New US EPAL pallets now available from Oak Creek Wood Products.
OAK CREEK, WI (9/9/24) — Oak Creek Wood Products, a leading pallet manufacturer committed to quality and sustainability, announced that it is now the only supplier in the United States to have attained EPAL (European Pallet Association) 1 (1200×800 mm EPAL pallet) certification. This certification represents a significant milestone for Oak Creek Wood Products, enabling the company to expand its distribution into European markets and meet the growing demand for high-quality pallets.
The EPAL certification, recognized worldwide, sets the highest standards for pallet manufacturing, ensuring strict compliance with criteria for materials, dimensions, and construction methods. Oak Creek Wood Products is now uniquely positioned to contribute to the global supply chain with products that meet these rigorous standards.
“We are honored to achieve this certification and join the ranks of EPAL-certified manufacturers,” said Rafael Guerrero, President and Owner of Oak Creek Wood Products. “We look forward to serving the diverse needs of industries across Europe and contributing to the strength and reliability of international trade.”
The EPAL certification ensures that Oak Creek Wood Products’ pallets meet the strictest quality and safety standards, including dimensional accuracy, load-bearing capacity, and traceability. Each pallet is marked with the EPAL logo, symbolizing reliability and adherence to industry-leading practices.
Expanding distribution to Europe allows the company to tap into new markets and serve a broader customer base. With EPAL certification in hand, Oak Creek Wood Products is well-positioned to meet the diverse needs of European industries with EPAL pallets. At the forefront of innovation in the wood pallet industry, OCWP continually strives to exceed customer expectations while maintaining the highest quality and sustainability standards.
According to the EPAL website, there are now four EPAL-certified companies in North America, including Cottondale Wood Products (producer), Oak Creek Wood Products (producer), Williamsburg Millwork (producer) and Niagara Pallet (dealer).
Understanding EPAL Certifications for Pallet Suppliers
In the EPAL (European Pallet Association) system, pallet manufacturers, repairers, and distributors must obtain specific certifications to be authorized to produce, repair, or distribute EPAL pallets. These certifications ensure compliance with EPAL’s strict quality and safety standards. Below are the various certification levels for providers in the EPAL system:
1. EPAL Pallet Manufacturer Certification
- This certification allows the company to produce new EPAL pallets. The company must comply with EPAL’s strict manufacturing standards, which include the use of certified materials and regular quality audits by Bureau Veritas or another authorized certification body.
2. EPAL Pallet Repairer Certification
- The company must hold this separate certification if it also wishes to repair damaged EPAL pallets. To restore pallets to the certified standard, repairers are required to follow specific EPAL guidelines, including the use of EPAL-approved materials and methods. Repaired pallets must be marked accordingly to differentiate them from new ones.
3. EPAL Pallet Distributor Certification
- The company must hold this certification to distribute EPAL pallets, whether newly manufactured or repaired. This ensures that they supply pallets that meet the EPAL standards, regardless of the source.
To find EPAL-certified suppliers, please visit EPAL’s licensee search portal.
To find out more about becoming an EPAL licensee, visit the EPAL licensee FAQ page.
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Rick LeBlanc, EMBA, is the founder and editor of Reusable Packaging News (subscribe to the free newsletter) and editor of Western Pallet Magazine. A supply chain journalist with more than 30 years of experience, he specializes in pallets, reusable packaging, material handling and related operations. Rick is co-author of Pallets: A North American Perspective and Pallets & Progress: A Collected History of Pallets and Palletized Handling 1922–1945. He is also an advisory board member of the Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design. Read Rick’s full bio.
