Summary of Common Problems with Enplus Certificate of Wood Pellets Standard

Date: 06/18/2020 08:49:41 From: wood-pellet-plant.com Clicks:

ENplus is spreading quickly since its first introduction in Germany in 2010. By 2015 there are ENplus certified pellet producers in 34 countries (Austria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brazil, Belarus, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Malaysia, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia, Ukraine, United Kingdom and USA). The total production of ENplus pellets is around 8 million tons per year.

Why do wood pellets need a new certificate?

New European standards for solid biomass fuels have been introduced in 2011. They include a standard for wood pellets (EN 14961-2) which ENplus helps to implement all over Europe. The individual national standards are no longer valid. EN 14961-2 was superceded by ISO 17225-2 standard in 2014. With the handbook 3.0 ENplus changes to follow the ISO standard.

Enplus Certificate of Wood Pellets Standard

What is new in ENplus?

Until now quality labels only focused on the production. ENplus goes one step further and includes in addition to the strict production criteria also the trade afterwards. Every (intermediary) trader until the final delivery to the consumer is controlled, thus ensuring adequate transport and storage along the chain.

How does ENplus ensure the right quality?

ENplus is a very transparent system. Identification numbers for both producers and traders secure an extensive traceability of the product. ENplus is the new benchmark for the consumers and the operation of their boilers and stoves.

Does ENplus take new developments into account?

Yes! The involved associations represent the pellet sector in Europe and work closely together with all stakeholders to quickly respond to market needs and in order to adapt and optimize the ENplus system accordingly. The EU project PellCert was established to maximize this stakeholder involvement. An example of post PellCert developments is the handbook 3.0 published in August 2015.

Are pellets more expensive because of ENplus?

The ENplus certification does not cause high extra costs for producers or traders. Furthermore, consumers can chose pellets with the same high quality from a wider production base, thus fostering competition. Pellet producers on the other hand profit from easier access to new markets.

Who manages ENplus?

The European Pellet Council (EPC) brings together national pellet associations from all over Europe to manage ENplus and also discuss issues like safety, security of supply, education and training, and the quality of pellet using devices.

Which quality classes exist in ENplus?

The standard includes quality classes A1 and A2 that are also implemented via ENplus. Class A1 is the premium quality used in private household boilers or stoves. A1 pellets produce the least amount of ash and fulfill the highest requirements. Class A2 is used in larger installations and produces more ash. Industrial pellets are not called “ENplus”, but can be certified as “EN B”.

Is ENplus following exactly the EU standard?

The standard as well as ENplus include bulk density & fines as new parameters. The ash melting behavior is voluntary in the standard, but mandatory in ENplus. A high ash softening point is an essential quality criterion for pellets.

Important quality criteria of ENplus

Parameter (unit) ENplus A1 ENplus A2

Length (mm) 3.15

Fines (%, mass) ≤1 2) ≤1 2)

Ash content (%, mass) ≤0.7 3) ≤1.2 3)

Ash melting temp. (°C) ≥1200 4) ≥1100 4)

1) 1% of all pellets can be longer than 40mm, but max 45mm

2) Particles < 3.15mm, fines at the final point of delivery

3) Ash content at 550°C

4) Ash for determining the melting temperature is created at 815°C

How do the boiler/stove manufacturers see ENplus?

Most manufacturers embrace ENplus and recommend using ENplus pellets and include ENplus in the warranties of their installations. Also installers recommend ENplus.

How can the consumer identify ENplus pellets?

The ENplus logo is used together with an identification number which appears according to the form of pellets delivery either on the bag or on the delivery note (bulk delivery). All ID numbers are listed on the ENplus website.

How can producers and traders use ENplus?

A contract with an independent certification body, which oversees the process, is made. Once conformity with the ENplus regulations is approved, EPC or a national pellet association allows the use of the ENplus seal.

How is the conformity to ENplus regulations checked?

Pellet plants get audited once a year to inspect the production process and the quality management. Pellet samples are taken and analyzed in specialized labs. Traders are checked as well and agree to follow strict rules. Producers and traders are free to choose any accredited company listed on the ENplus website for the audits and tests. Training courses for new auditors are organized to ensure the same quality of audits all over Europe.

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