committees and EPAL representatives from other countries discussed the current challenges facing international logistics.
EPAL’s international strategy and the collaboration between its members and licensees in over 30 countries have proven their worth during the pandemic. In many countries, manufacturers of EPAL pallets have been classified as essential operations and production and repair figures for 2020 have therefore not simply remained stable, but have increased yet again.
For EPAL licensees, the shortage of wood and the associated increase in the price of wood is currently right at the top of the agenda. Despite the shortage of wood, the supply of EPAL pallets to industry and retail is guaranteed. The EPAL National Committees reported a further increase in production and a significant increase in repairs of EPAL pallets during 2021. According to EPAL members, the growth of EPAL, particularly in the field of repairs, is a reflection of the huge significance of the open EPAL Euro pallet exchange pool in times of increasing demand for wood and pallets.
This is also true for sustainability and the circular economy through the reuse and exchange of EPAL pallets. EPAL members provided information during the General Assembly on how international efforts to protect the climate by reducing CO2 are supported through the EPAL Euro pallet exchange pool. EPAL and its National Committees continue to focus in their work on ensuring international quality assurance and service remain the basis for the quality and safety of EPAL pallets.