5S is a simple workplace organization method which is the basis of quality and productivity within an organization. The aim of 5S is to organize a company’s activities in order to increase productivity, reduce waste, and create cost-savings.
Each “S” is derived from Japanese words and translated into their corresponding English definition. As you approach each “S” in the workplace the goal is to organize the surrounding area for efficiency and effectiveness.
To keep the 5S improvement process simple, the following are guidelines for each “S”
An added benefit of 5S is that is facilitates other factors as well
If you are interested in learning more about how to apply 5S in your workplace, a great place to start is GIGC’s Lean Foundations course. In this course you will learn how to apply 5S (along with a few other common Lean tools) which includes a simple template to measure 5S progress within your organization.
Since July 2018 the Brazilian Textile Retail Association (ABVTEX), has partnered with Social Accountability Accreditation Services (SAAS) to bring international oversight credibility to the ABVTEX Audits Program. This program evaluates the social and labor standards of fashion textile and apparel sector in Brazil by encouraging sustainable development within the fashion value chain and by supporting signatory retailers in the monitoring and qualification of their suppliers. Through its Brazilian associate, BSD Consulting, SAAS provides oversight and management services, including shadow audits.
The ABVTEX Audits Program disseminates good practices and fights against the use of modern slave labor, child labor and other labor concerns. By supporting and assessing sustainable management in the supply chain, the program’s processes strengthen the relationship between different parties, making it possible to manage risks, achieve productivity improvements, and reduce costs.
Founded in 1999, the Brazilian Textile Retail Association (ABVTEX) brings together the most representative national and international fashion retail chains which sell apparel, footwear, handbags, accessories, as well as home textile goods. The purpose of ABVTEX is to promote sustainable fashion, making it more accessible from the development of a productive, fair, responsible, innovative, competitive and transparent chain.
Since 2010, the ABVTEX Program has been committed to fighting modern slave labor, child labor, and non-compliant foreign labor practices. Today, there are 3,992 companies approved in the ABVTEX program that represent more than 340,000 production workers. Each year, more retailers join the cause in order to offer more sustainable and affordable fashion products to customers.
Certification covers practices, commitments and management aspects related to the following topics:
ABVTEX promotes and manages the ABVTEX Audits Program, which evaluates and addresses issues related to working conditions in the retail supply chain through the certification of suppliers and their subcontractors. This initiative, arising from the concern of retailers and consumers, created a new governance environment in the fashion value chain. It seeks to improve labor relations and ensure better safety conditions for workers by means of audits performed by independent bodies at the suppliers and their subcontracted parties.
The ABVTEX certification is applicable to all suppliers and their subcontractors involved in the production process who wish to be part of the supply chain of the signatory retail companies or recognized for their commitment to social responsibility and human dignity. The textile retail companies that sign the Certification commitment understand that working together is the most effective way of moving forward. This sector-wide initiative has the potential of bringing about changes that benefit the entire supply chain and not just one company in particular. In an assertive and coordinated manner, ABVTEX Supplier Certification will drive credible social responsibility practices in the sector’s supply chain.
The ABVTEX Audits Program is undertaken by five audit bodies and their auditors accredited by ABVTEX, namely ABNT, Bureau Veritas, DNV GL, Intertek and SGS. The Certification process used by the audit bodies includes an impartial and independent audit verifying the adherence of suppliers and their subcontractors to the established criteria and requirements.
Social Accountability Accreditation Services (SAAS) provides technical support for and qualitative evaluation of the ABVTEX audits Program. SAAS is the only global accreditation body whose mission is to support the implementation of social and labor standards, assesses the competence of individual auditing systems and auditors. By partnering with SAAS, ABVTEX effectively contributes to the sustainable efforts of the fashion industry to monitor and qualify its global supply chain.
The use of active chemical products (ACPs) is generally forbidden for textiles certified in accordance with OEKO-TEX®. One exception is, for example, flame-retardant materials for which the use of ACPs is unavoidable. However, only those ACPs that have been tested and assessed as being harmless to human health are permitted for OEKO-TEX® certification.
ACPs are modified polymers, preparations and chemical substances used in the textile industry. ACPs are either already integrated in fibre production or added during a later phase of textile manufacture. With regard to ACPs, OEKO-TEX® differentiates mainly between biologically active substances / biocides and flame-retardant substances. Biologically active fibre materials can be part of odour-preventing or antimicrobial textiles. Clothing with a flame-retardant finish is used in fire service uniforms.
OEKO-TEX® only includes those ACPs in the list of accepted substances if they have been checked by accredited toxicologists and assessed as being harmless to human health. The prerequisite is that the ACPs are used as intended. The safety assessments by the toxicology institute are based on the information and formulas from the manufacturer and are compliant with current European legislation. If new scientific findings come to light which question the safety of a substance with regard to health, OEKO-TEX® reserves the right to remove the ACP in question from the list.
GIGC Group in the UK has been issuing ATEX certificates since 2008. In that time we have supported thousands of organizations to meet their certification goals. With one of the largest teams of qualified Certification Engineers anywhere in the world, and the leading issuer of ATEX approvals, GIGC Group can offer an end-to-end certification service to meet your needs.
Directive 2014/34/EU
Since July 2003, manufacturers of Ex products that are placed on the European market must declare compliance with the ATEX Directive (ATEX 94/9/EC, up to 19/04/2016 and 2014/34/EU from 20/04/2016). In many instances EU-Type Examination certification is required in order to achieve this.
Objective of 2014/34/EU
The objective of ATEX is to ensure the free movement of Ex products within the European Union, by offering one harmonized compliance procedure accepted by all EU countries, eradicating the need for differing national standards. The Directive removes barriers to trade by defining Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSRs) for Ex equipment. The EHSRs form the basis of an EU-accepted product conformity approval process that examines the potential ignition sources of equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres.
ATEX Product Certification
ATEX product certification (or EU-Type Examination) is the verification of the design specification of a manufacturer’s product in relation to a series of relevant standards laid out under the directive. This certification process must be undertaken by an ATEX Notified Body. This is an organization that is appointed by its national government to issue ATEX certificates and conduct periodic surveillance of quality management systems, where necessary. The certification process includes testing and assessment of the product, with an ATEX certificate and report being issued for conforming product.
If you manufacture products for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and intend to sell in Europe, you must provide assurance that your equipment will not cause an explosion during routine operation and it complies with the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU.
Textile companies that have tested and documented that their products do not carry azo dyes or different chemical substances in a way that causes harm to human health, they also use Azotex coat of arms in their products. In order for the products to carry this coat of arms and to be promoted and advertised in this way, the entire product including accessories used with the product must comply with the Azotex standards without exception. Azotex Secure Textile System Certificate shows this conformity.
In order to have this certificate, the company must have Azotex tests carried out at various stages throughout the production process from the raw material entry to the end user.
These statements apply not only to textile companies, but also to ready-to-wear companies, leather clothing companies, fabric manufacturers, textile import and export companies, shoe manufacturers and many other companies operating in these fields. In case of production in compliance with Azotex Secure Textile System standards, these companies shall not use the specified substances or use them within the prescribed limits provided that they are within the limits indicated by the legal regulations in the tests to be performed on the products.
Azotex test criteria are established based on the following subjects:
Substances which have cancer-causing effects, health-damaging azo dyes, coloring agents and substances that are prohibited for use as required by legal regulations. Heavy metals, plasticizers and substances restricted by legal regulations. Substances which are not in contravention of legal regulations or whose status is not determined by legal regulations, but which are suspicious for human health, and which have unknown or allergic properties, organic tin compounds and pesticides (to prevent, control or damage harmful organisms). Substances used to reduce).
AZOTEX is a special Standard system for the production and testing of raw materials, intermediates and final products in textile production, with the aim of performing healthy and safe production testing and certification. This system was developed with the idea of combining AZO dyestuff controls, Global Organic Textile and Ekoteks standards. It includes the requirement to control and control the chemical content that is limited to a certain amount, prohibited, which may affect or disrupt health functions as required by the legislation.
Gain a competitive edge in the furniture market by demonstrating commitment to the environment, quality, performance, and product claims with BIFMA e3 LEVEL® testing and certification. Most buyers demand that goods be manufactured to meet requirements for quality. Today, many are also insisting that manufacturing processes are Safe, Clean and environmentally friendly (“Sustainable”). GIGC is a global leader in sustainability services and certifications. We offer environmental testing, inspection and certification in nearly all industries and countries around the globe.
Increasing our level of commitment to the environment, GIGC provides commercial furniture manufacturer’s certification to the BIFMA e3 Furniture Sustainable Standard for LEVEL certification. This certification is a multi-attributed, multi-faceted approach to sustainable manufacturing for the furniture industry. Based on the BIFMA e3-Furniture Sustainability Standard, LEVEL is a third-party certification program that provides manufacturers with valuable feedback for evaluating the environmental, human, and social impacts of their furniture products for manufacturing, facility, and organization.
Under the LEVEL certification program, GIGC will evaluate products and processes based on four performance criteria:
Similar to the U.S. Green Building Councils LEED program, LEVEL certification requires specific prerequisites for compliance and a minimum number of points based upon the certification LEVEL attempting. For points to obtain LEVEL one, two or three certification, manufacturers may choose from those credits they want to attempt. The independent third-party certification from GITCHIA can demonstrate LEVEL certification, with compliance to the BIFMA e3 standard and allow manufacturers to achieve the LEVEL® mark.
Participation in the LEVEL® certification program provides a pathway for furniture manufacturer to achieve greater sustainability attributes, not only for individual products, but throughout the entire supply chain. Manufacturers who receive the LEVEL® certification mark are verifying that their policies and guidelines of the facility, furniture products and processes, and suppliers of materials and components are meeting the stringent requirements for LEVEL certification by BIFMA e3 standard conformance.
Gain a Competitive Edge in the Market
With the BIFMA e3 certification, NSF (the American institute for standards, product testing and certification services) and BIFMA (Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer´s Association) have created a meaningful standard for the market that harmonizes standards of sustainability for the office furniture industry, and so helps to identify office furniture that is environmentally preferable. This standard allows for several performance levels in order to provide an open alternative for proprietary protocols.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) first published its Global Standard for Food Safety in 1998. Developed to help the food industry comply with UK and EU food safety laws, it’s become an internationally recognized benchmark for best practice in food safety, quality and responsibility, with over 17,000 BRC-certified sites worldwide.
The Global Standard for Food Safety sets out requirements for how processed foods and other products (for example, branded foods; retailer-brand foods; or ingredients used by food service companies, caterers or manufacturers) should be made or prepared. Only those products manufactured, prepared or stored at the site audited as part of the certification will apply.
1 – Senior management commitment and continual improvement
Your senior managers must commit to implementing and continually improving your organization’s food safety processes.
2 – The Food Safety Plan – HACCP
Having a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan in place allows you to identify and manage any biological, chemical or physical hazards that could make the food you produce unsafe to eat.
3 – Food safety and quality management system
You should implement a system that enables you to produce safe products, meet customers’ expectations and ensure staff are well trained.
4 – Site standards
Sites on which you manufacture or prepare food must be laid out, maintained, cleaned and secured according to strict standards. Your organization must also meet requirements relating to the control of pests and foreign bodies.
5 – Product control
For your products to be considered safe, you need to demonstrate that you properly manage things such as allergens, provenance and product testing.
6 – Process control
You must implement your HACCP plan from day to day, and have effective procedures in place for ensuring you manufacture your products to the correct quality.
7 – Personnel
This part of the standard covers training, protective clothing, and hygiene.
The BRC Global Standard for Food Safety was the first standard to meet the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) benchmark, which means it’s accepted by many of the world’s biggest retailers, such as Tesco and Walmart. Achieving the certification ensures your customers have confidence in your products.
GITCHIA Certification is the GITCHIA management-system certification unit. It is founded on the principles of independence and impartiality. Our end goal is to:
Becoming certified to a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)-recognized food safety standard is a great way to ensure safety and quality and to demonstrate to business partners that you meet their requirements. All along the supply chain certification is a trend on the rise.
Food packaging is no different. BRC Global Standards, in partnership with The Packaging Society (IOP), created the BRC IOP Global Standard for Packing and Packaging Products to meet the demand. Like all GFSI-recognized standards, it incorporates feedback from key industry stakeholders to ensure its comprehensive enough for the global food industry.
The BRC IOP Standard is designed for:
The BRC IOP Standard Has Six Chapters, Applicable To Every Operation:
The Business Social Compliance Initiative is a leading business-driven initiative for companies committed to improving working conditions in the global supply chain. BSCI unite more than 900 companies around a development-oriented system applicable to all sectors and sourcing countries.
In 2003, BSCI was established by the Foreign Trade Association (FTA) in order to create consistency and harmonization for companies wanting to improve their social compliance in the global supply chain. BSCI aims to establish a common platform for the various European companies Codes of Conducts and monitoring systems, it also lays the groundwork for a common monitoring system for social compliance. The experience and the know-how gained by companies and associations from their monitoring systems were the foundations of the BSCI approach and management instruments. In 2004 the development phase was achieved and the system has since been implemented worldwide.
As a BSCI participant, you have the opportunity to:
As a third-party auditing body, GITCHIA conducts audits in accordance with BSCI . We offer worldwide support with competent and fully accredited local auditors. We use the following six-step process as part of our BSCI audit:
CE-marking services from GIGC – meet the compulsory product safety directives you need to trade in the EU with effective conformity assessment services from a notified body. If you want to trade in the EU, CE-marking is a mandatory conformity mark required for a wide variety of products. CE-marking indicates that your products comply with stringent EU product safety directives. However, achieving compliance can be a complex process. As a notified body for nearly all EU product safety directives, our CE-marking conformity assessment services provide you with the expertise you need to achieve compliance.
Why Use CE-MARKING Conformity Assessment Services From GIGC?
Whether you need assistance for the entire process or guidance for certain parts, we can help you:
Trusted CE-MARKING Conformity Assessment Services From a Leading Supplier As the world’s leading certification, testing, inspection and Verification Company, we offer you unrivaled experience in EU requirements. Plus, as a notified body for nearly all EU product safety directives, we are the first choice for clients around the world who need trusted CE-marking services.
As a result of our knowledge and expertise, we can offer you more than just a regular certification service. We can provide you with extensive support and advice, enabling you to take ownership of the product certification process, so that your company will gain new expertise.
Our CE-marking conformity assessment services include:
In CMMI, there is no word like Certification, CMMI Institute uses word Assessment in place of Certification. This is due to the fact that CMMI Institute unlike other Models and Standards does not impose the limitation of following defined principles laid down by the Model or Standard and allows the implementers to implement Specific Practices of Process Areas to be implemented in their own way. But in common man language Certification and Assessment are synonymous words and are used interchangeably. Unlike other Standards and Models, CMMI Institute does not provide Certificate on successful completion of the CMMI Assessment.
In CMMI as such there no word like Certification, rather CMMI Institute uses word Assessment as discussed already. In CMMI, Assessment is conducted by team of Assessment Team Members (which involves the Lead Appraiser as Team Leader) whereas Certifications are generally conducted by team Auditors and Lead Auditors. CMMI Assessments are based on the collective evidences conducted from available documentation (direct and indirect) and participant’s interviews (oral affirmations) whereas Certifications primarily are conducted to evaluate the activities (through inspections) and records (documents). CMMI Assessments results in the Maturity Ratings for the assessed level whereas Certifications results in a Certificate.
There are three key steps in getting CMMI certification:
DETOX TO ZERO by OEKO-TEX® is an efficient verification system for the textile and leather industry which aims to implement the criteria of the Greenpeace DETOX Campaign within production facilities. In this case, instead of certification, there is an analysis tool for the optimization and monitoring of chemicals management and wastewater quality.
DETOX TO ZERO is based on the DETOX campaign launched by Greenpeace in 2011 whereby the goal of the campaign is to exclude hazardous chemicals from textile production. With DETOX TO ZERO, OEKO-TEX® provides textile and leather producers with a practical and usable analysis and assessment tool which creates transparency and control in the use of hazardous substances. The focus is on Wastewater and sludge conformity in accordance with the DETOX TO ZERO Manufacturing Restricted Substance List (MRSL) Conformity of chemicals used in the company as per the DETOX TO ZERO MRSL, General management with a focus on chemicals and environmental performance. When using the DETOX TO ZERO analysis and assessment tool, producers cannot “fail” or “pass” as this is not a traditional certification system. Instead, the focus is on a continuous improvement process. The situation is also analyzed in the production facilities and a robust action plan is prepared which provides for the gradual reduction in harmful substances in production processes.
If you have signed the DETOX commitment from Greenpeace as a brand or retailer, the DETOX TO ZERO verification system supports you and your suppliers in achieving the campaign goals. DETOX TO ZERO is also designed for buyers and suppliers who are proactively working towards compliance with the Greenpeace DETOX goals.
In traditional agricultural activities, pesticides and chemical fertilizers are used unconsciously and irresponsibly. Unfortunately, they leave residues on agricultural products and when consumed, they enter the human body and accumulate in organs and tissues and cause many health problems from cancer, reproductive disorders, nervous system disorders to gene mutations, circulatory system disorders and immune system disorders. Even the unborn fetus in the womb is affected. It can even pass on babies who are breastfed. According to the results of this study, this kind of health problems are more common in children than adults.
The effects of pesticides and chemical fertilizer residues are not limited to humans. They are contaminated by soil and surface water, and even groundwater, creating pollution in the natural environment and have harmful effects on animals, plants and all other living things. These chemicals are transported to fattening animals through feeds and accumulate in their bodies. Therefore, they endure return to humans fed with animals.
In short, traditional agricultural activities are causing great damage to human health and the natural environment. This is tried to be prevented by various legal regulations and standards. However, different things need to be done to protect nature and prevent human health. Ecological agriculture or organic agriculture approach has emerged with these concerns and is developing rapidly. People are much more sensitive to their health and ecological balance today. In order to leave a more livable world to future generations, everyone must behave responsibly.
Our ECO Mark® ecological product certification studies are carried out with an experienced and trained staff and a strong technological infrastructure. Companies with ECO Mark® certification stand out and gain reputation in the fight against their competitors.
ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX® is an independent certification system for chemicals, colorants and auxiliaries used in the textile and leather industry. During a multistep process, we analyze whether each individual ingredient in the chemical product meets the statutory requirements and that it is not harmful to human health. Both brands and manufacturers value the ECO PASSPORT as credible proof of sustainable textile and leather production.
The certification system ECO PASSPORT is designed for manufacturers of process chemicals and chemical compounds. The leather and textile chemicals certified in accordance with the ECO PASSPORT have been tested for harmful substances in critical concentrations as listed in the ECO PASSPORT standard. The label also gives transparent proof of which articles meet the criteria for ecologically responsible textile and leather manufacture. Once per year, OEKO-TEX® updates the banned substances and limit values and expands them to include new scientific findings or statutory requirements.
All chemicals, colorants and auxiliaries used for the manufacture of textiles and leather materials can be certified in accordance with ECO PASSPORT. This also includes industry-specific formulations (chemical compounds) for the textile, leather and clothing industry.
GIGC’s E-mark approval services help you to comply with the international vehicle type approval regulations issued by the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE). The ECE is part of the United Nations, with members from the European Union (EU) and elsewhere. Therefore, if you intend to sell your vehicles or vehicle parts in ECE member markets, E-mark compliance and EU type approval are equally important. We can evaluate vehicles, systems and components on your behalf and prepare the test reports you need to apply for approvals. We also issue type approval certificates, to acknowledge that your products are in full compliance with the relevant standards and regulations.
We are designated for national and international testing procedures, including:
EC framework directive 2007/46/EC for
EC framework directive 2002/24/EC for
In addition, our experts are in constant contact with various approval authorities and play an active part in the trade bodies and committees that drive the regulatory agenda. This means we are aware of the latest trends and developments and can share this information with you – ensuring your conformance with the technical requirements of your target markets. Contact GIGC now to find out how our E-mark approval services can help you meet international regulatory requirements.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is in charge of the development, enforcement and implementation of regulations that Congress set forth in the Communications Act of 1934 and the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The FCC is an agency of the United States federal government that was created to regulate all forms of telecommunication inside of the U.S. including radio, television, digital cameras, Bluetooth, wireless devices and a broad gamut of RF electronics.
When an electronic device has an FCC certificate, it means the product has been tested to comply with FCC standards and it has been approved. An FCC certification does not imply that the product is safe or durable. It simply means that it meets regulated limits for ionizing radiation. A certification does not imply that the device was manufactured any specific way. FCC approval can be granted as long as the electronic device meets FCC emission rules and regulations and has been tested to comply with FCC standards.
Radio frequency (RF) equipment that is sold or distributed in the United States is required to undergo testing in order to stay in compliance with standards set by the Federal Communications Commission under the EMC directive. Testing limits both intentional and unintentional electromagnetic radiation that is emitted from RF equipment in order to keep users safe. GIGC can support your company gain an FCC certificate for various types of RF emitting devices, including, but not limited to:
Federal Communications Commission standards depend on the type of radio frequency emitting device that is being tested. The FCC has come up with categories that identify what type of regulations and testing are necessary for different devices to obtain certified authorization for distribution. Testing is broken up into product categories including FCC Part 11, FCC Part 15, Part 18, Part 22, Part 24, Part 68, Part 90 and FCC Part 95. One of the most common types of device approval is for FCC part 15 certification, which refers to regulations set for television receivers.
Gaining FCC approval can be difficult. Companies like GIGC provide certification services in order to help manufacturers and distributors gain FCC certificates for products that are entering the U.S. market and that emit a radio frequency. If you’re ready to grow your client base and sell or distribute devices that emit a radio frequency within the United States, GIGC can help you gain national market access by providing FCC certification and regulations.
The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices; and by ensuring the safety of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. FDA also has responsibility for regulating the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products to protect the public health and to reduce tobacco use by minors. FDA is responsible for advancing the public health by helping to speed innovations that make medical products more effective, safer, and more affordable and by helping the public get the accurate, science-based information they need to use medical products and foods to maintain and improve their health.
FDA also plays a significant role in the Nation’s counter terrorism capability. FDA fulfills this responsibility by ensuring the security of the food supply and by fostering development of medical products to respond to deliberate and naturally emerging public health threats. GIGC support their customers for the registration of following products
Control Union Certifications is accredited for FSSC 22000, which is a certification scheme for food and feed safety and quality management systems in compliance with ISO22000/9001 requirements, sector specific Prerequisite Program (PRPs) requirements and additional scheme requirements. FSSC 22000 focuses on assuring food safety by defining, evaluating and controlling risks and hazards during processing, manufacturing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution, handling or offering for sale or supply in any sector of the food chain. The scheme is owned by the Foundation FSSC 22000 and accredited. FSSC registered certification bodies can provide third party certification in the standard. The certification standard is also Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) recognized.
The scheme is intended for the audit, certification and registration of food safety management systems for the following scopes and product categories:
FSSC 22000 guides and gives food operators accurate tools to help them implement appropriate assessments, procedures and actions to assure food safety and legislation compliance.
Correct implementation of FSSC 22000 might result in:
GIGC Certification is the GIGC management-system certification unit. It is founded on the principles of independence and impartiality. Our end goal is to:
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is a system for ensuring that products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards. It is designed to minimize the risks involved in any production that cannot be eliminated through testing the final product.
Good manufacturing practice guidelines provide guidance for manufacturing, testing, and quality assurance in order to ensure that a food or drug product is safe for human consumption. Many countries have legislated that food, pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers follow GMP procedures and create their own GMP guidelines that correspond with their legislation.
All guidelines follow a few basic principles:
GIGC Certification is the GIGC management-system certification unit. It is founded on the principles of independence and impartiality. Our end goal is to:
GIGC offers you a seamless GRMS certification process. Quality and food safety are key for your company processing meat and meat products. Purchasers of your products require you to offer guarantees of your company’s commitment to animal welfare, quality and food safety. Are you able to provide these guarantees and are they accepted worldwide? Does an independent third party confirm this? Do your customers require you to proof that with certification against the GRMS standard? Do you want your company to be audited by a well-reputed certification body with experienced auditors knowing your business?
The GRMS is a standard specifically developed for the processes of slaughtering, cutting, deboning and sales of red meat and meat products. In contrast to other more generic food industry quality schemes, the GRMS has been tailored to the specific requirements that apply to the meat industry, for food safety as well as animal welfare. The GRMS Standard comprises the entire productions chain and is, therefore, applicable to all aspects of transport, lairage, stunning, slaughtering, deboning, cutting and handling of meat and meat products.
GRMS’ main focus is on critical areas that affect the maintenance of high levels of animal welfare and meat safety rather than having a broad and general focus as in many of today’s standards. The fact that GRMS has been specifically developed for the meat industry provides your customers with an invaluable tool for measuring your performance as a supplier of safe meat and meat products. In short the benefits are:
GIGC is specialized in certification of meat processing companies like yours. GIGC auditors are qualified to combine a GRMS audit with other standards like BRC Food, FSSC 22000 or IFS Food. The GRMS Standard, specifically developed for the processes of slaughtering, cutting, deboning and sales of red meat and meat products, comprises the entire productions chain and is, therefore, applicable to all aspects of transport, lairage, stunning, slaughtering, deboning, cutting and handling of meat and meat products..
The GRMS Standard has been designed to help you establish good manufacturing practices so you’ll produce safe, legal products that meet the quality levels expected by your customers. Whether you should use GRMS or another standard like BRC Food, IFS Food or FSSC22000 depends among others upon your customers’ requirements. Certification according to the GRMS Food standard may be combined with another certification, such as IFS Food or FSSC22000
Enhance your food safety management and product quality with an HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) certification from GIGC. HACCP certification instantly demonstrates to customers your commitment to producing or trading in safe food. This evidence-based approach can be particularly beneficial when you are subject to inspection by regulatory authorities or stakeholders. Demonstrating a real commitment to food safety through HACCP compliance can also transform your brand and act as an effective entry-to-market tool, opening up new business opportunities around the world. Our global network of food experts carries out HACCP audits and helps you focus on the hazards that affect food safety and hygiene. It is then possible to systematically identify where the hazards are by setting up control limits at critical points during the food production process.
HACCP certification is an international standard defining the requirements for effective control of food safety. It is built around seven principles:
The primary purpose of a HACCP system is to protect people from food borne illness, but the benefits of the system also extend to the company.
GIGC Certification is the GIGC management-system certification unit. It is founded on the principles of independence and impartiality. Our end goal is to:
GIGC Institute of Global Certification is accredited to certify to the International Featured Standard (IFS), a GFSI benchmarked standard for auditing food safety and quality of processes and products of food manufacturers. It is most relevant for companies that manufacture, process or handle food or food ingredients. We can also certify to IFS Logistics for the storage and distribution industry. IFS includes requirements for senior management responsibility, quality and food safety management systems, resource management, production process, measurements, analysis, improvements and food defense.
Certification to GFSI benchmarked standards such as IFS increases brand protection and minimizes risk. Achieving GIGC certification to the IFS Food standard provides independent certification that a product or process complies with specific international standards. It enables a food supplier to give assurances that food has been produced, prepared and handled according to the most recognized standards. It also demonstrates a commitment to quality processes and continual improvement, and enables access to top retailers. We certify to the IFS Food standard and the IFS Logistics standard for the storage and distribution sector.
Certification to IFS Food generally takes an average of six to nine months, depending on a facility’s level of readiness. The process follows eight basic steps:
To maintain IFS certification, companies must re-certify every year.
At the end of the audit clients are given an action plan document, the action plan provides details of the following:
The client then completes the following sections of the action plan and submits to the auditor for approval
The auditor then approves the action plan and forwards the completed action plan to the Certification Team. The Certification Team then review the following information:
In some cases it is necessary for the Certification Team to seek clarification from the auditor and/or the site. The certification decision is then made in line with the scoring and conditions of issuing audit reports and certificates section of the IFS Audit Protocol.
Once the certification process is complete your report, completed action plan and certification status details are uploaded on to the IFS Portal. On completion of this process your nominated representative will be sent a user name and password to allow access to the uploaded documents, from there you can control release of your report to IFS approved specifiers or download your report for your distribution to other interested parties. You will also be able to sign up to the terms and conditions for use of the IFS Logo and download a copy of the logo
For IKEA, creating a sustainable world is a natural extension of making every day more wonderful. The values of IKEA have expanded from creating a better everyday life for people through affordable home furnishings to creating a better everyday life for people in the supply chains creating those furnishings.
As well as enhancing trust from consumers, certification also increases trust in the company for employees. Anders Lennartsson says: “Among co-workers, it adds to the pride in IKEA when we take the steps we have done for coffee, cocoa and tea, which are all UTZ certified, as well as our range of organic, MSC and ASC certified seafood. It adds to the trust and pride of the co-workers that we are a company that is putting sustainability at the front.”
Increasing pressure on the availability of resources and energy encouraged IKEA to move towards sustainable sourcing of raw materials, renewable energy sources
and responsibly forestry. IKEA was amongst the founding members at the FSC Founding Assembly held in Toronto, Canada in 1993 and has since been including the sourcing of FSC materials into its sustainable sourcing strategy and investing in increasing FSC certified forests.
“Certification is a powerful way of explaining the principles behind wood sourcing but it is not a silver bullet. You always will have risks and you need to understand that the system will only protect you depending on how robust it is.”
IKEA is keen to ensure that, as well as maintaining credibility and simplicity of their systems, sustainability standards also create business advantages for companies choosing certification. That may be through consistencies in supply to meet demand as well as consistencies in the rules of certification.
IKEA predicts increased wood from more sustainable sources will be good for business. Its message to suppliers and traders is that working with IKEA to improve the supply chain, with its volumes and its model, will lead to business growth.
ISO 22716 is an international standard of good manufacturing practices (GMP) for the cosmetics manufacturing industry and describes the basic principles of applying GMP in a facility that produces finished cosmetic products. This guideline offers organized and practical advice on the management of human, technical and administrative factors affecting product quality.
ISO 22716 provides a widespread approach for an organization’s management of quality system through practical methods. It covers manufacturing, storing, packaging, testing and transportation processes. The guideline has been approved and accepted by many global regulatory bodies, such as the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the International Cooperation on Cosmetics Regulation (ICCR) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN).
Most current manufacturing and production processes are thoroughly examined and evaluated for their use and production. With ISO 22716, not only do you receive a guideline for your business’ path, you also commit to ensuring the safety, quality and excellence of your product.
In accordance with the ISO 22716 guide, the manufacturing system of your company will be audited and inspected on the following areas:
GIGC Certification is the GIGC management-system certification unit. It is founded on the principles of independence and impartiality. Our end goal is to:
IWAY is the IKEA code of conduct, first introduced in 2000. It specifies the requirements that we place on suppliers of products and services and details what they can expect in return from IKEA. In addition to the main document, there are several industry-specific supplements and a special code of conduct for child labour. IKEA suppliers are responsible for communicating the content of the IKEA code of conduct to their employees and sub-suppliers.
The IKEA Way on Purchasing Products, Materials and Services, (IWAY) is based on international conventions and declarations. It includes provisions based on the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), the International Labour Organization Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (1998), and the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development (1992). It covers working conditions, the prevention of child labour, the environment, responsible forestry management and more.
Suppliers are responsible for communicating the content of the IKEA code of conduct to co-workers and sub-suppliers and ensuring that all required measures are implemented at their own operations.
IKEA works proactively to prevent corruption and illegal activities and disassociates itself from corruption in any form, whether direct or indirect.
The word kosher means proper or acceptable, and it has informally entered the English language with that meaning. But kosher laws have their origin in the Bible, and are detailed in the Talmud and the other codes of Jewish traditions. They have been applied through the centuries to ever-changing situations, and these rulings, both ancient and modern, govern GIGC kosher certification.
You may already be familiar with some of the more well-known requirements for kosher, but you may be surprised at the extent of the regulations with which you are not familiar.
This industry relevant Kosher certification process delivers a global solution that is practical to implement, comparable in standard and quality to other recognized food schemes. It will help you to meet demand for authentic and safe Kosher certified food.
Kosher symbols on food are increasingly common sight. An estimated one million products are Kosher certified, and consumers spend over USD 200 billion annually on them. Kosher food certification gives you access to a market that has grown more than 15% in recent years and continues to expand.
Kosher Certification and Compliance Services
We offer a complete Kosher audit and certification and compliance program that also covers the following complementary services:
Gap analysis
Technical support and advice – for potential practical and in-factory implementation challenges
Training – face-to-face, online, or using a blended approach our modular courses cover technical, regulatory, national and international Kosher requirements and their practical implementation
Why choose Kosher Certification from GIGC?
Offering a full range for of food safety and quality services, in addition to our Kosher food certification services we also audit and certify compliance with global food industry standards such as FSSC 22000, BRC, IFS, SQF and HACCP.
Contact GIGC today to discuss your Kosher certification requirements.
LEATHER STANDARD by OEKO-TEX® is an internationally standardized testing and certification system for leather and leather goods at all production levels, including accessory materials. The certification supports companies along the supply chain with the implementation of high human-ecological product safety. The certification serves as legally binding verification of successful product certification in all business processes in accordance with LEATHER STANDARD. Learn what LEATHER STANDARD means here and why it is worth looking for this label when purchasing leather articles.
The LEATHER STANDARD label indicates that the labelled article has successfully passed a test for chemicals that are harmful to health. The basis for this test, which is carried out by an independent OEKO-TEX® partner institute, is the OEKO-TEX® criteria catalogue with several hundred regulated individual substances. The strict limit values and test criteria of the criteria catalogue are much stricter than the valid national and international specifications and include various parameters for safeguarding health. OEKO-TEX® updates the test criteria at least once per year and, in doing so, takes into account the latest scientific findings and changes to legislation.
Leather and leather articles from all processing levels can be certified: from semi-finished leather products (wet-blue, wet-white, etc.) to finished articles. This includes leather fiber materials, leather clothing, leather accessories such as leather gloves, leather bags and leather shoes and also some skins (e.g. sheepskin, lambskin, cowskin). We do not certify the leather from exotic or protected animals such as crocodiles, snakes and armadillos. We test textile or non-textile components of a leather article in accordance with the criteria of the current STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®.
What Is LEEA?
The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) is established across the world as the leading trade association for all those involved in the lifting industry. We promote enhanced standards and sustainable development for the worldwide Lifting and Safety industry. We will educate, influence and enable so that best practice is normal practice.
LEEA strives to be
Member focused – everything we do must be aimed at improving the position of our members
Outward facing – we will build relationships with the sectors in which our members work
Forward looking – we will look to the future and develop solutions which ensure that our employers stay ahead of the curve
Insight sharing – we will share our work and insights with our members
Excellence seeking – at all times we must aim to be excellent
MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX® is a traceable product label for all kinds of textiles (e.g. garments, home textiles) and leather products (e.g. garments, finished and semi-finished leathers) including non-textile/-leather components (e.g. accessories). A MADE IN GREEN product ID proves that the product has been tested for harmful substances. This is achieved by certification according to STANDARD 100 or LEATHER STANDARD by OEKO-TEX®. It also guarantees that the textile or leather product has been manufactured using sustainable processes under environmentally friendly and socially responsible working conditions. This is carried out through certification in accordance with STeP by OEKO-TEX®. The unique product ID can be used to trace the product. It can thus be shown where the different stages of product manufacturing have taken place.
The Medical Device Single Audit Program – or MDSAP – allows a single regulatory audit of a medical device manufacturer’s quality management system to satisfy the requirements of multiple regulatory authorities (RAs). Five RAs: Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Brazil’s Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA), Health Canada, MHLW/PMDA (Japan), and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) participated in a three year MDSAP Pilot which concluded in December 2016. The European Commission and the World Health Organization were observers of the program, and they participated on the regulatory council and in subject matter expert groups.
The MDSAP certificate indicates that a manufacturer complies with the regulatory requirements for the markets defined in the certificate. The certificate does not represent marketing authorization, nor does it require any regulatory authority to issue a marketing authorization or endorsement to the device manufacturer. Potential Benefits of MDSAP for Medical Device Organizations
Device manufacturers that choose to participate in MDSAP may expect:
STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® is one of the world’s best-known labels for textiles tested for harmful substances. It stands for customer confidence and high product safety. Find out here what STANDARD 100 means and why it is worth checking for this label when buying textiles.
If a textile article carries the STANDARD 100 label, you can be certain that every component of this article, i.e. every thread, button and other accessories, has been tested for harmful substances and that the article therefore is harmless in human ecological terms. The test is conducted by our independent organization on the basis of our extensive OEKO-TEX® criteria catalog. In the test they take into account numerous regulated and non-regulated substances, which may be harmful to human health. In many cases the limit values for the STANDARD 100 go beyond national and international requirements. The criteria catalog is updated at least once a year and expanded with new scientific knowledge or statutory requirements. It is not easy for manufacturers and customers to keep an overview of the legal situation concerning harmful substances every day. Our experts from the OEKO-TEX® institutes do this for you.
In principle, all textile articles in every stage of processing are suitable for a STANDARD 100 certification, starting from the threads to the finished fabrics and finished articles. According to a modular system we test every single component and ingredient before the final article is allowed to carry the STANDARD 100 label. This includes threads, buttons, zippers and linings. The prints and coatings applied to the outer material are also tested for harmful substances according to the criteria applicable to them. Whether baby textiles, clothing, home textiles or decorative materials: Products carrying the STANDARD 100 label signal trust.
OEKO-TEX
Certification according to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®
Consumers’ interests in sustainable articles are increasing and brands in the clothing industry are increasingly more demanding with regard to the purchasing of certified textile products. If you want to be a successful manufacturer, you should actively face the growing demands. Certification according to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® can ensure a decisive competitive advantage for manufacturers. It is performed uniformly around the world by the independent OEKO-TEX® institutes and is applicable to textile products of all processing steps, from the thread to the end product.
STANDARD 100 at a glance
Validity
If you have successfully undergone the certification process for STANDARD 100, you can label your products accordingly for 12 months.
Costs
License fees are charged for the certification. Depending on the amount of testing involved, this includes the laboratory costs and costs for visits to your company. Our institutes will be happy to make you a non-binding offer.
Extension
You can request an extension of your STANDARD 100 certificate at any time from your responsible institute.
Continuity
As holder of a STANDARD 100 certificate, you agree to undergo regular audits by our independent testing institutes. The mandatory company visits take place in a 3-year cycle.
Your benefits as a manufacturer
Requirements for manufacturer certification
You have to fulfill the following criteria for a successful STANDARD 100 certification: Firstly, all the components and materials of your textile products must comply with the test criteria of STANDARD 100. If the results of the quality audit by an independent OEKO-TEX® institute are positive and regular quality assurance measures are demonstrably taken, you have taken the main steps on the path to certification. After signing the General Terms of Use, there is nothing preventing the STANDARD 100 certification.
Our test criteria and methods at a glance
The national and international statutory requirements concerning the product safety of textiles are difficult for manufacturers to comprehend in their everyday business.
Trust the experts from OEKO-TEX®. The current statutory provisions are covered in the extensive measures catalog for harmful substance testing and the relevance of future developments is checked.
Product class I: Articles for babies and toddlers
Product class II: Articles used close to the skin
Product class III: Articles used away from the skin
Product class IV: Materials
The LEATHER STANDARD by OEKO-TEX® applies to leather or fur products.
Chemicals and dyes are certified according to the ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX®.
5 steps to successful certification
Third party RoHS Certification, providing sound traceability systems and strict enforcement of due diligence policies. The European Directive on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) holds electrical and electronic equipment companies directly responsible for the chemical compliance of their products. This means all products must conform to strict standards, provide extensive compliance documentation, and ensure that electrical and electronic products sold in the EU do not contain lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) above the legal threshold. Manufacturers, owners, retailers, and importers alike need to ensure that their products comply in order to be distributed and sold in the EU.
RoHS Certification Services
GIGC does more than simply help our customers comply, we give them a competitive advantage by partnering with them every step of the way to establish a detailed product file upon application that contains:
All compliance documents are subject to review and samples are required for RoHS 6-substance verification and testing of homogeneous materials. In addition, manufacturer site audits and surveillance for process management control will be implemented and executed to ensure compliance.
This unique GIGC certification scheme essentially offers:
What is RoHS?
RoHS is the acronym for Restriction of Hazardous Substances. RoHS, also known as Directive 2002/95/EC, originated in the European Union and restricts the use of specific hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products.
Profile directives
What are the restricted materials mandated under RoHS?
The substances banned under RoHS are lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (CrVI), polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE).
Why is RoHS compliance important?
The restricted materials are hazardous to the environment and pollute landfills, and are dangerous in terms of occupational exposure during manufacturing and disposal. At GIGC we take our certifications seriously, from our ISO9001 certification to our RoHS compliant manufacturing facility, we pride ourselves on taking a vested interest in our clients and delivering high quality products and services while being environmentally conscious.
Which companies are affected by the RoHS Directive?
Any business that sells applicable electronic products, sub-assemblies or components directly to EU countries, or sells to resellers, distributors or integrators that in turn sell products to EU countries, is impacted if they utilize any of the banned materials.
SEDEX, the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange, is a not-revenue driven association situated in London, UK, open for participation to any organization anyplace on the planet. SEDEX is a participation association for organizations focused on persistent improvement of the moral execution of their supply chains. Organizations join SEDEX so as to utilize the SEDEX electronic framework, take an interest in SEDEX Certification administration , take an interest in working gatherings , arrange and draw in with other SEDEX individuals , use SEDEX esteem included administrations. SEDEX empowers part organizations to productively deal with the moral and mindful practices of their worldwide supply chains, creating straightforwardness through the arrangement of an information trade.
SEDEX centers around four columns. Individuals focus on improving their production network execution as needs be.
The device utilized by SEDEX is named SMETA (SEDEX Members Ethical Trade Audit). It fuses 3 components:
SMETA is intended to profit retailers and purchaser brands and their providers, decreasing duplication of exertion in moral exchange auditing. Organizations who are not individuals from SEDEX Certification are capable and urged to utilize SMETA also. SEDEX is an extensive stage that empowers the compelling administration of complex worldwide supply chains, prompting genuine business benefits for your association.
Improve your notoriety
Exhibit to partners and clients that you are focused on driving upgrades in your inventory network.
Increase upper hand
Numerous clients see SEDEX as a significant piece of their mindful sourcing practices and organizations progressively see SEDEX participation as a state of supply.
Diminish hazard
The reports accessible on SEDEX, and explicitly the SEDEX Risk Assessment instrument, can help evaluate the probability of issues happening in your store network. Improve provider connections. The SEDEX model supports expanded provider commitment, helping you to drive moral and capable enhancements inside your production network. Set aside time and cash SEDEX enables additional time and assets to be spent on making enhancements as opposed to on finishing various audits and pointless desk work. SMETA is definitely not another set of accepted rules or standard to which audits ought to be directed. It is fairly an aggregation of best practice in moral exchange audit system, planned for experienced examiners to assist them with conducting top notch audits that will be acknowledged by various retailers and brands.
SEDEX is certainly not a standard setting body, implicit rules or confirmation. Rather the job of SEDEX standard is to empower you to viably share and oversee inventory network data, with the point of driving consistent improvement. SEDEX has two points, one is to facilitate the weight on providers confronting numerous audits, polls and affirmations, and the other is to drive upgrades in the moral execution of worldwide supply chains.
Set up the SEDEX documentation
Learning Six Sigma methodologies for your work life can help impact your career future. The ability to add Six Sigma Certification to your resume proves your commitment to improving your business acumen and analytical skills, as well as improving the business where you work. The principles of Six Sigma find applications across a wide range of industries worldwide, in organizations such as Amazon, Credit Suisse, Bank of America, Boeing, Ford Motor Company, General Electric, Sears, Starwood Hotels, and the United States Army, among others.
Six Sigma is a set of tools and techniques used by companies to improve production processes, eliminate defects and guarantee quality. The Six Sigma certification helps in validating professionals who are skilled in identifying risks, errors, or defects in a business process and removing them.
Getting a Six Sigma Certification usually requires individuals to have a certain level of experience and testify their proficiency. The certification can help you become a specialist in process improvement and will enhance your credibility.
The Six Sigma certification comes in various skill levels: White Belt, Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt. These certifications can be obtained through an accreditation body like the American Society for Quality (ASQ).
It is the basic level of certification that deals with the basic Six Sigma concepts. White belts support change management in an organization and engage with local problem-solving teams that assist projects.
At this level, you know the specifics of Six Sigma, how and where to apply it. You will support project teams on problem-solving tasks.
At this level, you understand advanced analysis and can resolve problems that affect quality. Green belts lead projects and assist black belts with data collection and analysis.
Black belts are experts and agents of change. They provide training in addition to leading projects.
This is the highest level of Six Sigma achievement. At this level, you will shape strategy, develop key metrics, act as a consultant and coach black and green belts.
In 1995, Jack Welch made Six Sigma a key part of General Electric’s business strategy. Since then, companies have used Six Sigma with notable success. We look at some of those benefits below:
Pressed for space to manufacture new products, Allen medical employed DMAIC methodology and lean tools to improve the production rate of Armboards. With their new approach, they saved 45 seconds on average, per arm board, and increased the number of arm boards produced each hour from 5.3 to slightly over 6.
Defect reduction minimizes waste, hence results in low cost of production and higher profits. Failure to create a quality product can be costly. Creating a substandard product or service can significantly reduce its cost. This is the true “cost of quality”
Implementing Six Sigma can help to streamline processes and reduce customer satisfaction. For instance, by applying the cross-functional process mapping (CFPM) methodology, Citibank was able to identify wasteful steps in their processes and correct them, with great results in customer satisfaction levels.
Customers and stakeholders trust a company whose employees hold relevant qualifications. If a significant number of your employees are Six Sigma certified, it means that their number one priority will be quality. A company that is driven by quality is competitive and thus instills confidence in investors and partners.
The DMAIC methodology can also be applied in HR management, as noted in a publication on research gate. Contained within the article is a case study of a multinational company that was losing millions of dollars due to employee turnover of 35% per year. They wanted to reduce this number to 25%. After implementing Six Sigma, they identified several contributing factors, key among them: poor career prospects and low compensation. To remedy the situation, they introduced new hiring processes and training for new employees, with great results: employee turnover reduced by 10% and resulted in savings of $1.1 million.
SQF is a Food Safety Management Certification Scheme, created and managed by SQF Institute, used to control food safety risks. Once your food safety management system is implemented it is audited and certified by a third-party certification body. The Food Safety Certification requirements provide a rigorous system to manage food safety risks and provide safe products for use by companies in the food industry. It is a GFSI recognized food safety certification. This allows your customers to have confidence in your food safety program and know that you have a rigorous food safety system in place.
Managing Risk
First and foremost, building your food safety management system will provide your company with effective management of food safety hazards by creating an environment capable of producing safe product and a management system to continually manage, monitor, validate and improve the system.
Maintain Current Customers
Statistics show that approximately 1 out of 4 certified companies are asking their suppliers to achieve certification. Chances are that if you have not been asked yet, you will be asked in the near future. Starting on your certification can help you stay competitive and qualified to work with your current customers.
Increase Your Market Reach
Large retailers and multinational manufacturers or processors are also demanding certification of their suppliers. SQF Certification means you are qualified to supply these organizations or their suppliers, opening up a large market for your products.
Prepare for New Regulations
Countries across the globe are making changes to food safety regulations, including the United States and its Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The newest version, Edition 8, prepares your organization to meet many or most of the FSMA requirements.
Certification to SQF will demonstrate your commitment to a preventative, risk-based food safety management system, with the added benefits of:
STeP by OEKO-TEX® stands for Sustainable Textile & Leather Production and is a modular certification system for production facilities in the textile and leather industry. The goal of STeP is to implement environmentally friendly production processes in the long term, to improve health and safety and to promote socially responsible working conditions at production sites. The target groups for STeP certification are textile and leather manufacturers as well as brands and retailers.
STeP differs from other certification systems because, instead of considering only individual sustainability aspects, it includes a comprehensive analysis and assessment of the production conditions instead. STeP analyses all important areas of a company using 6 modules:
The aim of STeP certification is the long-term implementation of environmentally friendly production processes, social working conditions and optimum health and safety.
STeP focusses on the certification of the entire production chain in the area of textile and leather. Textile manufacturers from all processing levels can be certified, from fiber manufacture to spinning and weaving/knitting to finishing and making up. In the leather industry, all processes such as tanning, retaining, dying, finishing and making up can be certified. Logistics centers and manufacturers of accessories, foams and mattresses can also apply for STeP certification.
As an accredited Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) monitor GITCHIA is ideally placed to assist you in conducting a WRAP audit. This will verify your compliance with WRAP principles on lawful, humane, and ethical manufacturing. WRAP is an independent, non-profit corporation dedicated to the promotion and certification of lawful, humane, and ethical manufacturing throughout the world.
Set up in 2000, WRAP is the world’s largest labor and environmental certification program for labor-intensive consumer products manufacturing and processing. WRAP is supported by 25 international trade associations, including the International Apparel Federation, which represents 36 national associations and over 150,000 individual companies. The WRAP principles cover basic standards that address labor practices, factory conditions, and environmental and customs compliance. They consist of 12 elements:
Certification may be granted for six months or one to two years, depending on the final audit results and the length of time that the facility has held certification successfully.
Step 1 Application: Manufacturer first contacts WRAP for an audit request and sends back the completed application form and fee to initiate the certification process.
Step 2 Self-Assessment: The facility must adopt generally accepted international workplace standards, local laws and workplace regulations following the procedures described in the WRAP Handbook and provide evidence that they have been implemented for at least 45 days (not less than 90 days for new applicants).
Step 3 Monitoring: The facility then chooses and contacts a WRAP accredited auditor firm to get audited. The report and recommendations are sent to both the facility and WRAP.
Step 4 Evaluation: WRAP staff may notify the facility that it needs to correct certain procedures and have the monitor make an additional inspection and report or may recommend to the Certification Board that the factory be certified.
Step 5 Certification: The Certification Board studies the recommendation of the staff, including the monitor’s report, and votes to award or withhold certification.