The Pellet Fuels Institute is a North American trade association promoting energy independence through the efficient use of clean, renewable, densified biomass fuel. PFI is comprised of nearly 100 member companies, including fuel manufacturers and equipment suppliers, as well as organizations representing non-profit, university and government sectors. Energex has been a member of PFI since 1994 and has had representation on the board of directors since 1995.
PFI Standards Program – The Beginnings
The most rigorous pellet standard in the world is designed to protect consumers from mislabeled product and keep manufacturers on their toes.
Years ago, PFI was faced with a decision of either letting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) create their own pellet standard with third-party verification or revamping their current program with the addition of third-party verification. PFI wanted to be sure that the standard created was built by those with a vast knowledge of the industry. The program was divided into 3 pellet grade groups; Premium (most used in the residential environment), Standard, and Utility grades.
PFI/EPA Program Details
Under the updated New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all users of new pellet burning appliances are required to burn pellets certified under a standards program that has been approved by the EPA. The only American standard approved by the EPA is the rigorous Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI) Standards Program. The program requires random, monthly audits conducted by a third party auditor and includes product testing to ensure the product inside the bag exceeds the standards listed on the front of the bag. This makes the PFI Standards program the toughest pellet standard in the world. A PFI Certified Fuel is signified by a PFI Quality Mark containing the mill registration number and auditor. This is not to be confused with the PFI Member Logo or other manufacturer guarantees on the bag. Manufacturers who are not certified under the PFI Standards Program are not held accountable for their “guarantees.” The EPA dictates that if a consumer does not burn a certified fuel in their new pellet appliance, the appliance manufacturer is required to void the warranty on the stove. Know what you are burning, and trust Energex.
Our Certification
When the program was first launched, Energex took the next steps to its commitment to quality and consistency by upgrading on-site laboratories, advanced computer systems. and QA/QC procedures. Energex began working with Timber Products, an auditing agency accredited under PFI, to prepare the facilities for the PFI program. On November 20, 2015 Energex officially became certified under the PFI Standards Program. We became the first pellet manufacturer to have a PFI certified plant in Canada and joined a short list of other early adopters in the US with our plant in Pennsylvania. All Energex fuel produced after November 20, 2015 is PFI Certified Premium Grade and you can view our Quality Marks for each facility below.
The Energex Standard
At Energex, quality is paramount. We have spent years implementing one of the industry’s more advanced and meticulous internal QA/QC programs. We go above and beyond the PFI Standards Program using analytics, oversight, and technology to ensure the fuel in your bag exceeds the specifications of the PFI Premium Grade. Energex is committed to quality through an investment in advanced, onsite laboratories with full time lab technicians devoted to testing raw material and finished product. The Energex Standard goes beyond the PFI program and part of that standard is holding our raw material suppliers accountable. We want to ensure that the wood coming in will meet the requirements for our pellets going out. We test every supplier for moisture, ash, and clean, virgin wood fiber (no recycled material). The Energex Standard continues throughout the production, packaging, and shipping phases to ensure the product you receive is outstanding, inside and out. When you purchase our fuel, you put your faith in us to keep your home warm during the coldest of winters, and we put that responsibility into each pellet.
That is the Energex Standard.
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