Kiwa Magazine December 2014

december 2014 number 4
Magazine
One-stop food safety
Global
Partner
Product development
Creating is
communicating
Nz MEAT SUPPLIERS AUDITED
Paradise
inspected
COLUMN
highlights
Paul Hesselink
PAGe 6
Less
is more
In November, we Europeans showed the world what we can do when we pull
together: after an 11-year journey through outer space, we guided a small robotic space probe, Rosetta, to a comet only several hundred metres long, landing
Philae, a 60-centimetre probe, right on the comet. Precision work at its finest.
New road
salt scheme
The achievement may have remained somewhat in the shadows, but it is a feat
never performed before. Isn’t it great we have a united Europe? We can really
get things done. There’s so much more to Europe's authority than producing
labels for olive oil, writing duck egg guidelines of dozens of pages or coming up
with a definition of a banana stipulating that a banana is not a banana unless it is
at least 14 centimetres long.
European collaboration has kept our part of the world war-free for almost 60
years. We no longer have to change currencies at our borders. We can work
anywhere we want in Europe. And we live on the most prosperous continent
on earth. These are just some of the positive results of dozens of years of
European teamwork – with Rosetta as one of the most recent technological
highlights.
A new and very ambitious committee has just been formed in Europe. Its members, I understand, will focus on reducing bureaucracy and creating practical
policies that will bring Europeans real progress. It sounds like a great initiative
to me. I hope the progress made will be measurable not in outer space but right
here on European soil. In fact, I can think of a few possible points for improvement. What about a CE marking scheme that really stands for something, to
replace our current unsupervised game of self-stickering for dubious manufacturers? Wouldn’t it be great if after just over twenty years we could support
EU producers and consumers with a single quality mark and be done with our
current twenty-eight local product labels? Manufacturers are desperate for a so-
on the cover
lution like this. But it does have to be real: a quality mark with a bite, to separate
Under the watchful eye of her mother, Juul de Jonge
the chaff from the wheat. Now that would reduce bureaucracy and help move
puts an organic apple in the paper bag. The picture
Europe forward!
was taken at Smaakwarenhuis De Lage Landen in
Breda, the Netherlands. More about the certification
Paul Hesselink
2
of organic food on page 4 and at www.kiwa.nl.
www.linkedin.com/company/kiwa
www.twitter.com/KiwaMagazine
www.kiwa.nl/app
Unique energy
pilot project
PAGe 12
PAGe 18
Glass hit
by 20 trucks
Your opinion
counts!
Kiwa is sincerely interested in how customers like you perceive the quality of our
services. In addition to discussing this with you informally during activities,
we conduct a worldwide customer satisfaction survey every two
years. Recently, Management Instituut Nederland, a Dutch specialist in this kind of research, presented an online list of questions
to a select group of customers. We’re proud of the fact that nearly
3,000 of you took the time to complete the survey. You awarded our
general performance with 7.7 points (on a scale of 10), compared to
7.1 in 2012. We’re now examining the results in more detail to identify
improvement opportunities. We’ll keep you informed! Whether you
participated or not, your opinion always counts. Your answers, reactions
and comments help us to further improve our services. Our goal is to
create trust in products and services you provide and in processes and
people you employ. That’s why knowing you have confidence in what we
do for you matters to us.
al
gener
e
manc
r
o
f
r
pe
7.7
More information: Maggie.Bourgonje@kiwa.nl
3
Yes
we can!
one-stop-shop food certification
Demand for organic food products is growing vigorously all
around the world. The industry’s annual global turnover is
over 70 billion euro, while consumption of organic products is
increasing at a rate of 10% each year. This rapid market development calls for testers and certifiers with transparency,
flexibility, speed and a coherent vision of organic food. They
are to make sure that when a label says organic, the product is
organic. Kiwa has been active in food safety for over 15 years
and is equipped to monitor and certify traditional and organic
food supply chains worldwide. A true one-stop shop, we offer
producers, traders and consumers certainty and safety.
4
The growth of organics has fueled consumer aware-
With BCS on board, Kiwa can certify food safety
ness throughout the entire food sector – both organic
around the world, from Sweden and Spain to the UK
and conventional – of the origins and production meth-
and Peru. The advantage for local producers in, say,
ods of food. Tracing the origins of an apple or a slice
South America or Japan is they can offer their produc-
of bacon may be relatively easy, but with products
tion safe for export. But large retail chains benefit as
consisting of many different ingredients from many
well. Hans Lindahl of Kiwa Sweden: ‘In Scandinavia,
different sources, such as baby food, things can get
organic products are all the rage. We’re seeing growth
quite complicated. Charting food supply chains like
percentages of up to 50 percent. In Sweden, con-
these calls for experienced specialists who can speak
sumers are currently buying more organic bananas
the language of producers, or the market. As they
than non-organic ones. We need to manage this
say, ‘It takes one to know one’: to inspect bread and
growth while also ensuring safety and transparency
bakeries, you need a baker. Kiwa employs these very
for consumers and for our consumers, who process
specialists. They monitor, audit and certify the entire
and use the products. We make sure we know the
supply chain – from the stage at which a food ingredi-
local farmer who supplies them. Recently there were
ent is cultivated to the moment it is served up on a
suspicions about the use of pesticide with a farmer in
plate in, say, the nursing home around the corner.
Spain producing rocket salad. A supermarket organisa-
go to
extras
tion asked us to perform tests. With the aid of our colNUMEROUS SCHEMES
leagues at Kiwa Spain, we had the results on the table
On top of the countless products and ingredients in
within two days. This might just as well have been a
this business, there are also numerous food safety
farmer in Peru or Oklahoma – we would have acted
schemes. Every sector has its own schemes. The
with equal speed. It doesn’t matter whether it is an
food and feed sectors have about fifteen each. In
organic scheme or a traditional one. To Kiwa, food is a
organic food, the number is over 25 and rising.
global market. Our customers see that, expect it and
To make matters still more complex, each country has
we deliver.’
its own national programmes. For example, the UK
has the BRC Food, the Netherlands have HACCP and
More information: Rien.Buitink@kiwa.nl
Sweden has its Swedish Standard for Food Handling.
These country schemes tend to combine the best
parts of the available sector schemes, providing a
kind of customised programme for the domestic
BCS: Kiwa's organic food expert
market. Many national schemes are interchangeable.
‘However’, according to Rien Buitink, Kiwa's expert
BCS Öko-Garantie joined Kiwa this summer. The Nuremberg-based company
on food, feed and farm at Kiwa, ‘you do need accredi-
is active in 80 countries on four continents, certifying 450,000 producers of
tation. A lot can depend on who uses a scheme, how
organic food. BCS has been active on the organic market since 1990. Early on,
the audits are performed, or how much experience
the Kiwa company was involved in the development of European legislation
and expertise the auditors have. At Kiwa we started
in this field. BCS is led by Peter Grosch. To him, one thing matters: ‘Consum-
specialising a long time ago to make sure we have the
ers have to be able to rely on the fact that a product carrying an organic label
knowledge required for all of these schemes. And for
really is organic. Thanks to our expertise and knowledge, we know and can
new ones such as organic mineral water.’
track down the pitfalls in every food supply chain, no matter how complex. We
often work with programmes we’ve developed ourselves and we train people
Safety and transparency
locally.’ As a part of Kiwa, BCS can offer its customers more than just food
Within the Kiwa organisation, BCS (see text box)
safety. ‘For example, we can help customers improve their sustainability or
focuses on organic food products. BCS joined Kiwa in
ecological footprint, too. One-stop shop implies far more than food safety up
August, making Kiwa one of the world’s largest certi-
and down the entire chain. It means we can go beyond that, providing custom-
fiers of organic food. With over 20 years of experi-
ers with all the necessary certification services as well.’
ence, the firm operates in a wide range of countries.
5
UK launches new road salt scheme
Saving lives and
money on icy roads
With winter approaching, highway authorities in the United Kingdom using salt to
de-ice slippery roads have a new tool at their disposal for improving safety and
reducing damage claims from vehicle users: the Salt Assurance Scheme, SaltAS
for short. The new salt certification scheme was jointly developed by the UK Salt
Association and Kiwa PAI. The European Salt Association, EUSalt, is looking into
possibly extending the scheme across the continent.
The primary focus of SaltAS is to reduce damage to
as the salt is used responsibly, says Sherratt. ‘For
vehicles on salted roads while maintaining acceptable
instance, it is important that spreading vehicles are
safety standards, says Lorraine Chambers of Kiwa
correctly calibrated to ensure that they spread only
PAI. ‘It is an important scheme for vehicle owners,
the amount of salt necessary for the conditions.’
because it does not permit large grain sizes – it is the
larger grains that tend to cause vehicle damage.’
Maintaining Standards
UK-supplied salt meets British Standard (BS) 3247,
Cost-effective de-icing
which covers salt purity – ensuring grain size as well
Peter Sherratt, General Secretary of the Salt
as correct treatment and storage. SaltAS was imple-
Association, notes that sensible salting saves lives
mented to ensure that customers receive a consistent
and money. ‘Research has shown that for every £1
and safe quality product which will benefit motorists.
expended on winter road maintenance, about £8 is
SaltAS was launched earlier this year. The goal of
saved in the economy as a whole. And this takes no
the Salt Association is to make sure all its members
account of the potential for human tragedy and the
are certified in due course. Carriers and contractors
health care and legal costs involved.’
will also need certification. ‘The goal is to achieve
certification of the entire salt supply chain,’ says Peter
The Salt Association sees salt as the most cost-effec-
Sherratt.
tive de-icing material available: sand clogs drains and
Lorraine Chambers
chippings cause wide-spread windscreen damage.
More information:
The environmental impact of salt is also low as long
Lorraine.Chambers@kiwa.co.uk
www.saltassociation.co.uk/saltas
6
Good policy means satisfied customers and staff
csr
yields more
than it costs
This may sound exaggerated, but some employers still associate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with
replacing the company lighting with LED lamps. But there is much more to it. Kiwa offers various certification
programmes and performance ladders that businesses can use internally to qualify their CSR and CO2 emission reduction policies. Kiwa itself is setting the example by developing a solid CSR and CO2 footprint policy.
Kiwa’s Kees Kooijman: 'The current internal process is contributing to a healthier organisation on the one
hand, while fuelling our consultancy services on the other. Both ways, our customers benefit.’
CO2 emissions are one of 33 indicators on which the
seeking to communicate with customers more trans-
so-called CSR Performance Ladder is based. The
parently, offer better service and resolve complaints in
internal process currently underway at Kiwa is show-
less time. The result of these efforts is more satisfied
ing us that as a service provider, we have fewer im-
customers who feel a stronger connection with Kiwa.
provement options than, say, a production company.
Internally, we’re doing all we can to strengthen our
We have critically reviewed the energy consumption
staff’s sense of connection with Kiwa. Our efforts to re-
at our various locations as well as road and air mile-
duce absenteeism and expand our training possibilities
age. For instance, we are reducing air travel by train-
are resulting in more satisfied staff and lower costs.
go to
extras
ing more auditors at our foreign offices. Our aim is to
achieve Level 3 on the CO2 Performance Ladder for
OPPORTUNITIES TO ADD VALUE
all of our offices. A number of our Dutch offices have
Sustainable business is increasingly becoming the
already reached this point. The next step is to bring
standard in our societies. In practice, it turns out many
our offices in other countries in line.
businesses are already achieving quite well on numer-
Ethical integrity
The emission of CO2 is just a small part of CSR policy.
ous CSR indicators – such as CO2 emissions – without
making a conscious effort. Kiwa can help these organisations chart their performance and make business
Other key themes include good governance, working
processes more deliberate. We believe CSR offers all of
conditions, ethical integrity and consumer interests.
our customers opportunities to add value.
Kiwa’s aim is to reach Level 3 on all fronts – an aim
that will benefit those around us. For instance, we are
More information: Sietske.van.der.Beek@kiwa.nl
7
third-party validation of energy efficiency
Absolute
certainty
New legislation is raising the bar in energy performance for energy-using and energy-related products around the world. Examples include the European Commission’s Ecodesign and Energy Labelling
Directives, the USA’s Energy Star scheme and Germany’s DIN 18873. Industry leaders like Vaillant, DRU
and Rational AG are among those calling on Kiwa to provide independent, third-party validation of
their energy performance – despite the fact that some of the regulations allow for self-testing.
Vaillant
go to
extras
Vaillant, known for its innovative heating and hot water systems, is currently having large series of boilers tested at the Kiwa lab in Apeldoorn, the
Netherlands. ‘Self-testing is allowed, but it’s not enough,’ says Chris Hertgers,
Head of International Certification at Vaillant. ‘Third-party validation gives our
claims to compliance with the new Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Directives
credibility. We welcome critical feedback from external experts like Kiwa.’
rational AG
Another manufacturer keeping in step with worldwide energy performance
standards is Germany’s Rational AG. This specialist in hot food preparation and
equipment for large-scale and commercial kitchens has asked Kiwa to test its
products for the United States’ Energy Star ® scheme. ‘Unlike the Ecodesign
Directive, Energy Star does require third-party validation by an accredited body,’
says Rainer Otminghaus of Rational. ‘Kiwa had not worked with this label
before, but as long-time customers we felt confident they could do it. They’re
now accredited and working with us to take this important step towards US
markets.’
dru
DRU, a Dutch manufacturer of contemporary gas fires and wood stoves with
a leading position on the European market, is also keen on third-party input.
‘The Ecodesign and Energy Labelling standards for our market have not yet
been worked out in detail. But when they are implemented, we want to be
ready,’ says Johan Degen, Manager R&D at DRU. ‘So we asked Kiwa to give us
an interpretation of the information that has been made available so far. Kiwa is
an independent expert in contact with all the major Notified Bodies in Europe.
That way we can be sure our efficiency calculations are in line with upcoming
regulations.’
More information: Maarten.Feltmann@kiwa.nl
8
Good
old
gas
When radiant new stars rise to the firmament, older heroes tend to be neglected. In the world of energy,
this could happen to that most eminent of old-world energy resources, natural gas, warns Kiwa’s Kees
Kooijman. ‘With solar energy and wind mills stealing the show in the transition to sustainable energy systems, we’re at risk of forgetting the vital role to be played by natural gas – and the extensive, high-quality
gas grids available in countries like the Netherlands.’
‘Sustainability is automatically linked to solar and wind
mixtures, on pipes and installations. Failing to invest
energy,’ says Kooijman. ‘Which is great, of course.
in this whole area would be a costly mistake.’
But in the coming decades, as we work towards
The second reason why Kooijman advocates natural
complete sustainability in our energy systems, wind
gas as a viable transition resource is that it is rela-
and solar energy are not going to be enough. Natural
tively clean and relatively abundant. ‘We have to use
gas and the existing gas grids have a vital role to play
our gas resources wisely, but recent findings have re-
in the transition.’
moved the threat of total depletion in the short term.’
A huge disinvestment
Many uncertainties
Kooijman points out two reasons for offering gas its
Kooijmans points out that in the transition towards
rightful place in the transition. ‘First, the gas net is
sustainable energy systems, a lot of questions
highly developed in many countries. Removing it, or
remain unanswered. ‘A simple example is whether
allowing it to fall into disuse, would be a huge disin-
electric cars will become the norm or not. Nobody
vestment. It can be put to good use for many years in
knows. With so many uncertainties, it does not make
the distribution of renewable gases, such as biogas,
sense to neglect a stable factor. Giving gas-based
hydrogen or synthetic gas – either in pure form or
solutions their rightful place is a sensible choice.’
go to
extras
mixed with natural gas. But doing this successfully
and safely requires research. For instance, we need
More information: Kees.Kooijman@kiwa.nl
to explore the effects of alternative gases, or gas
www.gerg.eu
9
Dangerous substances in
Building & Construction products
Kiwa has started mapping the content of dangerous substances in building products related to air, soil and water. ‘Our experience with toxicological investigation of all kinds of materials exposed to drinking water makes this a small and
logical step,’ says Kiwa’s Thomas Klerks. Kiwa can help manufacturers, sellers
and processors of construction materials draw up a declaration of dangerous
substances that is compliant with European regulations.
For every building & construction product the law
Systematic monitoring
requires substantiation of its ingredients and the
Kiwa has performed toxicological testing on
extent to which these can be released into the
materials exposed to drinking water for many
environment. This calls for a combination of desk
years (ATA certification). Earlier this year, we
studies and laboratory testing. Klerks: ‘Kiwa has
began to use this expertise for a new service
its own laboratories for performing all the neces-
package aimed at mapping the risk of contamina-
sary tests. But our services do not stop there.
tion by building products of air, water and soil. The
Our international presence is especially important.
evaluation is based on analysis and verification of
We operate across borders, testing materials for
raw materials, data research and own research.
compliance with country-specific interpretations
‘In response to changing legislation and product
of European legislation.'
innovation, Kiwa also offers systematic monitoring
aimed at assuring ongoing compliance,’ explains
DoP
Jaap Havinga. ‘There are so many building
products – from bricks to nails. Despite this vast
The European Construction Products Regulation (CPR) requires every
range, we at Kiwa are confident we have all the
manufacturer, importer and distributor to issue a Declaration of Perfor-
relevant information in view – or can bring it into
mance (DoP), for its building products. This DoP is based on seven Essential
view quickly.’ By issuing certificates, Kiwa hopes
Requirements for construction products. Hygiene, health and the environ-
to contribute to a more transparent industry and a
ment constitute one of these requirements. The DoP section dealing with
safer, healthier environment.
this aspect must list the basic ingredients of which the product in question
consists and how these ingredients behave in contact with (ground or surface) water, soil or air during normal usage. A DoP is mandatory for products
subject to a harmonised standard.
More information: Jaap.Havinga@kiwa.nl
Kiwa Watertec
celebrates
10 years
with new laboratory
Kiwa Watertec recently celebrated her ten year anniversary as part of Kiwa. The occasion was marked
by the opening of a new purpose built test laboratory.
This facility will enable Kiwa Watertec to expand the
test and certification schemes for customers in the
10
UK. Gary Jenkins, the legendary former Wales rugby
From the left: Geraint Stephens, Clive Hawkes
player, attended the opening.
Garin Jenkins and David Jay.
2
r Id
o e
d a
u t
c o
ti
o
n
p
In the previous edition of Kiwa Magazine,
Maaike Kleinsman explained how the
conceptual phase in product
development ‘starts with an itch’. So
what happens once an idea is on the table
and ready for development – what steps
does that involve? We asked Wouter Kok,
director at consulting engineering firm
Deerns and responsible for innovation
and development. ‘To us, the challenge
is not in coming up with ideas, but in
realising products that add value and
can be applied more than once.’
How does a product come into existence? Why
does it look the way it does? How and where is it
manufactured? How is introduced to the market?
And how are safety and quality assurance integrated in the process? In several editions of Kiwa
Magazine, we’ll be looking at the various stages of
the product development process through interviews with experts in different fields.
Wouter Kok on the building blocks of a good product
‘Creating is
communicating’
To many companies, product development and inno-
­suppliers are also specialists. The trick is to cultivate
vation are all about generating as many ideas as pos-
a joint conviction that the process of creating some-
sible in an endless search for the most brilliant one of
thing is not an individual achievement, but that the
all. But Wouter Kok says generating ideas is not the
best solutions result from working together. The par-
main thing; what matters is the step after that: the
ties involved have to be open and honest with each
creation of a product based on the idea. ‘Often, the
other. The customer has to commit to something that
best ideas are dropped. An idea that solves a problem
is not there yet. The supplier has to develop proto-
in one area while causing new problems in others is
types with few or no references. And as consultants,
useless. The key question in progressing from idea to
we have to outline how, in our view, this innovation
product is: can we build a successful business case
is going to help our customer. A good example of a
on it, can we sell this to our customers?’
product jointly developed by a consultant, a cus-
go to
extras
tomer and a supplier who communicated well with
Open and honest
each other is a new disinfection method for isolation
In Koks view, communication is central to the devel-
rooms. We’ve combined two separate processes, air
opment process. ‘You’re working on a product that
treatment and disinfection, creating a new method
does not yet exist. Countless requirements have to be
that is both quicker and safer. In addition to that, the
taken into account – customer requirements, legisla-
disinfection results can be validated.
tion, covenants. Up-to-date knowledge is essential.
You have to specialise. Your customer and your
More information: www.deerns.nl
11
Fuel cell
go to
extras
island
Apart from being a great place for a windblown weekend break, the Dutch island of
Ameland will also soon be the scene of a unique energy pilot project combining solar
panels with fuel cell technology. The project is set to corroborate the results of a
recent study by Kiwa on the viability of fuel cells as an energy solution.
www.gasterra.nl
www.fuelcellnetwork.eu
The Ameland project will involve 45 fuel cells, com-
cient way. This means fuel cells can save gas, while
bined with 24,000 solar panels – the idea being that
supplementing renewable energy sources that are
the fuel cells compensate for dips in the energy
less stable, such as solar panels and wind mills. The
capacity generated by the solar panels. The
purpose of the Ameland project is to offer practical
project represents the Netherlands’ first smart
evidence of this potential as well as an opportunity for
energy network based on decentralised generation
further fine-tuning.
and in the form of a Virtual Power Plant. ‘Ameland
offers an excellent preview of how we will be making
PRICE TAG
the transition from non-sustainable to sustainable
While fuel cells are technically ready to be used as
energy in the decades ahead,’ says Hans Overdiep,
a domestic energy solution, they are not yet wide-
Manager Energy Transition at Dutch gas trading
spread in the Netherlands or Europe. One of the main
company GasTerra. ‘It is a typical transition solution
reasons for this – apart from their novelty – is the
that fits into GasTerra’s vision of using natural gas
price tag attached to current units: a fuel cell today
resources as responsibly as we can until the transi-
can cost many thousands of euros. Hans Overdiep
tion to fully sustainable energy systems has been
of GasTerra believes that is about to change. ‘We will
completed.’
be seeing more demonstration projects like Ameland
pop up in the coming years. Demand for fuel cells will
Saving gas with fuel cells
increase and prices are likely to go down.’
A fuel cell is a unit that transforms natural gas or
Hans Overdiep
12
hydrogen into heat and electricity in a highly effi-
More information: Edmund.Fennema@kiwa.nl
70 new road marking products tested
Testing lines
to save lives
Clearly visible road markings save lives in traffic. They inform us as to when we can overtake, what speed
we are allowed to drive and whether or not we are to give way. New materials for these markings – as well
as for yield lines and zebra crossings – are constantly being developed. In the Netherlands, Kiwa tests and
certifies new road marking products before they hit the Dutch market.
As each new product is required to undergo a certain
finding suitable asphalt for testing is getting more
number of ‘roll-overs’, testing involves placing the
and more difficult in the Netherlands. ‘The road tests
new materials on an existing through road with nor-
need to be based on European regulations. These
mal traffic conditions. Test periods can last up to two
stipulate testing must be done on an asphalt concrete
years. As a certifier, Kiwa supports manufacturers in
surface like the Afsluitdijk. However, unlike most
applying their products on the road.
other European countries, the Netherlands uses very
little asphalt concrete: 98% of our roads is paved with
This year, Kiwa has been active along the Netherlands’
porous asphalt.’ Van der Aa says certification is of
Afsluitdijk, a 32-kilometre causeway and dike. Kiwa's
great importance to Rijkswaterstaat. ‘It gives us inde-
Jack de Groot spent months preparing the test
pendent proof that the manufacturers and products
location and says it was a ‘substantial project’. ‘We
we work with comply with our quality requirements.’
tested seventy new products brought out by eight
manufacturers from five different countries. With
More information: Jack.de.Groot@kiwa.nl
Hans van der Aa
each product, we drew four horizontal lines, from top
to bottom, of 3 metres each. To facilitate this, we
paved a section of the verge along the Afsluitdijk and
later returned it to its normal state. A traffic diversion
was inevitable, of course: we used a nearby petrol
280 trial lines tested
station for that.’
Reflective road paint is the most well-known road marking material, but
Excellent safety measures
some markings are made of synthetic materials or spray thermoplastic.
Placing the markings took a total of two weeks. Hans
Preformed markings are also available. Quality levels vary, with differences
van der Aa, Materials Advisor at Rijkswaterstaat -
in day and night visibility, texture, colour retention and durability. Different
part of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the
products also have different properties. Kiwa is currently measuring all of
Environment – says the project went smoothly. ‘It
these factors for the 280 lines placed at the Dutch test location. For products
was a positive experience for us. The safety meas-
that comply with the requirements of the BRL 9141 assessment guideline,
ures were excellent. Because of the traffic diversion,
Kiwa will issue a certificate for the Dutch market.
there was no danger to the workers.’ Van der Aa says
13
Trade fair highlights
Kiwa
on the
road
Fruit Attraction, Madrid
At Fruit Attraction 2014, which took place in Madrid from October 15 to 17,
Kiwa Spain organised a workshop on the QS protocol, connecting participants
with the secretary of QS and major players in the certification process.
The QS scheme aims at quality assurance throughout the entire fruit and
vegetables production and marketing chain. ‘Bringing growers and horticultural
enterprises together with certifiers was seen as quite innovative,’ says Diego
Tambo of Kiwa Spain.
Plastic Pipes, Chicago
At the September Plastic Pipes XXVII Conference in Chicago, USA, Kiwa’s
Frans Scholten and Jeroen Weller held a presentation on pipe testing. Kiwa’s
contribution ‘emphasised our role as an international one-stop shop for
Kiwa actively contributed to numerous
research, testing and certification’, comments Kiwa's Marco Mekes. ‘It is the
leading trade events over the last few
world’s largest conference where the chain of resin manufacturers and pipe
months with innovative workshops and
producers meet, exactly the place where Kiwa is at its best, being able to serve
presentations. Here are a few highlights.
all parties.’
IGRC, Copenhagen
This year’s International Gas Union Research Conference (IGRC) took place
from September 17 to 19 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Kiwa colleague Johannes
de Bruin presented Kiwa’s research on ‘The Impact of New Gases on
Distribution Materials’ to some 250 fellow researchers. The study is scheduled
for completion in 2015 and its outcome is being eagerly awaited in the industry.
World Water Congress, Lisbon
At the IWA World Water Congress and Exhibition from September 21 to 26
in Portugal’s Lisbon Congress Centre, Kiwa teamed up with other Dutch water
companies to form the Dutch Water Pavilion. During two business forums,
Dragan Jovanov looked at developments and emerging trends in the water sector, while Ramón Dolz introduced the new AquaRating scheme for assessing
the performance of water and sanitation service providers.
Plastic Pipes XXVII Conference in Chicago, USA
14
24/7 access to
live test data
At Kiwa’s Lab C in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, thousands of pressure tests are
performed annually to determine and verify the designed lifetime of various plastics
piping systems. Many of these tests take weeks, months or even over a year. To keep
customers up to date, Lab C, in cooperation with Swedish company Pipeson, offers
an online system providing customers with 24/7 access to the latest data and (live)
test results of ongoing pressure tests.
Among the many users of the Kiwa online data
closely together, building on the worldwide reputa-
system, which was launched in 2011, is Germany’s
tion of Kiwa’s Lab C in this field. ‘Kiwa’s know-how,
Viega GmbH, a global manufacturer of piping sys-
­especially their knowledge of materials and interna-
tems. ‘Having direct and continuous online access
tional standards, has made Pipeson’s tools better and
to our ongoing projects at Kiwa is important for our
smarter,’ says Daniel Lindqvist, CEO at Pipeson.
processes and product development,’ says Christian
Ragoss, Director Plastic Pipes Development at Viega.
Easier and more cost-efficient
‘Knowing that the calculations made with these test
In Lindqvist’s view, the teamwork by Pipeson and
results are reliable and comply with the latest valid
Kiwa is making the development and certification
international standards is a key factor in our research
of new pipe constructions easier and more cost-
development and the worldwide certification of our
efficient. ‘Correct interpretation and application of
products.’
industry standards means our customers can develop
and certify competitive, optimised products.’
Analyzer and Data Manager
Kiwa and Pipeson have been working together since
Customers can access the system via two Pipeson
2008. ‘Our common goal is to add value to our cus-
tools: the Pipeson Analyzer and Data Manager. The
tomers and to contribute to a positive development
Analyzer program provides complex mathematical
of the plastic pipe industry as a whole,’ says Kiwa's
calculations on lifetime prediction for plastic piping
Marco Mekes. ‘By working together, we’ve taken data
systems in compliance with international standards.
communication and evaluation to the next level.’
Data Manager takes the next step of storing data in
an accessible way. Here, too, Kiwa and Pipeson work
More information: Marco.Mekes@kiwa.nl
Christian Ragoss
www.pipeson.com
15
Rating system for water providers to be rolled out in early 2015
AquaRating
ready for launch
Water providers around the world are fac-
countries, says Dolz. Numerous countries and regions
ing increasing challenges. These include
have already expressed interest. ‘The AquaRating sys-
growing urbanisation and service demands
tem has the potential to gain a global position as a qual-
as well as decreasing water supplies and
ity control reference for water and sanitation providers.’
a lack of resources. A new scheme called
AquaRating is set to support water compa-
IADB involvement
nies worldwide in facing the challenges
One of the driving forces behind the development of
by providing management information and
AquaRating is the Inter-American Development Bank
advice, explains Kiwa’s Ramon Dolz.
(IADB). One of the advantages of the bank’s involvement is that participants have access to financing and
thus new water companies can be developed as and
AquaRating is a performance assessment rating system
where necessary.
for water and sanitation providers. Dolz explains that
AquaRating has much to offer. ‘First, it helps authorities
A lot of work has gone into preparing the AquaRating
monitor the service these companies offer. Second,
system for launch. Kiwa and IADB entered large
it can be used to determine the location of new water
amounts of data in the online system. Over the last
companies. And, finally, with AquaRating, consumers
few months IT was thoroughly prepared and has been
can check a company's reliability. They will obtain
tested. The first version is to be rolled out in March,
better services in terms of access, quality, efficiency,
2015. Dolz: ‘Kiwa was the preferred partner for con-
­sustainability and transparency. Thus it can help water
ducting the pilot audit of the system. We intend to keep
companies develop a favourable image.’
close tabs on the development and adaptation, playing
an active role in all of this by giving regular feedback.
Worldwide benchmarking
Our involvement, combined with our history in water
Many countries have their own water quality assurance
technology, means we are equipped to implement the
programmes and controlling bodies. Some countries
system, while also performing the necessary audits
have no regulations at all. AquaRating is built on audit-
around the world.’
able data. This makes AquaRating a good tool for worldwide benchmarking, both in developed and developing
16
More information: Ramon.Dolz@kiwa.es
Kiwa and UL alliance opens global doors in security and fire safety
Transatlantic
market access
kiwa has formed an alliance with UL, a leading US safety science expert, aimed at providing businesses around
the world with better, smarter and more streamlined ways to certify and test fire safety and security
products for the global marketplace. Particularly businesses crossing from Europe to North America and
vice versa will benefit from this unique market access alliance.
The Kiwa and UL alliance covers the full range of both
requirements on foreign markets, or having to go
security and fire safety products. The former cat-
through multiple testing and certification procedures
egory includes burglar alarms, detection devices and
for each new country or region, can seriously hinder
similar. Fire safety refers to both fire detection and fire
growth. The alliance between Kiwa and UL removes
extinguishing products – from cameras and sensors
that barrier entirely. We offer fire safety businesses,
to sprinkler systems, aerosols and more. Importantly,
manufacturers, retailers, distributors and other stake-
UL and Kiwa do not stop at performing the necessary
holders from all over the world a single front office for
European and American tests for these products, but
all the testing and certification services they will need
can also carry out the required periodic on-site inspec-
to go anywhere else in the world: North America,
tions. ‘The combination can save customers a lot of
Europe, Asia, the Middle East. We are the complete
trouble and time,’ says Kiwa's Henry Rutjes.
solution for global market access.’
Going international
Exactness and integrity
In the increasingly globalised fire safety and security
Biezeveld emphasises that the uniqueness of the UL
industry, immediate access to international markets
and Kiwa partnership centres not only on the joint
is almost imperative, says UL’s Netherlands-based
expertise and reach of the two allies, but also on their
Business Development Manager, Gordon Biezeveld.
shared vision of ethical integrity and scientific exact-
‘A lot of products are initially developed for the
ness. ‘This is why at UL we are excited about the
domestic market, but good concepts almost
alliance with Kiwa.’
instantaneously go international; it is the way things
work in this industry. Running up against unforeseen
More information: Henry.Rutjes@kiwa.nl
Gordon Biezeveld
17
Kiwa witnesses explosion-resistance test for Swedish customer
Toughest glass
in the world
If you’ve ever wondered what would be left of a square metre of a shock-proof glass-and-steel window
frame if it were smashed by about twenty trucks at once, ask Kiwa Sweden’s Marco van Brink. Marco saw
it happen for the first time as a witness during explosion resistance testing for Swedish security glass
specialist Planglasteknik AB earlier this year.
The shock-tube tests, part of a CE marking proce-
bullet- and explosion-proof glass and windows
dure, were conducted at a specialised test facility
for governmental and private organisations who
in South Germany called Fraunhofer. ‘The aim is to
need high levels of physical protection without
simulate the blast wave created by the detonation
compromising on their working environment.
of up to 2500 kilogrammes of TNT at a distance of
‘Testing and certification are extremely important
35 to 50 meter,’ says Marco van Brink. ‘It’s liter-
in our market,' comments Sonnorp. ‘We asked
ally like a huge bomb going off. As far as I know,
Kiwa to act as Notified Body, making sure the tests
Fraunhofer is the only European institute capable of
were performed in accordance with the relevant
performing tests at these high pressures.’
standards, because we have a strong partnership.
Kiwa has been highly engaged since the beginning
THE HIGHEST CLASSIFICATION
of the process.’
According to safety glass standards, the glass and
Magnus Sonnorp
steel undergoing shock-tube testing are allowed
Drive and network
to suffer damage from the blast, as long as the
Jaap Havinga, Kiwa’s International Lab Coordinator,
materials stay in place and do not enter the space
adds that the Fraunhofer tests are a good example of
behind the window. Planglasteknik’s products
Kiwa’s extensive reach. ‘We have a lot of very well
attained the highest classification for glass (ER4)
equipped test labs, also for glass. But this case high-
as well as windows (EPR4).
lights the fact that even if our own facilities do not
match a customer’s needs, we have both the drive
‘This glass is among the toughest glass products
and the network to get the job done elsewhere.’
in the world – although we have products that can
18
resist even higher pressures,’ says the firm’s direc-
More information: Marco.van.Brink@kiwa.se
tor, Magnus Sonnorp. Planglasteknik manufactures
www.planglasteknik.se
ICA hires Swedish experts to audit Nz meat suppliers
Inspecting
paradise
With its verdant grassland and rolling foothills, New Zealand may be the nearest
thing to heaven for cattle. However, that does not mean animal welfare can be taken
for granted. Swedish supermarket chain ICA relies on Kiwa Sweden to audit its New
Zealand meat suppliers. In January, Lennart Josefsson will spend three weeks visiting
farms and slaughterhouses in ‘the land of the long white cloud’.
‘Sweden has the toughest animal welfare legisla-
Sweden and ICA are at the forefront of animal welfare
tion in Europe, possibly even the world,’ says ICA’s
standards, suppliers from other countries often have
Director of Product Safety & Quality, Lena Sparring.
a tough time complying,’ he says. ‘But New Zealand’s
‘Because of Sweden’s unique position in this field, we
suppliers are quite advanced.’
have a very strict animal welfare code for our entire
supply chain. The reason we rely on Swedish auditors
Facts
even for audits as far away as New Zealand is that
As a pioneer in this area, ICA faces the challenge
animal welfare expertise is not enough for ICA: we
of coping with the wide range of procedures and
need auditors with inside understanding of Swedish
methods used by its suppliers worldwide. Explains
requirements as well.’
Lena, ‘Swedish legislation is our benchmark, but
different countries have different conditions, legis-
Audit focus areas
lation and practices. It is not possible to require all of
The upcoming audits in New Zealand will be per-
our suppliers to follow procedures identical to those
formed by Kiwa Sweden’s Lennart Josefsson, a
we prefer in Sweden. We can accept alternative
veteran auditor and a strong advocate of high animal
practices, as long as we know about them and can
welfare standards. Josefsson will be visiting ten
make decisions based on facts. What matters is that
cattle farms and the five slaughterhouses at which
on an overall assessment our suppliers’ practices
meat from these farms is processed. He will focus on
correspond with Swedish legislation.’
four main areas, he says: breeding systems, feeding,
transport and slaughterhouse procedures. ‘Because
More information: Lennart.Josefsson@kiwa.se
Lena Sparring
www.ica.se
19
Beaver
Moon
colophon
Kiwa Magazine is published by Kiwa N.V.
Kiwa puts its expert knowledge to use to improve
quality and to create trust. Kiwa is a fast growing
international know-ledge organisation active in testing,
certification, (gas) technology, training and consultancy.
Kiwa has offices in Europe, Asia and Latin America
and employs more than 2,000 people who are globally
active in more than 50 countries. Kiwa is the market
Did you know that November’s full moon is also known as Beaver Moon? If
leader, servicing clients in the water, gas and construc-
you didn’t, chances are you missed this year’s Beaver Moon, on 6 November
tion sectors, industry, business services, safety &
2014, 22:23 (GMT). Some say it’s called Beaver Moon because in olden days
security, food, feed & farm and health & care.
this was the time of year for setting beaver traps before the swamps froze, to
ensure a supply of warm winter furs. Another interpretation suggests that the
name Full Beaver Moon comes from the fact that beavers actively prepare for
winter at this time.
Full moon names originated with the Native Americans of what is now the
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northern and eastern United States. These tribes kept track of the seasons by
Editors
giving distinctive names to each recurring full moon. Their names were applied
Kiwa CorpCom in cooperation with Admix BV
to the entire month in which each occurred. There was some variation in the
names, but in general, the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin
Editors’ address:
tribes from New England to Lake Superior. European settlers picked up the
P.O. Box 70
custom and created some of their own names. Since the lunar month only
2280 AB Rijswijk, The Netherlands
lasts 29 days on average, the full moon dates shift from year to year.
Maggie.Bourgonje@kiwa.nl
www.1kiwa.com
Eager to see the next Beaver Moon? Set this date and time in your diary:
Wednesday, 25 November, 2015, 22:44 (GMT).
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Admix BV, Rotterdam
Photographs
Kiwa CorpCom, Admix BV
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