In 2025 fresh and tightened quality standards were introduced for wood pellets. In thought of the authors of the justification for the project, we can find a declaration to improve air quality and reduce emissions of harmful substances. The changes concern both pellets produced in the European Union and imported. The aim is to destruct low quality pellets from the marketplace and reduce contamination emissions.
Germany is the largest wood pellets maker in Europe, with production reaching around 3.3 million tonnes in 202134. In 2024, the wood pellets marketplace in Germany showed signs of stagnation and production did not show crucial growth. In addition, Germany noted a crucial decline in interest in the assembly of fresh biomass-based heating installations in 2024. It should besides be noted that almost all German pellets (99.9%) are manufactured according to ENplus A135.
In addition, the first 5 European producers include Poland (about 2.2 million tonnes per year)36, as well as France. By 2025, most of Polish pellets were products of lower quality classes, without ENplus A1 or DINplus certification, which is standard in Germany, Austria or France. The marketplace was besides characterised by a large dispersion and was mostly managed by household businesses.
The production of pellets from specified companies was frequently based on sawmill waste and industrial wood, sometimes with the addition of little quality natural material. However, his discrimination was low price.
With the introduction of the regulation, it was required that each pellet placed on the marketplace must be confirmed by an independent 3rd party, e.g. through the ENplus A1 or A2 certificate. In addition, manufacturers must study regularly on quality studies. The changes were intended to reduce the emissions of harmful substances (dust, nitrogen oxides, CO2 ) and improve air quality by promoting the combustion of clean biofuels and eliminating waste incineration with waste.
The introduction of tightened regulations on the quality of pellets has put Polish producers at hazard of serious challenges, especially those who have so far produced lower class pellets and did not have ENplus or DINplus certificates. Many tiny producers had to bear the additional costs of upgrading the production lines.
Producers not gathering the fresh standards suffered losses, had to retreat their product from the marketplace or completely cease their activities. Larger companies certified gained the advantage, as well as increased request for advanced quality pellets. On the another hand, the manufacture itself consolidated around large compliant producers.
More specified cases can be read in my fresh report: “The law for the strongest. Assumptions and the European Union's legislative practice".
Caesars Bachan
