Tackling the Big Questions About Sustainability
Wood pellets are often promoted as a renewable fuel. However, recent headlines have raised concerns about deforestation and poor sourcing. Some producers cut down trees purely for pellet production or ship fuel across continents. As a result, their products carry heavy emissions that cancel out many of the green benefits.
At SDL Pellets, we take a different approach. Instead, we recycle by-products, source responsibly, and produce locally. This way, we ensure wood pellets remain a truly sustainable heating option.
Recycling, Not Deforestation
Not all wood pellets are created equal. Many critics point to deforestation, where entire forests are cut for pellet production. However, our pellets follow a completely different path.
At SDL Pellets, we recycle sawmill by-products that would otherwise go to waste. This means no tree is ever felled solely to make pellets. Instead, we give new life to existing material, turning it into a clean, renewable energy source. This process eliminates the link between wood pellets and deforestation, while ensuring every pellet is sourced ethically.
Local Production, Global Benefits
Another issue is transport. Imported wood pellets travel thousands of miles before reaching customers. This often cancels out some of the carbon benefits of using a renewable fuel.
SDL Pellets takes a local-first approach. We produce our pellets in Gloucestershire and deliver them directly across the UK. By doing so, we minimise transport emissions and reduce our carbon footprint. Local production ensures that the environmental benefits of wood pellets are maximised, not lost in shipping.
Double the Sustainability with Grown in Britain
Sustainability doesn’t end at our factory gates. SDL Pellets is proud to be Grown in Britain accredited. This independent certification proves that our entire supply chain, from forest management to final delivery, meets strict sustainability standards. Find out more on their website here.
The Bottom Line: Responsible Wood Pellets
The wider wood pellet industry faces real challenges. Deforestation, unethical sourcing, and long transport routes are valid concerns. But importantly, SDL Pellets provides a clear alternative.
By recycling sawmill by-products, sourcing ethically, and producing locally, we deliver wood pellets that are sustainable, efficient, and reliable.
Shop Now – and choose warmth for your home and a healthier planet for the future.
No. Some producers cut down forests specifically for pellet production or ship fuel over long distances. In contrast, SDL Pellets recycles sawmill by-products and produces wood pellets locally in the UK, which ensures genuine sustainability.
Local production cuts transport miles. As a result, the carbon footprint of each delivery is lower. This approach ensures customers receive wood pellets that keep their environmental benefits intact.
Grown in Britain accreditation confirms that the full supply chain is sustainable. From woodland management to final delivery, SDL Pellets meets strict standards, giving customers complete confidence in responsible sourcing.
No. SDL Pellets only uses sawmill by-products. We never fell trees solely for pellet production, which means our wood pellets provide renewable energy without driving deforestation.
Imported pellets travel thousands of miles and gather extra dust through handling. SDL Pellets produce fuel here in the UK, so SDL pellets stay fresher, burn cleaner, and deliver a lower carbon footprint