EU recognizes PEFC as certification system for sustainable biomass |
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PEFC certification now complies with RED II requirements
The European Commission has PEFC officially recognized as a valid certification system under the RED II directive. Companies in the biomass and energy sectors can now demonstrate compliance with European sustainability requirements for energy production.
| Image for illustration: tree felling by Van Weert Rondhout |
This recognition means that PEFC certification confirms that woody biomass—such as waste and residues from forests and forest-related industries—meets the sustainability criteria of RED II. The certification also provides data on greenhouse gas emission savings, as required by the directive. The official recognition is valid until 21 December 2029.
RED II and the European energy goals
RED II, the European directive for renewable energy, aims to ensure that at least 32% of all energy comes from renewable sources by 2030. With a PEFC RED II certificate, companies can demonstrate that their biomass is sustainable and that production contributes to climate goals.
In December 2024, PEFC organized a webinar explaining the requirements and benefits of this certification.
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The official recognition is valid until 21 December 2029.
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Looking ahead to RED III
PEFC is already working on a reassessment to also comply with RED III, the successor to RED II. This new directive raises the target: by 2030, the share of renewable energy in the EU must reach at least 42.5%, with a voluntary increase to 45%.
Combining two certificates
Organizations that already hold a PEFC Chain of Custody certificate can complement it with the RED II certificate. For those who do not yet have either, it is possible to apply for both certificates simultaneously.
More information on the PEFC RED II certification, practical tools, and upcoming webinars can be found on the PEFC RED II website (in English). Questions may be emailed to PEFC Netherlands.
You may also want to watch the video 'Introducing PEFC RED II Certification' on YouTube:
This article was originally published on May 1, 2025 on the Stad + Groen website.
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