ENplus is a certification standard for wood pellets based on ISO 17255-2. The aim of the ENplus scheme is to ensure the supply of wood pellets for heating residential, commercial, industrial, and public buildings with a clearly defined and consistent quality. It covers the entire supply chain, from production to delivery of wood pellets to end-users.
ENplus introduced quality classes and higher requirements compared to those set by international pellet standards. The ENplus certificate was established in 2011 and has become a renowned certificate for certified pellets in Europe and beyond, contributing to the harmonization and standardization of the pellet market.
Independent organizations like INTERCERT DOO (certification bodies for ENplus verification) are responsible for assessing whether a company requesting certification meets the requirements set by the ENplus standard (EN+). The certification body will carry out an inspection of equipment, facilities, processes, and management systems, as well as sample collection for testing, which involves product testing if pellet production and packaging are involved. Once compliance with ENplus regulations is approved, the EPC or national pellet association grants the use of the ENplus seal.
Standardized pellets must meet a range of technical specifications. In addition to length and diameter, pellets are also tested for mechanical durability, percentage of fine particles, bulk density, ash and moisture content, calorific values, and percentage of additives. All of this ensures that pellet devices will operate in the best possible manner.
The ENplus certification scheme defines three quality classes of wood pellets:
- ENplus A1
- ENplus A2
- ENplus B
The ENplus A1 class is the highest quality, used in private home boilers or stoves. A1 pellets produce the least amount of ash and meet the highest standard requirements. The A2 class is used in larger installations and produces more ash. Industrial pellets are not called “ENplus,” but can be certified as “EN B.” A bag of pellets is the retail packaging unit. Bags of pellets can contain up to 30 kg of ENplus A1 or ENplus A2 quality pellets. Packaging of ENplus B quality pellets in bags is not allowed.
Each quality class has a unique quality logo, which is used in combination with the certification seal. The combination of the logo and certification seal is called the quality mark.
The European Pellet Council (EPC) brings together national pellet associations from across Europe to manage ENplus and also discuss issues such as safety, supply security, education and training, as well as the quality of devices that use pellets.
