If you walk into any high-efficiency warehouse—whether it’s an automotive assembly line in Germany or an electronics hub in Asia—you will see the same thing: uniform, blue and grey boxes stacked perfectly on pallets.
They aren’t just random plastic boxes. They are Euro standard crates (often called the EU Series), and they are the unsung heroes of modern logistics.
Why? Because in a supply chain, space is money. If your boxes don’t fit your pallets perfectly, you are shipping “air” and risking unstable loads.
Here is why the EU Series is the industry standard, and how to pick the right size for your operation based on our latest catalog.
The Magic of the “System Footprint”
The entire EU series is built around a modular system designed to fit the standard 1200x800mm Euro Pallet and the 1200x1000mm Industrial Pallet.
It works like LEGO bricks. The base dimensions allow you to mix and match different box sizes on the same pallet without gaps or overhangs.
1. The Industry Standard: 600x400mm Series
(Models: EU4611, EU4616, EU4622, EU4628, EU4633)
This is the most versatile size in the catalog. With a 600x400mm base, exactly four of these crates fit on a single layer of a Euro pallet.
- Best for: General automotive parts, hardware, and tools.
- Height Options: We offer a huge range here. Need something shallow for small metal fittings? The EU4611 (120mm high) is your go-to. Need to store bulky items? The EU4633 (340mm high) offers massive volume without changing the footprint.
2. The Compact Carriers: 400x300mm Series
(Models: EU4311, EU4316, EU4322)
Sometimes the 600×400 box is too heavy when fully loaded with dense items like screws or bolts. That’s where the 400x300mm series comes in.
- Efficiency: Two of these fit perfectly side-by-side on top of a 600×400 crate.
- Use Case: Ideal for high-density storage of smaller fasteners or heavy metal components where manual lifting limits are a concern.
3. The Heavy Haulers: 800x600mm Series
(Models: EU8622, EU8633)
When you have items that are just too big for a standard crate but don’t warrant a full pallet box, the 800x600mm series is the answer. These are massive crates that take up exactly half a Euro pallet.
4. The “Oddball” Problem Solvers
Looking at our catalog, you’ll notice some unique sizes that solve very specific headaches:
- The Long Boys (1200x400mm): Check out the EU41211 and EU41222. These are 1.2 meters long! They are specifically engineered for long, narrow items like piping, automotive trim, or lighting fixtures. They span the full length of a pallet, keeping long parts protected and stackable.
- The Space Savers (Folding Series): If you run a closed-loop system where empty crates need to be returned, our 1# and 2# Folding Crates are essential. They offer the same sturdy protection when open but collapse down to a fraction of the height for the return trip.
Why “Euro” Means Durable
You might find cheaper storage bins at a hardware store, but Euro stacking containers are built differently. They are designed for automation and rough handling.
- Reinforced Corners: If you look closely at the EU4622 or EU4922, you’ll see the vertical ribbing structure. This transfers the weight of the stack down to the ground, not onto the product inside. You can stack these ceiling-high without the bottom box crushing.
- Smooth Interiors: Unlike agricultural crates, EU boxes have smooth inner walls (maximal internal volume) which makes them easy to clean—critical for automotive and electronic sectors.
- Label Ready: Every box in this series features integrated label holders, ensuring your barcode scanning systems work without a hitch.
The Real Cost: EU Crates vs. Cardboard Boxes
We often hear procurement managers ask: “Why should I pay for plastic when cardboard is cheaper?”
Here is the math. Cardboard is cheaper once. Plastic is cheaper forever.
| Feature | Euro Standard Crates (EU Series) | Standard Cardboard Boxes |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 5-10 Years (Reusable thousands of times) | 1-2 Trips (Then it’s trash) |
| Stacking Strength | Can support hundreds of kgs on the bottom box | Crushes easily, especially with humidity |
| Automation | Precise dimensions for conveyors & robots | Varies, jams machines, flaps get stuck |
| Protection | Waterproof, oil-proof, impact-resistant | Absorbs moisture, weakens, risks product damage |
| Sustainability | 100% Recyclable at end of life | Creates constant waste stream |
If you are running a closed-loop supply chain (where you get your boxes back), the EU Series pays for itself in about 6 months.
FAQ: What Our Customers Ask Us Most
We know specs sheets can be confusing. Here are the plain answers to the most common questions we get about the EU Series.
Q: Do these crates actually fit my pallet? A: Yes, if you are using standard pallets.
- 1200x800mm (Euro Pallet): Fits exactly 4 crates (600×400) per layer.
- 1200x1000mm (Industrial Pallet): Fits exactly 5 crates (600×400) per layer. Because the dimensions are modular, you can mix a 600×400 crate with two 400×300 crates side-by-side, and they will still lock together perfectly.
Q: What is the difference between the “EU” series and the “Folding” series shown in the catalog? A: It’s about return logistics.
- EU Series (Rigid): These are solid. They are stronger and easier to clean. Use these if you have plenty of storage space or if the boxes stay within your facility.
- Folding Series (1# / 2#): These collapse flat. Use these if you have to ship goods to a client and then pay to truck the empty boxes back. They save about 75% of the space on the return truck.
Q: Can I get lids for these? A: Absolutely. We offer loose lids (dust covers) and attached crocodile lids for most sizes, especially the standard 600×400 models. Lids allow you to strap the pallet securely without crushing the top layer of goods.
Q: I see a really long box (EU41211) in the list. Is that standard? A: It is a “specialized standard.” The 1200x400mm size is designed specifically to match the length of a Euro pallet. It’s a lifesaver for automotive manufacturers shipping long trim parts, exhaust components, or lighting strips that shouldn’t be bent.
Which One Do You Need?
Don’t overcomplicate it. Start with your product size and work backward to the pallet.
- Measure your product.
- Choose the footprint (300×200, 400×300, 600×400, or 800×600) that fits your product with the least wasted space.
- Select the height. Remember, it’s better to have a slightly lower box (like the EU4616 vs EU4622) if it means you can fit one extra layer in your truck.
Still not sure about the load capacity? Our team can help you calculate the exact stack load for your specific workflow. Whether you need the specialized HP-Series or the classic EU46 Series, we’ll help you optimize your warehouse density.
