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THE PALLET IS NO LONGER JUST A WOODEN CARRIER, BUT A DIGITAL ASSET

Interview with Atanas Kotov, Managing Director of EPAL Bulgaria, Greece, Romania

When we talk about logistics, we often think of trucks, containers, warehouses, and complex IT systems. Yet at the heart of this intricate network lies one fundamental element that makes the safe and predictable movement of goods possible - the pallet. And when that pallet carries the EPAL mark, it represents not merely a wooden platform, but a guarantee of quality, compatibility, and trust. We spoke with Atanas Kotov about the evolution of EPAL and the future of pallet logistics.

Mr. Kotov, EPAL has long been synonymous with quality. What has changed in recent years?

Quality and standardization remain the foundation of EPAL. What has changed is the broader logistics environment. Today, supply chains demand not only strength and durability but also data, transparency, and sustainability.

For this reason, EPAL has taken a strategic step toward digitalization. We are no longer discussing only physical pallets - we are discussing smart pallets. Pallets that can be scanned, tracked, and integrated into digital systems. This represents a significant transformation for the entire industry.

What is the role of the EPAL QR code?

The EPAL QR code provides each pallet with a unique digital identity. Through a simple scan, users can access key information regarding its origin, manufacturer, serial number, and production details. For logistics operations, this translates into fewer errors, reduced losses, and improved efficiency. In our region, we expect the first licensee to begin producing QR pallets by the end of this year. By the end of 2027, more than 60% of our licensees in Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania are expected to adopt the new standard, with full transition planned by 2028.

What does the new EPAL application offer?

The EPAL app has been developed as a practical and universal tool for manufacturers, traders, logistics companies, and inspectors. It enables: • Real-

time pallet tracking • Digital inventory management • License and QR code verification • Reporting on pallet usage and sustainability performance.

Its major advantage lies in connecting the physical and digital worlds without requiring complex IT infrastructure. This makes it accessible even to smaller companies.

How important is sustainability within the EPAL system today?

Sustainability is not an addition to quality - it is part of its definition. Every EPAL pallet is designed to be repaired, reused, and recycled. This circular model significantly reduces environmental impact and optimizes resource use. With the introduction of digital tools, it is now also possible to measure and document the environmental benefits of pallet circulation more precisely.

How does EPAL support companies during this digital transition?

Our responsibility goes beyond setting standards. We also create the conditions for successful implementation. We provide guidance on QR code integration, training for the use of the application, consultation regarding ERP and warehouse management system integration, and support throughout licensing and audit procedures. Furthermore, EPAL offers partial financial support to assist licensees in establishing the necessary infrastructure for QR code implementation in their production facilities. Our goal is to make this transition practical, accessible, and beneficial for every partner.

How do you see the future of pallet logistics over the next five to ten years?

The future will be digital, sustainable, and interconnected. Pallets will “communicate” through data - not verbally, of course, but through information about their location, use, and lifecycle. EPAL is already working to make this vision a reality. Our ambition in Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania is to actively shape this transformation - not merely follow it.

16. SCANNER NEWS_ Νέα & Ειδήσεις από την αγορά

20. NEW ENTRIES_ Νέα Προϊόντα

22. pre-EVENT_ Έρχεται η FOOD EXPO 2026

24. pre-EVENT_ Ετοιμαστείτε για την LOGISTICS EXPO 2026

26. FACE TO FACE_ με την Mirela Senica, Αντιπρόεδρο της Διεθνούς

Εφοδιασμού (IFPSM)

30. COVER STORY BIRTHDAY_ Το SC&L magazine γιορτάζει τα 20 χρόνια

36. COVER STORY_ Ο

Supply Chain Management

48. EVENT_ Δυναμική η

50. EVENT_ 74.750 επαγγελματίες έζησαν

52.

58.

62.

ERGON TZANIDAKIS

66. STRATEGIC THINKING_

68.

70. REVERSE LOGISTICS_

76. PACKAGING_

80.

84. IN PRACTICE_

86. WAREHOUSE SOLUTIONS_

88. ACADEMIA

www.supply-chain.gr

FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026

HORECA 2026

& VAN

Project Managers Truck & Van

Art Director & Graphic Designer

Printing & Production Manager

Sales Support

Marketing & Communications Assistant

Digital Marketing Assistant

Pressious Arvanitidis

Escalator Project - Entersoft Supply Chain:

Το ATHENIAN (ATHENs termInal Area redesign & PBN)

Zampouris

KOLIBIOTI GROUP

Τ: 2310 799513 • www.kolibioti.gr

ERGON TZANIDAKIS

Τ: 210 5314845 • www.ergontzanidakis.gr

ZAMPOURIS

FOOD EXPO 2026

Workshops & Seminar Stage

LOGISTICS EXPO MANAGING THE SUPPLY CHAIN NETWORKS

εξής κατηγορίες:

• Εμπορικές Εταιρείες

• Οργανωμένο Λιανεμπόριο & Χονδρική

• Ηλεκτρονικά Καταστήματα (e-shops)

• Βιομηχανίες & Βιοτεχνίες (υπεύθυνοι procurementwarehouse managers - supply chain managers)

• Mεταφορές - Αποθήκευση - Διανομή - Courier

• Εκτελωνισμοί & Τελωνειακές Απλουστεύσεις

• Οδικές μεταφορές & Διανομές

• Συνδυασμένες Mεταφορές

• Κατασκευές

• Δημόσιοι Οργανισμοί

LOGI.C Conferences:

ΧΡΟΝΙΑ

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

TProcurement

ENTERSOFTONE

T•

ΕΘΝΙΚΕΣ

Excellence Lead, Roche (Hellas)

PROCUREMENT & SUPPLY CHAIN

Procurement Excellence

•

Procurement Team

Procurement Transformation

• GOLD: ΔΕΗ ΑΕ

• GOLD: ΑΦΟΙ Κ. ΚΑΡΑΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ ΑΕΒΕ - 3αλφα

• SILVER: ΧΑΛΥΒΟΥΡΓΙΑ

• SILVER: ΒΙΑΝΕΞ ΑΕ

• BRONZE: ΤΡΑΠΕΖΑ

- Τιμητική Διάκριση: Colgate - Palmolive

Procurement

Environmental & Social

Impact

• GOLD:

• SILVER:

Procurement Skills & Development Award

• GOLD: ΔΕΗ ΑΕ

• SILVER: ALPHA BANK

• BRONZE: ΙΑΣΩ ΑΕ

•

• BRONZE: ΔΕΗ

Procurement Manager of the Year

• Procurement Manager of the Year

Procurement Manager, IASO

Head of Supply Chain, VIANEX SA

Manager Procurement Southeast Cluster,

Procurement & Supply Chain Director, KFC & TACO BELL GREECE (FOOD PLUS)

Procurement & Cost Control Manager, Vincci Evereden

COLGATE - PALMOLIVE

ALPHA BANK

VINCCI EVEREDEN

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°îùãöôéëÜ éëáîÞôèôá: 2,5 ôÞîöî

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¶ççàèóè: 2 Ûôè Ü 4.000 ñòå÷ øòÜóè÷

2. Βελτίωση ροής εργασίας (Workflow Optimization): Η

• 2D

• Vision Systems

ESPR (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation):

• MES/ERP/WMS

ένα ενιαίο οικοσύστημα

Τα οφέλη για την ελληνική βιομηχανία

• Μείωση κόστους λειτουργίας έως 30%

• Αύξηση αποδοτικότητας και αξιοπιστίας

• Εξάλειψη παραποίησης και απομιμήσεων

• Πλήρης συμμόρφωση με τα ευρωπαϊκά πρότυπα

• Διαφάνεια και εμπιστοσύνη σε πελάτες και συνεργάτες

Digital Product Passport (DPP):

•

ERGON TZANIDAKIS

Bobcat, Develon (πρώην Doosan), Bobcat Material Handling, Αmmann, Ditch Witch

Ingersoll Rand,

Design to Project Management for Logistics Villages & Added Value Warehouses

Veena

Dynamic Staffing Services,

Rudrendra Tandon.

(IMEC).

Υποδομές & Logistics

BY TRANSMETRICS

Big Data, Forecasting και

Data-Driven Optimization Τα big

Hendrik Venter, CEO

lockers

66%

εξυπηρέτησης δεμάτων)

• Οι επιστροφές μέσω out-of-home λύσεων σημείωσαν άνοδο 43% παγκοσμίως και 32% στην Ευρώπη

Out-of-home & συμπεριφορά ανά γενιά:

• 1 στους 4 καταναλωτές της Gen Z (ηλικίες 14-29 ετών) επιστρέφει προϊόντα μέσω parcel locker

• 32% της Gen Z προτιμά επιστροφές χωρίς ετικέτα με QR code

• 54% των Baby Boomers (ηλικίες 62-80 ετών) επιστρέφει προϊόντα μέσω parcel shops

• 23% των Millennials (ηλικίες 30-45 ετών) θα άλλαζε τρόπο παράδοσης ή επιστροφής για πιο βιώσιμες λύσεις

• 2 στους 5 καταναλωτές της Gen X (ηλικίες 46-61 ετών) επιστρέφουν προϊόντα μέσω parcel shops

• 2 στους 3 cross-border αγοραστές επιλέγουν

πάρκα να επιτρέπεται ΣΚ = 60%; Ας γενικευθεί αυτό το ποσοστό σε όλες τις εγκαταστάσεις Logistics.

2. ΣΥΝΤΕΛΕΣΤΗΣ ΔΟΜΗΣΗΣ (ΣΔ)

Ο Συντελεστής Δόμησης (ΣΔ) συνήθως ορίζεται στο 150%

Logistics επιδιώκουμε μονώροφες

Your leading pallet pooling provider in Greece

Η Pallet Pooling Hellas

(1 – 30%) x 12.000 = 8.400 m2. Με

5,45 x 2,9 = 15,8 m2, προκύπτουν 8.400 / 15,8 = 531 modules. Με πέντε στρώσεις παλετών και έξι παλέτες ανά

12.000.000 / 15.930 = 753 €.

• 1η μέθοδος: 1 - |80-100| / 80 = 1 - (20 / 80) =

5. CAPEX vs. OPEX:

υιοθέτησης ΑΙ

• Η Εφοδιαστική Αλυσίδα παρουσιάζει τις υψηλότερες ανάγκες αυτοματοποίησης, αλλά καταγράφει από τα χαμηλότερα ποσοστά χρήσης ΑΙ

• Το Marketing και οι Πωλήσεις αποτελούν το πιο ώριμο

πεδίο εφαρμογής εργαλείων ΑΙ

• Η πλειονότητα των επιχειρήσεων διαθέτει ERP/ CRM, αλλά περιορισμένη διαθεσιμότητα «καθαρών δεδομένων»

• Το 39% των επιχειρήσεων χρησιμοποιεί ή δοκιμάζει εργαλεία ΑΙ, με μικρό ποσοστό ολοκληρωμένων υλοποιήσεων

• Η χρήση ΑΙ

2025, σε 350 επιχειρήσεις

από όλη την Ελλάδα. Το δείγµα αφορά µεσαίες επιχειρήσεις (10-50 εργαζόµενοι). Την επιστηµονική

SUPPLY CHAIN ΧΩΡΊΣ LOGISTICS

LOGISTICS ΧΩΡΊΣ SUPPLY CHAIN;

IN ACTION

INTERVIEW

COVER STORY

FARIZON, FOTON, SANY & HYBOT: H KINEZIKH

100

PRE-EVENT

102

REPORTAGE

104

110

MARKET

114

LCV

118

LCV

In Action

124

LCV

IVECO

136

TRUCK INTERVIEW

130

LCV

142

TRUCK

144

PEOPLE

Φορτηγά

Vans & Vanettes Ηλεκτροκίνητα

T«International Van of the Year» (IVOTY 2026), «International Pick-up Award» (IPUA 2026) και «International Truck of the Year» (ITΟY 2026),

«Chinese Truck of the Year» (CTOY 2026).

οδήγησης -λάσπη, άμμος, χιόνι, sport, standard, economy και 2H- καλύπτοντας

Hybot

Technology

Mercedes-Benz Vans

P.J. Condellis

H ERGOTRAK

Marble White, Amber Orange, Jade Green και Opal Blue. Ηλεκτρικό Piaggio Porter

Sprinter & eSprinter

Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo:

IVECO DAILY: Ένα van σύμβολο

Citroën Jumper (Relay), Farizon SV, FIAT Ducato, Ford Transit, Transit Connect, Transit Courier και Transit Custom, Maxus eDELIVER 5, Mercedes-Benz Citan, Sprinter και Vito, Nissan Interstar, Opel/Vauxhall Movano, Peugeot Boxer, Renault Kangoo Van και Master, VW Caddy Cargo, ID.Buzz Cargo και Transporter.

BYD, Farizon, Ford, Kia, Maxus, Mercedes-Benz

Volkswagen.