Where do wood pellets come from

REKORD pellets are produced 100% in our own production sites in Germany: at our pellet plants in Wismar, Schwedt, Oranienbaum and Löbau. All sites are ENplus-certified for the highest fuel quality. As LEAG, we only use wood from sustainable forestry to produce pellets in order to ensure responsible use of the forest.

The production process of wood pellets in our pellet plants is subject to a precise sequence of steps - from the delivery of raw materials to the transportation of the finished pellets. Each of these steps is crucial to producing high quality pellets that are used as a sustainable fuel in heating systems and furnaces.

Overview of pellet production: DEPI graphic pellet plant

1. Raw material delivery and storage:

The first step in the pellet production process begins with the delivery of raw materials, usually wood shavings, chips or sawdust. These raw materials often come from the wood industry, for example from sawmills or other wood processing companies. They are transported to the pellet plant and stored temporarily in a designated storage area. The quality and origin of the raw material are crucial to ensure that the pellets are of consistent quality.

Hand mit Hackschnitzel im LEAG Pelletwerk

2. Pre-treatment and drying:

Before the raw material can be further processed, it often needs to be dried. Fresh wood or wood residues contain a relatively high proportion of water, which must be reduced to a level of around 10-15% before further processing. Special drying systems are used for this purpose, which work with hot air to remove the moisture from the material. Uniform drying is important, as too high a water content makes pelleting more difficult and can lead to reduced calorific value quality.

Quelle/Idee: Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz (BMWK). Stand: Mai 2024
© Deutsches Pelletinstitut GmbH

3. Shredding:

After drying, the wood material is shredded to achieve the desired particle size. This is done in so-called hammer mills or shredders, which break the wood into small pieces or chips. Granulation ensures that the material can later be processed efficiently in the pellet press. It is important to keep the particle size constant in order to ensure uniform processing and therefore uniform pellets.

4. Pelleting:

The actual pelleting takes place in a special pellet press. Here, the prepared, dried and chopped material is pressed through a die, which forms it into small, solid pellets under high pressure. The pellets are created by compressing the wood material under heat and pressure, whereby the cellulose in the wood solidifies. This process produces the typical, cylindrical pellets with a diameter of around 6-8 mm and a length of 10-40 mm. The high pressure also creates a natural bond between the wood particles, meaning that no additional chemical binding agents are required.

5. Cooling:

The freshly pressed pellets are very hot, as the pelleting process involves high pressure and high temperatures. To make the pellets suitable for transportation and storage, they must first be cooled. Special cooling systems are used for this purpose, which cool the pellets down to room temperature without them losing their shape or strength. Cooling too quickly could lead to cracks or breakage.

6. Sieving and quality control:

After cooling, the pellets are checked in sieving systems and separated from excess dust or brittle pellets. Screening ensures that only pellets of a uniform size and good quality are processed further. At the same time, quality control is carried out to check whether the pellets meet the required standards in terms of calorific value, moisture and strength. These tests are crucial to ensure consistent product quality.

7. Packaging and storage:

The finished pellets are prepared for shipment depending on the form of presentation and intended use. They are either filled into handy sacks and then stacked neatly on pallets, packed in big bags or stored in larger silos or warehouses. During storage and packaging, care is taken to ensure that the pellets absorb as little humidity as possible and are handled gently to ensure first-class quality. Batch labeling and documentation are also carried out at this stage in order to make the origin and quality of the pellets traceable.

Absackung von Holzpellets am LEAG Pelletwerk in Wismar

8. Transportation and distribution:

Pellets are prepared for delivery or collection depending on the form of presentation and application. Transportation is either by truck, rail or ship, depending on the destination and demand. The pellets are delivered to private households and trade, commercial customers, municipal heating plants or industrial combustion plants. Transportation will be arranged in such a way that the pellets do not absorb moisture or become damaged. Here too, conscientious logistics are required to ensure that the pellets reach the customer on time and in perfect condition.

Conclusion:

The production process for wood pellets in our pellet plants is a complex but well-planned procedure in which every step is geared towards achieving maximum efficiency and product quality. From raw material handling to the finished product, precise technology and careful quality management ensure that wood pellets are produced to a consistently high quality, which can be used as an environmentally friendly fuel in heating systems and as a sustainable source of energy.

FOR PRIVATE HEATING IN DETACHED HOUSES OR APARTMENT BUILDINGS

Warmth is a basic human need. With a modern pellet heating system and our high-quality wood pellets, you can rely on a climate-friendly and reliable heating solution. Find out more and switch now!

FOR TRADE, MUNICIPALITIES AND INDUSTRY

We are the reliable pellet supplier and strong partner for heat-intensive companies. Find out more about our fuel offers for business and major customers.

We supply you with wood pellets from our own production. 100 percent of the raw materials come from sustainable forestry. We are a pioneer in Germany in certifying our sites according to the strict requirements of the “Sustainable Biomass Program” (SBP). As a partner to the forestry industry, we support active forest conversion, moving away from monocultures towards climate-stable mixed forests.