PFI changes PFI Standards Program labeling system

Pellet Fuels Institute has announced a change in the labeling system for its PFI Standards Program to accommodate the common practice of private labeling. The PFI Standards Program is a third-party accreditation program providing specifications for residential and commercial-grade pellet fuel, now representing 15 pellet manufacturing companies, among them 27 facilities.

“We are pleased to unveil these new specifications for our Quality Mark labels, and we want to be clear and transparent with consumers about the new registration numbers and what they mean,” said Chris Amey, chairman of the PFI Board of Directors. “In following a standard industry practice of allowing private labelers to use the Quality Mark, we are making products from independently tested facilities available to many more consumers.”

Under the new system, if a qualified pellet fuel manufacturer is working with a retailer or distributer that wishes to use a privately labeled bag that does not credit the wood pellet manufacturer, then the wood pellet producer is able to contact their inspection agency to request an additional registration number to be used specifically for private labeling purposes. The inspection agency will review the request to assure that the additional registration number is used only for the designated production facility and that the pellet fuel manufacturer will maintain control of all bag printing. Once approved, the inspection agency will issue a new quality mark with the additional registration number to be used only on privately labeled bags.

This issue was reviewed by PFI as well as by the PFI Standards Program accreditation body—the American Lumber Standards Committee—and as a result new provisions have been made to assure private labeling can still be private if desired by the retailer and/or distributer.

PFI Standards Program participants can display the PFI Quality Mark on their pellet bags, signifying their qualification to the program requirements. This quality mark demonstrates to consumers that the product comes from a facility that submits its product to regular third party audits by an independent accredited auditing agency and testing laboratory. Random audits are regularly performed at production facilities to ensure qualified companies are following a quality control program. Wood pellets are tested according to the program specifications, also on a monthly basis. By taking these steps, participants ensure that their pellet quality remains consistent.

For information on qualifying for the program, the first step is to contact an accredited auditing agency, a list of which can be find on PFI’s website. For further details on the PFI Standards Program, including a list of participating manufacturers, visit the PFI website, www.pelletheat.org.