Wood pellets manufactured by Verdo Renewables are the first in the UK to receive certification under ENplus, the new Europe wide standard for premium quality wood pellets.
Verdo was awarded the certificate number UK001 by OFI Cert, the Austrian certification body working in co-operation with the European Pellet Council.

The aim of the new certification system is to secure the supply for end consumers of standardised, high-quality wood pellets. The complete supply chain is evaluated to guarantee the consistently high quality of delivered wood pellets. This means evaluation of not only the manufactured wood pellets, but also labelling, logistics, storage and delivery to end customers.

Richard Smith, managing director at Verdo Renewables said: 'As our business is gearing up to meet the demand predicted as a result of the Renewable Heat Incentive, we support fully the introduction of the ENplus standard and its aim to ensure a premium quality product for customers. The team here at Verdo is immensely proud that their hard work has been recognised through the award of the coveted UK001 certificate.'

The general manager of the European Pellet Council, Peter Rechberger, added: 'I congratulate Verdo Renewables for their efforts and the ENplus certification. As wood pellets become an ever more important energy carrier, a clearly defined uniform quality level becomes indispensable. The consistent pellet quality will greatly aid the development of the young pellets market in the UK and ensure customer satisfaction.'

Verdo Renewables' production facilities in Andover and Grangemouth have a combined production capacity of 110,000 tonnes of wood pellets per year. For more information visit: www.verdorenewables.co.uk

Background Information

• The new ENplus standard is based primarily on the specifications of the European standard EN 14961, Part 2 ('Solid Biofuels - Fuel Specifications and Classes - Part 2: Wood Pellets for Non-Industrial Use.').

• The new system, agreed by the European Pellet Council in January 2011, replaces numerous national standards and certifications.

• The ownership of the ENplus trade mark stays with the European Biomass Association AEBIOM, which hosts the European Pellet Council.