Chemical industry guide
9 models, 9 different uses. This guide helps you identify the right CP model for your packaging type, container dimensions and stacking constraints — whether your flows stay on the road network or leave Europe in a sea container.
CP pallets (« Chemical Pallets », ECTA/VCI standard) are the workhorse of the European chemical industry — from continental production sites to the container terminals of the North Sea ports. They split into two families you need to understand before picking a model:
CP1 to CP5 — skid pallets. Open bottom deck (3 runners), 9-block structure. Lighter, standard capacity of 1,500 kg dynamic / 4,000 kg static. Suitable when stacking is not critical.
CP6 to CP9 — perimeter-base pallets. Closed frame underneath, reinforced structure. Better stacking stability thanks to the peripheral frame. CP8 and CP9 offer reinforced capacities (2,000 kg dynamic / 6,000 kg static) for heavy containers.
Size equivalences: CP1 ↔ CP6 (1000×1200 mm), CP4 ↔ CP7 (1100×1300 mm), CP3 ↔ CP8 ↔ CP9 (1140×1140 mm). The choice between skid and perimeter base comes down to your stacking and load requirements.
→ CP1 (1000×1200) or CP6 (1000×1200, perimeter base). The 1000×1200 format is optimised for 4 drums of 200 L in a 2×2 layout. If you stack loaded pallets, prefer the CP6 for its superior stability. The CP1 is the best-selling CP model in Europe.
→ CP1 or CP4 (1100×1300, the largest skid format). The CP4 is recommended for bulky bags or wide palletisation patterns. For standard bags on the 1000×1200 footprint, the CP1 is enough.
→ CP8 (1140×1140, perimeter base with central hole). The central hole allows the big bag to be discharged directly on the pallet — a feature unique to the CP8. Reinforced 2,000 kg dynamic capacity to carry filled big bags.
→ CP3 (1140×1140, skids) or CP9 (1140×1140, perimeter base). The square 1140×1140 format is optimised for octagonal containers. The CP9, with its perimeter frame and 6,000 kg static capacity, is ideal for heavy octabins — common in polymer flows shipped in containers.
→ CP2 (800×1200, the only CP in the Euro format) for standard cartons. CP5 (760×1140) for 20' or 40' sea-container optimisation. The CP2 has the advantage of being compatible with logistics systems calibrated for the 800×1200 footprint.
A direct concern for containerised exports through Antwerp, Rotterdam or Le Havre: the 1140×1140 mm format (CP3, CP8, CP9) is designed to fit an ISO container precisely. Two 1140 mm pallets side by side = 2,280 mm, almost the full internal width of a container (2,330 mm). Very little wasted space.
The CP5 (760×1140) is the « half » format designed for three pallets across the container width: 3 × 760 = 2,280 mm.
Choose the perimeter-base models CP6 to CP9. The closed bottom frame provides a stable seat for stacked pallets. CP8 and CP9 carry 6,000 kg static — comfortably enough for 3 to 4 stacking levels.
Only the CP8 and CP9 offer 2,000 kg dynamic / 6,000 kg static. All other models (CP1 to CP7) are rated 1,500 / 4,000 kg. If your load exceeds 1,500 kg in motion, they are the only options.
Any wooden pallet leaving the EU — including via the North Sea container terminals — must be ISPM 15 treated (heat treatment at 56 °C for 30 minutes, IPPC marking). Treatment is available on request for all 9 CP models. Everything about ISPM 15 →
| Packaging | First choice | Alternative | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drums 200 L (×4) | CP1 | CP6 (stacking) | 1000×1200 |
| Bags 25–50 kg | CP1 | CP4 (large format) | 1000×1200 / 1100×1300 |
| Big bags (FIBC) | CP8 (discharge hole) | CP9 | 1140×1140 |
| Octabins | CP3 | CP9 (stacking) | 1140×1140 |
| Standard cartons | CP2 | CP5 (container) | 800×1200 / 760×1140 |
| Loads > 1,500 kg | CP8 | CP9 | 1140×1140 |
| Sea container | CP3 / CP5 | CP8, CP9 | 1140×1140 / 760×1140 |
| Stacking required | CP6–CP9 | — | Perimeter base |
In practice, 4 CP models cover the vast majority of needs across the European chemical industry — and of the enquiries we receive from abroad:
CP1 — the all-rounder. 1000×1200 format, suited to drums, bags and cans. The best seller.
CP3 — the maritime one. Square 1140×1140 format, container-optimised. Ideal for octabins and drums leaving Europe by sea.
CP6 — the stackable CP1. Same footprint as the CP1, but with a perimeter frame for stacking.
CP9 — the reinforced heavy-duty model. 1140×1140, perimeter base, 6,000 kg static. For heavy loads and intensive stacking.
Yes, but mind the dimensions. The CP2 (800×1200) is the only CP in the Euro format. All the others have specific dimensions that are not compatible with racking calibrated for 1200×800. Check the compatibility of your storage systems.
The CP system is a manufacturing standard, not a formalised exchange pool like EPAL. In practice CP pallets circulate between chemical-industry operators — including around the big port clusters — and are repaired and reused, but there is no official exchange pool comparable to the EPAL pool. How pallet exchange and pooling work →
Yes, like any solid-wood pallet leaving the EU. ISPM 15 treatment is available on request for all CP models. More about ISPM 15 →
📦 Delivery by full truckload from 300 pallets — below that, pickup at one of our 3 depots in the Paris region, France. Realistic lead times by destination are listed on our European delivery page; loading and pickup details are on the pickup & delivery page.
DirectPAL supplies all 9 CP models, from CP1 to CP9. New or reconditioned, with ISPM 15 treatment on request, delivered by full truckload across Europe. We help you identify the right model for your packaging — invoice without French VAT on your valid EU VAT number (reverse charge). Request a CP pallet quote →