The packaging experts in the German Federal Association for wooden packaging, pallets and export packaging (HPE) form the expert group “Packaging according to HPE standards”. These companies aim to provide purpose-built, high quality, state-of-the-art packaging – on time, every time. Each of the expert group members – around 70 companies – has years of experience in packaging industrial and export goods. The key quality assurance components are:

• The packaging quality is monitored by independent auditors on a regular basis.
  
  
• Expert personnel are trained on a regular basis, for example by attending the packaging courses offered by HPE for its member companies.
  
  
• The HPE Packaging Guidelines set the minimum standards for high-quality packaging that meets the requirements of the market. Other serviceable construction methods are available upon customer request. The HPE Guidelines are reviewed by the expert group members on a regular basis and revised if necessary. This ensures they represent the state of the art.
  
  
• Packaging liability insurance covers damages resulting from inadequate packaging. This kind of insurance is only available to packaging experts and is obligatory for any expert group member.
  
  
• In addition to the packaging itself, customers have come to expect a wide range of logistical services. As a result, our packaging experts have significantly extended their skillsets to include the following services as well:

• • Packaging consulting
  • Packaging industrial goods of all types, including corrosion protection
  • Container-compatible packaging and container handling
  • Storage and order picking
  • Creating shipping documents
  • Conducting or arranging transports
  • Prompt digital order processing

The companies are established as logistics providers, in many cases with the support of a certified QM system. Members of the expert group “Packaging according to HPE standards” can be recognized by the expert seal, which includes the manufacturer number of the respective company. This expert seal may only be applied to goods that were packaged in accordance with the HPE Packaging Guidelines.