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

Renewable Energy Directive

The EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED) is reshaping the forest biomass sector. Only fuels certified under schemes recognised by the European Commission can count toward RED targets, unlock subsidies, and qualify for tax benefits.

In this webinar held on 21 October 2025 (11:30-12:30 CEST), we explored how PEFC RED certification - officially recognised under RED II and RED III - offers companies and certification bodies a credible, practical and cost-effective pathway to compliance.

With over 293 million hectares of PEFC-certified forests across 49 countries, PEFC RED certification not only ensures EU market access but also supports sustainable sourcing and global climate goals.

Watch the recording

Who should watch?

Whether you missed it live or want to revisit key moments, the recording is of interest to:

• Storage/processing facilities sourcing forest biomass directly from forest managers/owners or sourcing ligno-cellulosic materials from wastes and residues
• Forest biomass fuel producers producing forest biomass fuels (pellets, wood chips, graded hog fuel)
• Traders and logistics operators handling raw materials or fuels, including storage facilities, responsible for sustainability and GHG data
• Energy producers using biomass fuels for installations producing electricity, heating, or cooling from forest biomass fuels
• Certification bodies, policymakers, and trade associations

What you will learn

• The role of RED in driving EU climate goals – and what it means in practice for companies across the forest biomass supply chain
• How PEFC RED certification provides a clear pathway to compliance, including its scope, process, responsibilities, and the advantages it offers
• Real-world insights from a PEFC RED–certified company on how certification works in practice and the benefits it brings, from easier compliance to greater market access
• A chance to ask your questions directly to policy and certification experts

Agenda

Welcome & Introduction

RED and the role of certification
Speaker: Zinovia Tsitrouli, Policy Officer, European Commission Directorate-General for Energy

• Why RED matters for the Green Deal, Fit for 55, REPowerEU, and the Paris Agreement
• RED III sustainability & GHG criteria for forest biomass: legal and market obligations
• Which forest biomass products fall under the RED scope (and what does not)
• The role of certification in demonstrating compliance
• Looking ahead: RED outlook and future developments

PEFC RED certification: your pathway to compliance
Speaker: Marta Martínez Pardo, Certification Programme Senior Manager, PEFC International

• Why PEFC RED certification was developed
• Scope, process, and responsibilities
• Global coverage & contribution to climate goals
• How companies can get certified
• Key benefits and competitive advantage

Company case study: PEFC RED certification in practice
Speaker: Jean François Pierrel, General Manager, Smurfit Westrock Comptoir Du Pin

Interactive Q&A with participants

Closing & next steps