Which pallet for which chemical product?

Why 9 different models?

The CP system, set out in the CP specification (in use since 1991 and published by PlasticsEurope), standardised 9 pallets to cover the main uses of European chemical logistics. Three criteria separate the models:

• The footprint — from 760×1140 mm (CP5) up to 1100×1300 mm (CP4/CP7), including the container-optimised square 1140×1140 mm (CP3/CP8/CP9)
• The construction — skid pallets with an open bottom deck (CP1-CP5) or perimeter-base pallets with a closed frame (CP6-CP9)
• The load rating — indicative values that vary by manufacturer (the CP specification sets no handling load per model): 1,500 kg dynamic / 4,000 kg static for CP1 and CP3 to CP7, no indicative value for the CP2, and higher values often stated by manufacturers for CP8 and CP9 (2,000 kg / 6,000 kg, as an indication)

Choosing the wrong model means unstable containers, risky stacking, or wasted deck and container space. Because the specification is industry-wide, a CP3 loaded in France is the same CP3 expected at a packing line in Antwerp, Rotterdam or Tarragona — chemical buyers order by model number, not by description.

By packaging type

Steel or plastic drums, 200 L

A standard 200 L drum is about 585 mm in diameter. The CP specification lists two models for drums, both 1140×1140 mm:

• Skid model: CP3 (1140×1140 mm, skids)
• Perimeter-base model, for stacking loaded pallets: CP9 (1140×1140 mm, perimeter base), a stable seat for stacked levels
• Containerised sea export: CP3 or CP9, as two pallets side by side fill the ISO container width

IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers), 1000 L

Composite IBCs have a standard 1200×1000 mm footprint, which points directly to the matching CP formats:

• CP1 (1000×1200 mm, skids) — occasional IBC moves and light or partially filled IBCs
• CP6 (1200×1000 mm, perimeter base) — the safer choice for repeated handling of full IBCs, thanks to the closed frame

A full 1000 L IBC weighs 1,000 to 1,200 kg, which is close to the indicative ratings of the CP1 and CP6: ask on what basis the rating was established, as explained in our dynamic vs static load guide. For intensive rotation with full IBCs, prefer the CP6 — or a custom reinforced pallet sized for the real load.

Powder or granulate bags, 25-50 kg

For stacked bags (powders, granulates, polymers, fertiliser chemistry), the key criterion is a tight, closely boarded deck, so the bags do not sag between the boards under stacking pressure.

• Standard bags, 1000×1200 pattern: CP1 — 30 to 50 bags in an interlocked pyramid
• Bulky bags, wide patterns: CP4 (1100×1300 mm, the largest skid format) or its perimeter-base twin CP7 when stacking
• Bagged goods boxed on the Euro footprint: CP2 (800×1200 mm — the only CP in the Euro format)

Big bags (FIBC), 500 kg to 1.5 t

Big bags (~1 m³ of granulates, powders or aggregates) concentrate up to 1.5 tonnes on one pallet: the CP specification lists the CP1, the CP3 and the CP9 for this type of load.

• Skid models: CP1 (1000×1200 mm) or CP3 (1140×1140 mm)
• CP9 (1140×1140 mm, perimeter base): the highest racking rating of the three models listed for big bags under the CP specification; for heavy big bags, have the permissible load checked
• Beyond 2,000 kg per pallet: custom reinforced build, quoted per load and dimensions

Octabins

Octagonal bulk containers sit naturally on the square 1140×1140 mm format: CP3 (skids) for standard weights, CP9 (perimeter base) for heavy octabins and stacking, a common configuration in polymer flows shipped by container (permissible load to be confirmed). The CP8 (1140×1140 mm, perimeter base, central opening) is designed for bottom-discharge octabins.

Cartons, cans, jerrycans (small containers grouped)

For chemical products in 1-25 L containers grouped in cartons:

• Cartons on the Euro footprint: CP2 (800×1200 mm) — compatible with logistics systems calibrated for 800×1200, with CP-grade construction
• Sea-container optimisation: CP5 (760×1140 mm) — three pallets across the container width, the companion format of the 1140×1140 family

Decision table: packaging → CP model

Export outside the EU: ISPM 15 on every model

Chemical flows leaving the European Union — including containerised exports through Antwerp, Rotterdam or Le Havre — require ISPM 15 treated wooden pallets (heat treatment at 56 °C for 30 minutes, IPPC marking). Treatment is available on request for all 9 CP models. Check the destination in our ISPM 15 country list and the full rules in the ISPM 15 guide.

Beyond pure chemistry: sectors with the same requirements

Other industries specify CP pallets for the same reasons — robustness, standardisation, clean handling:

• Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics — CP1, CP2 and CP6 for bags and cartons in clean environments
• Industrial food ingredients (additives, flavours) — CP1/CP6 under IBCs, CP9 under big bags of dry ingredients
• Paints and solvents: CP2 for 25-50 L cans and for pots grouped in cartons
• Construction chemistry: CP1, CP4, CP6 or CP7 for bags of cement additives, mortar and admixtures

For a case not covered here, our guide CP pallets: which model (CP1 to CP9)? details each model with its exact dimensions and typical use — or ask us directly.

Frequently asked questions

Which pallet for 200 L drums?

CP3 (1140×1140, skids) or CP9 (1140×1140, perimeter base): these are the two models the CP specification lists for drums. Choose according to your stacking and handling constraints; both suit sea containers.

Which pallet for 1000 L IBCs?

The IBC footprint (1200×1000 mm) matches the CP1 and CP6. A full IBC weighs 1,000 to 1,200 kg, which is close to the indicative ratings of both models: ask on what basis the rating was established, and prefer the CP6 for repeated full-weight handling, or a custom reinforced pallet.

Which pallet for powder bags?

CP1 as the standard, CP4/CP7 for bulky patterns, CP2 on the Euro footprint. The closely boarded deck keeps stacked bags from sagging between the boards.

Which pallet for big bags?

The CP specification lists the CP1, the CP3 and the CP9 for big bags. Of the three, the CP9 (1140×1140 mm, perimeter base) has the highest racking rating under the CP specification: for heavy big bags, have the permissible load checked. The CP8, with its central opening, is designed for bottom-discharge octabins.

How does delivery work?

Delivery by full truckload from 300 pallets — below that, pickup at one of our 3 depots in the Paris region, France. Lead times by destination are on our European delivery page. Intra-EU supply: invoice without VAT with your valid EU VAT number (reverse charge, Art. 138 of Directive 2006/112/EC).