Distributors are turning to members of the CHSA’s Manufacturing Standards Accreditation Schemes for soft tissue products, plastic refuse sacks and industrial cotton mops to obtain greater transparency in their supply chains.

Dave Bruce, director of DJB Cleaning Supplies, argued that companies marketing their products without showing the specifications are undermining the industry and could be costing the end user up to 40% more. “This is one of the biggest challenges facing our industry. Too often suppliers selling recognised industry products, like the Mini Jumbo toilet roll, give it an incredibly low price to tempt the unwary. But they don’t include product specification. This is almost always a cover up; you don’t get what you think you’re buying.

“This can be a particular problem with products sold online,” said Dave. “The real losers are the end uses and it needs to stop.”

DJB Cleaning Supplies has implemented a policy to buy from members of the CHSA’s Manufacturing Standards Accreditation Schemes. “It’s the only way we can be certain the products are manufactured to a consistent standard with the relevant specifications guaranteed, whether they are length, width, weight or quality,” continued Dave. “This gives us the transparency we need.

“We’re ruthless with suppliers that don’t come up to the mark. We have the ISO 9001 Quality Standard and so have full and detailed audit trails. Any supplier found to be inadequate is struck off our approved suppliers list.”

Dave Bruce is encouraged by the CHSA’s continued focus on enhancing the rigour of the Manufacturing Standards Accreditation Schemes. “We would like to see the Schemes extended to other products within the industry; it can only develop the prestige of our industry.

“We’re looking forward to full transparency in the industry, a day that will only come with Accredited products being specified on all tenders. As a business we’re doing all we can to promote the Schemes, so this day comes as quickly as possible.”