As global packaging regulations evolve, U.S. pallet manufacturers are stepping up to meet the demand for export-ready, reusable, and high-performance pallet solutions. At Hinton Lumber Products, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this shift with our expanding EPAL pallet production and to spotlight this capability during the 2025 NWPCA Fall Plant Tours.
Hinton Scales Up EPAL 1 and EPAL 3 Production
Last week, Hinton made 10,000 EPAL 1 pallets at our busy automated facility in Houston, TX. Next up: another 10,000 EPAL 3 pallets, as well as production runs for CP pallets and Club Store Whitewood pallets.
All three pallet types follow recognized international standards. Each is reusable, repairable, and built for circular supply chains. These models help global manufacturers ship efficiently while meeting environmental goals.
“EPAL isn’t just a European spec, it’s a global language for quality and consistency,” says Larry Howell, President of Hinton Lumber Products. “Every pallet that leaves our Houston line is built for automation, reuse, and reliability.”
Automation in Action With The NWPCA
On October 21, Hinton Lumber Products will spotlight its production capability to pallet industry leaders and invited guests as part of the sold-out 2025 NWPCA Fall Plant Tours. The exclusive event will feature three leading pallet manufacturing facilities in the Houston area.
Hinton Lumber Products is one of only two EPAL-licensed manufacturers in the United States. We are excited to welcome industry peers to our 450,000-square-foot La Porte facility and spotlight EPAL pallet production.
The plant is one of the most advanced pallet factories in the U.S.During the tour, visitors will watch live production of EPAL 3, CP, and Club Store Whitewood pallets, each showing how full automation, quality control, and data-driven oversight help Hinton produce compliant, high-performance pallets at scale.
“When you walk our La Porte floor, you see automation and compliance working together,” said Hinton Howell, COO of Hinton Lumber Products and NWPCA Board Chair. “Tours like this show how U.S. manufacturers are leading and building trust in the global supply chain.”
Inside Hinton’s Houston Plant: High-Speed, High-Tech, High Volume
With the capacity to produce up to 27,000 pallets per day, we are purpose-built to support high-volume manufacturing and logistics operations across the U.S. and abroad. The plant features five fully automated CAPE assembly lines, 14 FANUC robots, and AI-driven vision scanning systems.
These integrated technologies ensure consistent build quality. They also improve production speed and reduce downtime. This leads to safer working conditions and greater efficiency. Additionally, they help meet export specifications. As a result, every pallet is ready for automated systems and global supply chains.
Why EPAL? Durable, Traceable, and Automation-Compatible
EPAL pallets are easy to track, helping businesses monitor use, return, and reuse as part of a circular model. They’re recognized worldwide for their strength, supply chain visibility, and compatibility with automated systems. This makes them a smart choice for export logistics and modern manufacturing.
Our highly automated production model supports national manufacturers and exporters. Global shipments must meet performance demands, adhere to standard size restrictions, and comply with strict zero-waste initiatives.
EPAL pallets are designed for multiple trips. Their long life comes from a strong system of pooling and repair that supports reuse, exchange, and maintenance. This circular system reduces waste.
The lifespan of a pallet depends on several factors. These include the quality of the wood, how often it is repaired, and the number of trips it makes.
Additionally, storing the pallet in cool, dry places can also affect its lifespan. This helps reduce waste and adds value to operations.
Preparing for PPWR: What Exporters Need to Know
The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will reshape global supply chains. The regulation requires exporters to meet stringent standards for reusability, traceability, and environmental performance. EPAL pallets meet this standard.
The regulation took effect in February 2025 and will apply after an 18-month transition period, beginning August 12, 2026. U.S. manufacturers and logistics providers should ensure that pallets used for export to the EU are compliant.
We explore this in more depth in our recent article: “Do Your Pallets Pass the Test? The Hidden Costs of Non-Compliance with EU’s PPWR,” available here.
Unlocking Value Through Compliant, Scalable Pallet Supply
For customers seeking compliant, automation-ready pallets at scale, our EPAL offerings are more than a product; they’re a pathway to smoother operations and expanded market access.
For more information or to request a quote, visit us here.
