What Are Pini Kay Briquettes and Their Advantages
Pini Kay is a type of wood fuel briquette with a characteristic octagonal or hexagonal cross-section and a central hole for improved combustion. They are made by cold-pressing sawdust and wood shavings without adhesives. Calorific value reaches 18 MJ/kg with ash content below 1%.
Ukraine is one of the leading producers of Pini Kay briquettes thanks to its developed wood processing industry and low-cost raw materials. HS code: 4401.31 (wood fuel in the form of pellets or briquettes).
EU Markets and Demand
Key markets: Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. Demand rises sharply in autumn and winter (October–March). EU retail price: €280–380 per tonne; wholesale ex-works price: €110–160 depending on certification and volume.
Buyers include wholesale distributors, DIY retail chains and industrial consumers. EN Plus certification is mandatory to enter major retail chains.
EN Plus A1 / A2 Certification
EN Plus is an international quality certification scheme for wood pellets and briquettes. Grades A1 (premium) and A2 are relevant for Pini Kay briquettes. Certification verifies moisture content, ash content, calorific value and mechanical durability.
Apply to an accredited conformity assessment body in Ukraine or the EU. The process takes 2–4 months and costs €1,500–3,000. Without EN Plus, selling to large buyers in Austria or the Czech Republic is virtually impossible.
Logistics and Packaging
Briquettes are shipped on pallets of 960 kg (stretch-wrapped with cardboard corner protectors). A standard 82 m³ truck holds 20–22 pallets (~20 tonnes). For container shipping, 20-foot (~21 t) or 40-foot (~27 t) containers are used.
It is critical to protect briquettes from moisture in transit: when wet, they lose their shape and calorific value. Require the carrier to use covered trucks or tarpaulins.
How UKRexport Can Help
List your offer on the UKRexport marketplace and gain direct access to verified EU importers. Our consulting team will assist with selecting a certification body and preparing your commercial proposal.