REDcert² - Sustainability Certification for Various Industries
REDcert² is a voluntary certification scheme for the food and feed industry, the chemical and processing industries, as well as other industries and value chains outside the scope of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED). The scheme supports companies in implementing and demonstrating compliance with sustainability requirements in a transparent, traceable and credible manner.
With REDcert², sustainable raw materials, materials and products can be certified along various value chains. The scheme is applied in different industries, including the food and feed industry as well as the chemical and processing industries.
REDcert² can be applied at all stages of the supply and value chain, from production and processing through trading to certified end products and brand owners. Sustainable raw materials can originate from the REDcert-EU scheme or from certification schemes recognised by REDcert².
Recognising other certification systems reduces administrative costs and avoids double certification. This creates opportunities – not barriers.
REDcert² provides a reliable basis for demonstrating sustainability along cross-industry value chains.
New REDcert² Scheme Structure
REDcert²
One Scheme, many Industries: New Structure for the REDcert² Scheme
The new structure of the REDcert² scheme will come into effect on 1 July 2027. With this revision, REDcert is laying the foundation for a more transparent, clearly structured certification scheme that can be applied across different industries.
The realignment pursues several objectives: requirements are harmonised, synergies between different areas of application are utilised, and the scheme documentation is fundamentally restructured. At the same time, the aim is to reduce misunderstandings in the application of requirements and to create the conditions for extending the scheme to additional target sectors.
Furthermore, against the background of new regulatory requirements, in particular the EmpCo Directive, transparent and traceable evidence of sustainability is becoming increasingly important. The revision therefore strengthens the transparency, traceability and integrity of the scheme.
In future, the various areas of application will be brought together under one common REDcert² scheme. Requirements applicable across the scheme will be consolidated in principle documents, while industry-specific requirements will be set out in supplementary technical documents. The new structure facilitates access to relevant requirements, improves the comprehensibility of the scheme documentation and simplifies the application of the scheme for companies, certification bodies and auditors. At the same time, it creates a future-proof basis for the further development of the REDcert² scheme.
The key changes include:
- Bringing together various industries under one common REDcert² scheme
- Introduction of a clear and modular document structure
- Separation between scheme-wide and industry-specific requirements
- Integration of existing and new add-ons, such as SAI, ReFa and GHG
- Revised Terms of Use and modernised product seals
The new scheme principles are mandatory from 1 July 2027.
In addition, the REDcert² logo has been further developed to combine a modern design with a high level of recognisability. The more compact form within the circle creates a clear and balanced appearance. The coordinated rounded elements, adapted typography and simplified design of the arc and leaf give the logo a clearer, more consistent and more contemporary appearance. The revised design strengthens the recognisability of the REDcert² scheme and supports a consistent visual identity.
As part of the restructuring of the REDcert² scheme, the website has also been revised. The key reasons for this were both the new scheme structure and the increasing requirements for a clear and transparent presentation of certification schemes and sustainability claims (see EmpCo). In future, users will find the two main schemes, REDcert-EU and REDcert², at the top navigation level. The new structure makes the interrelationships within the scheme easier to understand and facilitates the allocation of requirements, certification areas and sustainability claims.
With the new REDcert² product seals, a direct link to an information page is also being created for the first time. Via the web address displayed on the product seals, interested parties can access the REDcert² “Product Seals” subpage, where further information on the product seals, the REDcert² scheme and the underlying requirements, as well as key terms and interrelationships relating to sustainability certification, are explained in a clear and comprehensible manner.
Scheme Documents
Overview of Scheme Documents
The REDcert² scheme principles form the basis for the certification of sustainable material and product flows in various industries and value chains. On our website, we provide you with detailed information on the scheme principles that ensure the implementation of the requirements of the REDcert² scheme. Here you will find comprehensive information on the requirements and processes that ensure that all certified materials and products comply with the REDcert² sustainability standard.
General Scheme Principles
(Kopie 4)
- Fee Schedule (Chemical Industry)
- Fee Schedule (Food and Feed Sector)
- REDcert² Terms of Use fo the Logo, Product Seal and Claims
Scheme Principles
(Kopie 5)
REDcert² Scheme Principles fo the Chemical Industry (valid until 30.06.2027)
- Scheme principles for the certification of sustainable material flows for the chemical industry
- Scheme principles for the mechanical processing of products in the downstream industry
- Specific requirements for recycling processes in the chemical industry
REDcert² Scheme Documents for Food/Feed (valid until 30.06.2027)
- Biomass production in the food and feed industry
- Scheme documents of the REDcert-EU scheme (applicable documents)
New REDcert² Scheme Principles (valid from 01.07.2027) - Version V1.0
- REDcert² - Scope and Basic Requirements
- REDcert² - Definitions
- REDcert² - Principles for Biomass Production
- REDcert² - Principles for the Food and Feed Sector
- REDcert² - Principles for the Chemical Sector
- REDcert² - Principles for the Recycling Sector
- REDcert² - Principles for the Sustainable Production and Documentation
- REDcert² - Principles for the Certification Process
- REDcert² - Principles for the Certification Bodies and Auditors
- REDcert² - Principles for Integrity Management and Sanction System
- REDcert² - GHG and Renewable Electricity_Add-on
- REDcert² - Responsible Farming_Add-on
- REDcert² - SAI_Add-on
Checklists
(Kopie 6)
Chemical Industry (vaid till 30.06.2027):
- Farms
- Inspection of suppliers of waste and residues
- Inspection of sustainable material in the chemical industry
- Inspection of mechanical processing in the downstream industry
- Desk-Audit
Food and Feed Sector (valid till 30.06.2027):
The checklists for the new REDcert² scheme will be published here at a later date (no later than Q1 2027).
Self-Declarations
(Kopie 7)
Chemical Industry (valid until 30.06.2027):
Food and Feed Sector (valid until 30.06.2027):
Farms with CAP-Conditionality
Farms without CAP-Conditionality
The self-declarations for the new REDcert² scheme will be published here at a later date (no later than Q1 2027).
EmpCo and REDcert²
New Requirements for Sustainability Labels and Sustainability Communication
From 27 September 2026, new requirements for environmental claims and sustainability labels will apply in the European Union. With the “Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition” (EmpCo) Directive and the corresponding amendments to the German Act Against Unfair Competition (UWG), consumers are to be better protected against misleading environmental claims and the transparency of sustainability information is to be strengthened.
The new provisions concern in particular the use of sustainability labels as well as the communication of environmental and sustainability claims to consumers. In future, sustainability claims must be clear, comprehensible and substantiated by appropriate evidence.
REDcert² and the Requirements of the EmpCo Directive
The EmpCo Directive sets requirements both for the design of sustainability labels and for the communication of sustainability characteristics. The aim is to strengthen consumer confidence by ensuring that voluntary sustainability labels are based on robust, transparent and independently verifiable certification schemes. To this end, the EmpCo Directive defines fundamental requirements for the functioning of certification schemes.
The REDcert² scheme meets these requirements in particular through the following scheme elements:
- Independent verification: Compliance with the REDcert² scheme requirements is verified by independent certification bodies as part of regular audits.
- Transparency: The scheme requirements, certification processes and the use of the REDcert² brand, product seals and claims are documented in the REDcert² scheme principles and are publicly accessible via the REDcert website.
- Equal access to the certification scheme: The REDcert² scheme is based on transparent requirements that enable open and non-discriminatory access to the certification scheme.
- Involvement of expertise and stakeholders: The further development of the REDcert² scheme takes place with the involvement of technical expertise as well as relevant stakeholders from industry, certification practice and other affected areas.
- Integrity management and sanction mechanisms: REDcert has an integrity management system with defined procedures for dealing with violations of rules and suspected cases. To safeguard the integrity of the REDcert² scheme, appropriate measures may be taken in the event of violations of the scheme requirements or the Terms of Use. These range from corrective measures and the suspension of certificates to the withdrawal of certification as well as the rights to use REDcert² product seals and claims.
Further Development of the REDcert² Scheme
(Kopie 8)
The requirements of the EmpCo Directive were taken into account as part of the further development of the REDcert² scheme. In particular, the provisions governing the use of the REDcert² brand, product seals and claims were revised.
The aim is to ensure transparent, traceable and consistent communication of sustainability characteristics along the value chain.
New Terms of Use
(Kopie 9)
The new Terms of Use establish a uniform set of rules for the use of the REDcert² brand, product seals and claims. They define requirements for the communication of sustainability characteristics, the use of product- and company-related statements, as well as the labelling of different Chain-of-Custody models. They thus form the basis for scheme-compliant sustainability communication.
New REDcert² Product Seals and Claims
As part of the scheme revision, the REDcert² product seals were further developed and supplemented with standardised and individual claims. The new product seals and claims take into account different sustainability characteristics as well as the respective Chain-of-Custody models and support transparent and comprehensible communication with business partners and consumers.
Further Information and Scheme Documents
REDcert² Terms of Use
All requirements for the use of the REDcert² brand, product seals and claims.
– Download Terms of Use –
REDcert² Product Seals and Claims
Overview of the available product seals and standardised claims.
– View Product Seals and Claims –
Why REDcert²?
Because the future demands responsibility
REDcert² offers companies a practical and credible solution for the certification of sustainable raw materials, materials and products. In light of increasing regulatory requirements and growing expectations regarding sustainable business practices, the REDcert² scheme enables reliable evidence of compliance with sustainability requirements and supports companies in strengthening their position in the market.
Credibility and transparency
Independent third-party verification significantly increases the credibility of the REDcert² sustainability certification. It ensures that companies' sustainability practices are objectively assessed and certified. This transparency allows consumers and business partners to trust that certified products actually meet sustainability standards.
Selection of the right value chain model
Choosing the right value chain model is crucial for the efficient implementation of sustainable processes and the achievement of corporate goals.
Within the REDcert² scheme participants can choose between segregation, controlled blending, or mass balance value chain models. The well-established biomass-balanced approach enables companies to integrate sustainable raw materials into existing products today – transparently, credibly and without changing their processes.
Recognition of other certification schemes
The recognition of other certification schemes by REDcert² allows companies to source sustainable raw materials more flexibly and efficiently by using certified inputs from various schemes. This reduces administrative workload, lowers costs, and enhances marketability through a broader portfolio of sustainable products.
Reduction of the administrative burden
The REDcert² scheme offers the option of including multiple sites under a so-called “multisite certificate.” This not only reduces administrative effort but also shortens audit durations by avoiding redundant inspections. The result is a more efficient and cost-effective certification process that helps companies achieve their sustainability goals more quickly and with less bureaucracy.
Transparent communication
Transparent communication is a key element of the REDcert² certification scheme. It ensures that all stakeholders receive clear and understandable information about sustainability practices and processes, thereby strengthening traceability and trust. The disclosure of relevant information and the implementation of fraud prevention measures in the confidential audit process ensure that only genuinely sustainable materials and processes are certified.
Technical support
REDcert² provides companies with comprehensive technical support through informative materials and training sessions to facilitate certification implementation. Ongoing knowledge exchange and regular updates to the scheme principles promote continuous process improvement. This ensures a transparent, efficient certification process that helps participants achieve their sustainability goals.
Flexibility of raw material procurement
The recognition of additional certification schemes enables companies to integrate different suppliers into their value chain and thereby make their procurement processes more efficient. Standardisation eliminates artificial scheme boundaries and reduces bureaucratic hurdles. Especially in times of scarce resources, this flexibility allows for a quick switch to alternative raw material sources, ensures production continuity and minimises the risk of supply bottlenecks. The harmonisation of raw material procurement, together with all partners, strengthens the development of sustainable supply chains and makes an important contribution to climate and resource protection.
List of approved certification schemes
REDcert² Scheme Participants
Registration
REDcert²
Become a part of the REDcert² scheme
Participation in the REDcert² certification scheme is simple an can be complete in just a few steps.
1. Registration:
To get started, register your company for the REDcert² scheme at https://www.redcert.org/registrierung.
2. Data verification:
After registration, the data you have entered will be carefully reviewed. This step is crucial to ensure that all information is correct and complete.
3. Contract conclusion:
The contract is finalized after all relevant data has been reviewed and no discrepancies have been identified. The contract is then sent by email for signature and must be returned once signed. Upon receipt of the signed version, the contract is officially concluded and the next steps are initiated.
4. Commissioning a certification body:
Important: After the contract is finalized, you must commission a certification body approved for the REDcert² scheme to carry out the certification process. You can find a list of approved certification bodies here.
5. Start of the certification process:
If all formal requirements have been fulfilled, the actual certification process begins. The specific requirements of the REDcert² scheme are reviewed to ensure that your company meets all necessary criteria.
Detailed information on the certification process can be found here.
Approved Certification Schemes
REDcert²
Approved certification schemes
Within the REDcert² scheme, companies can use certified sustainably produced biomass, recycled materials and intermediate products, provided that they are covered by a sustainability certification recognised by REDcert² that meets comparable requirements.
This flexibility enables companies to integrate different raw materials into their production while fulfilling their environmental responsibility. By using sustainable raw materials, materials and products, companies can contribute to resource conservation, climate protection and the promotion of a sustainable circular economy.
REDcert conducts regular benchmarks to verify compliance with the sustainability standards and to ensure the quality of the materials used. These processes are crucial to the credibility and effectiveness of the scheme.
| Zertifizierungssystem | Biomasse | Recyclate | Zwischenprodukte | Lebens-/Futtermittel |
| REDcert-EU | √ | × | √ | √ |
| RED-Systeme1 | √ | × | √ | √ |
| ISCC PLUS | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| RSB | √ | √ | √ | × |
| FSC | √ | × | × | × |
| PEFC | √ | × | × | × |
| SAI-Systeme2 | √ | × | × | √ |
| EuCertPlast | × | √ | × | × |
| RecyClass | × | √ | × | × |
1 All certification schemes recognised by the European Commission pursuant to the Renewable Energy Directive are available online at https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/renewable-energy/bioenergy/voluntary-schemes_en
2 All schemes that have achieved at least a Bronze equivalent under the respective current Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA); see also https://saiplatform.org/resource-centre/fsa/
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