Palletwerk

Palletwerk is a term used in logistics and warehousing to describe the set of activities related to pallets—wooden platforms used for stacking, storing, handling, and transporting goods. The term covers receiving, staging, palletizing and depalletizing, moving, stacking, wrapping, labeling, and inventory control tied to palletized products.

Pallets come in various materials and sizes. Wooden pallets are common and often standardized under EPAL in Europe; plastic and metal pallets are also used, especially in environments requiring washing or higher hygiene standards. Common dimensions include approximately 800 by 1200 millimeters, with other sizes in use depending on regional and industry needs. Pallet pooling and returnable pallets are employed to reduce waste and improve efficiency, particularly in ongoing supply contracts or cross-border logistics.

In practice, palletwerk includes activities such as receiving goods on pallets, inspecting pallet condition, placing goods onto pallets (palletizing), wrapping for transport, storing on racks or floors, and moving pallets with forklifts or pallet jacks. It also encompasses order picking, cross-docking, and depalletizing at destination. Integrated systems often track pallet movement and inventory through barcodes or RFID, supporting warehouse management and real-time visibility.

Safety and quality are central considerations. Operators must observe load limits, ensure even weight distribution, and secure loads to prevent accidents. Damaged pallets are repaired or retired, and hygiene concerns influence pallet choice in food and pharmaceutical sectors. Environmental considerations emphasize reuse, refurbishment, and recycling of pallets to extend their life cycle and reduce resource use.

See also: EPAL, pallet pooling, forklift, pallet jack, warehouse management system.