CHSA MANUFACTURING STANDARD ACCREDITATION SCHEME
Plastic Refuse Sacks
As the supply chain association for our industry, the Cleaning and Hygiene Suppliers Association sees raising industry standards as one of its key roles. To this end, in recent years we have launched two Manufacturing Standard Accreditation Schemes, one for soft tissue products and the other for industrial mops. In both areas practices have evolved over time which has resulted in some end users being confused about what they were actually buying. The CHSA Schemes require all accredited members to properly label their products so that the end user can buy with confidence by making an informed choice.
In pursuit of this industry standards-raising role we have been made aware that similar problems exist with plastic refuse sacks. Confusion exists between metric and imperial sizes. Concern is expressed that content claims are not always accurate. Technological advances mean that 'gauge' is not the strength indicator it used to be. And, with no clear brand leader there is no easily comparable benchmark for the market.
For the last 2 years we have been working with a group of leading suppliers of plastic refuse sacks to develop a Standard which will address these issues. The needs of our distributor members have been canvassed and the input of the Packaging and Industrial Film Association (PIFA) has contributed to the development of a Scheme which we are now ready to unveil.
The CHSA Manufacturing Standard Accreditation Scheme for plastic refuse sacks is intended to give end users assurance that they are getting what they paid for. Like other CHSA Schemes “what’s on the box is in the box!” The label on packs manufactured to the Standard will feature key dimensional information such as length, width, minimum net weight and the number of sacks in the pack. But there’s more. A “fit for purpose” scale has been agreed which will assist the user to buy a sack which is appropriate for their needs. In the past this has been achieved by reference to the thickness or gauge of a sack - the higher the gauge the stronger the sack. But this no longer applies. A “thin” sack made of virgin polymer can be much stronger than a “thicker” sack made from recycled polymer. So how do you choose? Simple, buy CHSA accredited sacks and select from the “fit for purpose” scale provided!
Further confidence is provided by the way the Scheme is administered. Only suppliers who have been independently assessed to ensure that they can consistently manufacture to the Standard are allowed to use the registered Scheme logo. But it does not end there. Their products are regularly monitored for compliance by an independent inspector. The Scheme is underpinned by regulations, which include a disciplinary process for non compliance.
The “fit for purpose” claim is also closely monitored. Sacks are regularly tested using the procedure set out in British Standard 6642 to ensure they will not burst with the loads set out in the Standard.
You now have the choice. Buy plastic refuse sacks which carry the Scheme logo in the knowledge that you are getting exactly what you paid for. Or take a chance. Do you feel lucky?
