What Are CP Pallets? Chemical Pallet Guide (CP1 to CP9)

CP stands for “Chemical Pallet” and CP pallets are designed specifically for the chemical industry. There are nine main specifications, from CP1 to CP9, and each specification has slightly different dimensions and construction.

In this guide, we explain the differences between the specifications and how to choose the right chemical pallet for your business.

What are CP pallets?

The CP pallet system was developed in the early 1990s by chemical industry organisations, including the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) and the European Association of Plastics Manufacturers (APME) (now known as Plastics Europe), to address the need for greater standardisation in the chemical industry’s pallet supply chain.

The system established nine standard pallet formats (CP1 through CP9) with defined dimensions and construction characteristics. Standardisation makes it easier for businesses to specify, handle, store and transport palletised loads across different facilities and supply chains.

CP pallets are wooden pallets, rather than a separate category of plastic or metal pallets. The nine formats include two broad construction types: CP1 to CP5 are skid pallets, while CP6 to CP9 use a more robust frame-style base.

Why are chemical pallets used?

The chemical industry can place demanding requirements on packaging and transport equipment. Loads may be heavy, goods may need to travel long distances, and pallets can pass through multiple stages of handling, storage and distribution.

Using a defined pallet specification helps businesses ensure that the pallet footprint is suitable for their products, and their warehouse systems.

The CP system also supports consistency. Instead of specifying a bespoke pallet from scratch, a business can request a recognised format such as a CP1 pallet, CP3 pallet or CP9 pallet, allowing suppliers and logistics partners to work from a common specification.

This is particularly useful when pallets are moved between manufacturers, warehouses, distributors and customers.

CP pallet specifications: CP1 to CP9

Specification	Length × Width	Height*	Typical construction
CP1	1,000 × 1,200 mm	138 mm	Skid pallet
CP2	800 × 1,200 mm	138 mm	Skid pallet
CP3	1,140 × 1,140 mm	138 mm	Skid pallet
CP4	1,100 × 1,300 mm	138 mm	Skid pallet
CP5	760 × 1,140 mm	138 mm	Skid pallet
CP6	1,200 × 1,000 mm	156 mm	Frame pallet
CP7	1,300 × 1,100 mm	156 mm	Frame pallet
CP8	1,140 × 1,140 mm	156 mm	Frame pallet with central discharge opening
CP9	1,140 × 1,140 mm	156 mm	Frame pallet

*Heights shown are the current EPAL CP pallet dimensions[KH3.1]. Individual pallets may vary where different manufacturing or repair arrangements apply.

CP1 pallet

The CP1 pallet measures 1,000 × 1,200 mm and is one of the most commonly encountered CP formats. It is a skid-style pallet with four-way handling access and is suitable for a wide range of industrial loads.

CP2 pallet

The CP2 measures 800 × 1,200 mm. Its footprint corresponds to the familiar 1,200 mm length of many European pallet configurations while providing a narrower 800 mm width.

CP3 pallet

The CP3 pallet measures 1,140 × 1,140 mm. This square format is particularly associated with chemical industry and container transport applications. CP3, CP8 and CP9 all share the 1,140 × 1,140 mm footprint, although their construction differs.

CP4 and CP5 pallets

CP4 measures 1,100 × 1,300 mm, while CP5 measures 760 × 1,140 mm. These different footprints allow businesses to select a pallet that better suits their product packaging, loading arrangements and available storage or transport space.

CP6 and CP7 pallets

CP6 measures 1,200 × 1,000 mm and CP7 measures 1,300 × 1,100 mm. Unlike CP1–CP5, these are frame-style pallets and have a height of 156 mm under the current EPAL specification.

CP8 and CP9 pallets

Both CP8 and CP9 pallets measure 1,140 × 1,140 mm and are 156 mm high. The important distinction is their construction. CP8 incorporates a central discharge opening, while CP9 has a conventional winged deck. CP9 is used as a container pallet for products including casks and flexible intermediate bulk containers.

What is the difference between CP1 and CP9 pallets?

One of the most common questions when comparing CP pallet specifications is the difference between CP1 and CP9.

The most obvious difference is size. CP1 measures 1,000 × 1,200 mm, whereas CP9 measures 1,140 × 1,140 mm. They also differ in construction. CP1 is a skid pallet with a height of 138 mm, while CP9 is a frame pallet with a height of 156 mm.

The right choice depends on more than simply the weight of the load. You should think about your product dimensions, its packaging, and any requirements of your forklifts in the warehouse.

How do you choose the right CP pallet?

If you’re selecting pallets for the chemical industry, you should consider:

• Load dimensions: Does the pallet provide sufficient support for the product or packaging?
• Load weight: The pallet must be suitable for the actual load and handling conditions.
• Handling equipment: Check compatibility with forklifts, pallet trucks and warehouse systems.
• Transport requirements: Consider vehicle, container and export requirements.
• Storage: Pallet dimensions can affect racking, stacking and warehouse space.
• Customer specifications: Some customers or supply chains may require a particular CP format.
• Pallet condition: New, used and reconditioned pallets should be assessed for suitability before use.

Can you use recycled or reconditioned CP pallets?

Yes. Recycled CP pallets in the UK can provide a practical way for businesses to reduce pallet costs and extend the useful life of wooden packaging.

However, reconditioned pallets should be inspected to ensure they remain structurally suitable for the intended load and handling environment. You also need to think about whether your pallets need to meet specific treatment or export requirements.

For international movements, UK Government guidance states that solid wood packaging used for imports into Great Britain must meet ISPM 15 requirements, while businesses exporting wooden packaging should check the requirements of the destination country. Repaired or remanufactured ISPM 15-compliant packaging may also require re-treatment and re-marking.

Sourcing CP pallets for your business

Choosing the correct CP pallet specification is only part of the process. You also need a dependable supplier that can provide pallets in the required specification, quantity and condition.

Whether you need CP1, CP3, CP9 or another format, a specialist pallet supplier can help you identify the most suitable option based on your products, handling processes and logistics requirements.

If you’re looking for CP pallets, you can explore Robinsons Pallet Services’ CP pallet range to view the available options. We’re happy to have a chat to discuss your requirements.

Summary

CP pallets provide a standardised range of wooden pallet formats developed specifically around the requirements of the chemical industry. From the widely used CP1 pallet through to the robust CP9 pallet, each specification has a defined footprint and construction.

Understanding the CP pallet specifications helps businesses select a pallet that works with their products, handling equipment, storage facilities and wider supply chain. For businesses using chemical industry pallets regularly, working with an experienced supplier can also help ensure that the pallets supplied are appropriate for their intended application, whether new or reconditioned.