PEFC RED certification: helping businesses meet the EU Renewable Energy Directive

1 August 2025 Renewable Energy Directive

As the demand for renewable energy grows, companies supplying forest and tree-based biomass to the EU are under pressure to meet strict sustainability and emissions standards. That’s where PEFC RED certification comes in - a clear, reliable way to demonstrate compliance with the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED).

What is PEFC RED certification?

PEFC RED is a voluntary certification scheme recognised by the European Commission. It helps companies across the forest biomass-to-energy chain show that their forest and tree-based biomass - like forest biomass, ligno-cellulosic processing residues from forest-related industries, ligno-cellulosic waste, and biomass fuels such as woodchips, pellets, or briquettes - is sustainably sourced and meets the EU’s requirements for renewable energy production.

It builds on PEFC’s well-established chain of custody certification, adding specific checks for sustainability, greenhouse gas savings, and traceability.

Who is it for?

PEFC RED certification is designed for any business that supplies, trades, or uses forest or tree-based biomass for energy production for electricity, heating, or cooling - especially if they operate in or export to the EU. This includes:

• Forest and tree-based biomass producers
• Energy companies
• Traders and transporters of forest and tree-based biomass

It's important to note that PEFC RED certification is only for forest and tree-based biomass (not agricultural biomass, biofuels, liquids, or gases).

If your business handles forest and tree-based biomass and wants to trade in the EU, PEFC RED certification offers a practical, credible, and cost-effective path to meet legal and environmental expectations - while strengthening your reputation in the renewable energy market.

Why should businesses get certified?

There are many reasons to choose PEFC RED certification:

• Meet EU legal requirements
  Certification demonstrates your compliance with rules for sustainability and emissions under EU RED.
• Simple if you're already PEFC certified
  If your business already holds a PEFC chain of custody certificate, you can add RED certification through a single, combined audit – giving you time and cost efficiencies.
• Access new markets
  Being certified gives you a competitive edge in the growing renewable energy market. It also allows you to use the PEFC label and claims to demonstrate your responsible sourcing and sustainability to customers.
• Be ready for future regulations
  PEFC RED certification works alongside the PEFC EUDR Due Diligence System (DDS), helping you prepare for stricter rules on forest products.