3rd quarter 2023: Pellet production in Germany

Pellet production in Germany increased again in the third quarter of 2023. This is shown by current figures from the German Pellet Institute (DEPI).


Pellet production in Germany: Pellets are produced for the most part from sawmill residues

At 983,000 tonnes, pellet production in Germany reached another record level in the third quarter of 2023. This is 1.9 percent more than in the previous quarter and 3.9 percent more than in the same quarter of the previous year. With a 91.9 percent share, sawmill residue remains the most important raw material. At 11.7 percent, the export share has dropped significantly compared to the first and second quarters and is lower than in the same quarter of the previous year (13.1 percent) and the previous year's average (12.6 percent). According to DEPI, the share of bagged wood at 25.6 percent is in the range of the previous year's average (26.6 percent).

The potential of pellet production in Germany

In Germany, 40 ENplus-certified manufacturers produce at over 50 locations. In recent years, Germany has regularly produced more pellets than were consumed domestically. Depending on the weather, the annual production of German manufacturers is more than two million tonnes a year. According to DEPV, the raw material potential solely from saw by-products amounts to six to seven million tonnes – alternative raw materials such as non-sawable logs are not included.

Pellet production in Germany: 3. Quarter 2023 in figures

Production quantity
983,000 tonnes

Quality class
ENplus A1: 98.1%

Industrial pellets: 1,9%

Form of trade

Loose goods: 74,4%

Sack goods: 25,6%

Use of raw materials Wood species

Softwood: 99.2%

Hardwood: 0.8%

Use of raw materials Wood assortment

Saw wood: 91.9%

Round wood: 8.1%

Sales market

Domestic: 88.3%

Abroad: 11,7%

Source:  Deutsches Pelletinstitut GmbH