Together with eleven companies from industry and commerce, GS1 Germany initiated with the project "Palettenladehöhen" the step toward harmonization of logistical standards in Germany and Europe. The aim is to analyze the existing national standard in the area of pallet loading heights and align it to the European standard EUL1 (1,200 millimeters) in order to unlock efficiency potentials along the entire supply chain, GS1 Germany recently announced in Cologne.
Since 1985, in the German FMCG sector, according to the announcement, pallet loading height CCG1 (1,050 millimeters) has predominantly been used. In the European comparison, however, the loading height EUL1 (1,200 millimeters) has established itself as the standard. This enables a more efficient use of
transport and storage capacities.
Eliminate inefficiencies
According to the information, the currently differing standards lead to inefficiencies in logistics, data management and the flow of goods and require a realignment. “With the project we create the basis to eliminate inefficiencies and to make the supply chain future-proof. A common European standard is the key to more transparency, sustainability and cost-effectiveness,” said Stefan Thomas, Senior Manager, Supply Chain Management at GS1 Germany.
As part of the project, GS1 Germany, together with companies such as Nestlé, Mondelez International, Oetker, dm, Beiersdorf and others, conducts a comprehensive analysis of the current situation. In particular, relevant processes, data flows, systems and master data will be examined. Findings from
bilateral field tests between industry and trade are expected to provide additional indications of existing hurdles and optimization potentials.
Based on this, a concrete catalog of measures will be developed, which, according to the announcement, takes into account both the requirements for the adjusted pallet loading heights and the efficiency improvements in supply-chain processes. “An adjustment of the pallet height to 1.20 meters increases in many cases the utilization of vehicles and thus contributes to less truck traffic and CO₂-reductions,” said Andreas Heithoff, Head of Warehousing and Distribution at Beiersdorf.
Another focus, according to the information, lies in the development of a data management concept that enables mapping of different loading-height variants and ensures
data consistency across company boundaries. Finally, a strategy for the phased introduction of the new standard EUL1 will be defined. This strategy will be developed based on scenarios. “With the introduction of pallet loading height adjustment from CCG1 to EUL1, we are taking an important milestone in Germany to position ourselves consistently across Europe. This measure helps to better utilize trucks, use resources more efficiently, and thus act more sustainably in the market,” said André Arnshoff, Customer Innovation Manager DACH at Mondelez International.
At the end, a guide for practical implementation and a joint position paper of the participating companies should emerge. The position paper should describe the framework for a future transition scenario.
