PEFC RED certification: securing market access and compliance for sustainable forest biomass fuels

1 December 2025 Renewable Energy Directive

As the demand for renewable energy grows, so does the need to ensure that the materials powering this transition are sourced responsibly.

That was the focus of PEFC’s webinar, “PEFC RED Certification: Securing Market Access and Compliance for Sustainable Forest Biomass Fuels,” which brought together experts from policy, certification, and industry to discuss how the PEFC RED scheme helps businesses demonstrate sustainability and compliance with the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED).

Setting the policy scene

Opening the session, a representative from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy, provided an overview of RED III and its strengthened framework for sustainability and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

“Bioenergy will be an important source of renewable energy needed for the transition, especially for hard-to-decarbonise sectors,” she said. “But we have to ensure that biomass is used and produced sustainably. This is where the rules of the Renewable Energy Directive kick in.”

The representative explained how RED III introduces new and expanded requirements - including sustainability and GHG criteria for forest biomass, the cascading principle for woody biomass, and stricter verification through recognised voluntary schemes. 

“Voluntary schemes play an important role in verifying compliance,” she added, highlighting PEFC RED certification scheme’s recognition by the European Commission as a trusted certification system for ensuring forest biomass meets sustainability criteria, maintaining traceability of RED-compliant materials, and providing a clear methodology for calculating GHG emissions and savings.

From policy to practice

Following the policy overview, Marta Martínez Pardo, Certification Programme Senior Manager at PEFC International, introduced the PEFC RED certification scheme and how it turns policy requirements into practical tools for companies.

“Our certificate holders came to us asking for support in demonstrating compliance with RED,” she said. “Through this dialogue, PEFC RED was born.”

Marta outlined how PEFC RED certification builds on existing PEFC Chain of Custody systems, focusing on three key pillars: sustainability, traceability, and GHG emissions calculation. 

“PEFC RED is fully built on our existing Chain of Custody certification,” she explained. “It provides a practical, credible system that companies can integrate into their operations with minimal duplication.”

For companies looking to learn more or begin their certification journey, you can find detailed guidance and resources on the PEFC RED certification webpage.

A company perspective

Offering an on-the-ground view, Jean François Pierrel, General Manager at Smurfit Westrock Comptoir Du Pin in France, shared his company’s experience as one of the early adopters of PEFC RED certification. The company supplies forest biomass and pulpwood to both paper and energy operations, making sustainability a central part of its strategy.

“We have been PEFC certified since 2002, and more than 80% of our wood is PEFC certified,” said Jean François. “When RED certification became necessary, it made perfect sense to work with PEFC - it’s recognised, practical, and adapted to our local forests.”

He described the certification process as straightforward: “We were able to extend our existing system to biomass products and suppliers and work closely with local PEFC teams. Having people who know the forests and local context made the process efficient and practical.”

Bridging policy, certification, and impact

As the webinar drew to a close, participants were reminded that certification is more than a compliance tool - it’s a bridge between policy goals and real-world implementation.

“Through one audit, companies can demonstrate compliance with both PEFC Chain of Custody and the Renewable Energy Directive,” Marta explained. “It reduces complexity while strengthening credibility.”

From European policy to company-level practice, the session demonstrated how PEFC RED certification provides a robust, trusted, and practical pathway for ensuring that renewable energy is not only renewable, but truly sustainable. 

Want to know more?

Contact the PEFC International team at red@pefc.org if you have any questions or queries about PEFC RED certification. 

You can also find detailed guidance and resources, including the steps to get PEFC RED certified and the fee structure, on the PEFC RED certification webpage.