xsign is ISO 9001 and 14001 accredited

An increasing number of businesses are using structured frameworks to transform their processes and demonstrate their ability to operate considerately and environmentally sustainably. Among the most important of these are the internationally recognised series of standards operated and maintained by the International Standards Organisation (ISO), including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 27001.

While ISO 9001 is an overall standard designed to streamline the management process, ISO 27001 focuses on a framework of policies and procedures that includes all legal, physical and technical controls involved in an organisation’s information risk management processes. ISO 14001 is becoming increasingly important to businesses as it not only helps to create a structure to save money but also establishes environmental credentials and practices, too. Businesses are paying more attention to waste reduction within their working practices – an important issue for the management team, customers and employees.

Operations Manager, David Diep: “The ISO 9001 and 14001 standards are an ingrained part of our operation. Our control processes around project management are greatly impacted and improved by the ISO 9001 controls. Our waste management policies and procedures help us to reduce our carbon footprint and recycle valuable raw materials, as part of our commitment to the ISO 14001 standard.”

ISO 14001 sets the standard for Environmental Management Systems and drives a company to consider its impact on the environment. If a business wants to reduce its waste management costs and demonstrate their commitment to protecting the environment, it is essential to implement an ISO 14001 certification system to capture all of the elements surrounding waste and its control. By implementing a globally recognised standard an organisation can be assured that it is complying with increasingly stringent environmental laws and regulations, as well as building trust with customers and suppliers.

The sign-making industry traditionally uses a wide range of raw materials to manufacture signs, including woods, metals, plastics and composite materials, which will require energy to manufacture in to the final, finished product. There is also scrappage involved in the manufacturing process and considerations about print consumables. By putting responsible processes around the sourcing of materials, manufacturing and waste, the company can reliably take step towards reducing its impact on the environment.

The ISO 14001 standard requires a company to look at its processes and materials and energy consumption and document them. Once usage is understood, the standard requires that a company sets targets to reduce consumption on a year-on-year basis, whilst also helping suppliers do the same. Regular audits by both an internal team and external accreditation bodies ensure that set targets are achievable and met by the company.

ISO 14001 is a structured means of taking demonstrable steps towards limiting environmental change and shows customers that the business is not only conscious of what it is doing but has the conviction to do something about it. Because the ISO standard is so far reaching, it covers all aspects of the business, from concept to proof, through the entire manufacturing cycle.

All areas of production and manufacture can be controlled by documentation, reporting and analysis. By understanding how the company operates, decision-makers are in a much better position to implement changes that positively impact the company and its stakeholders.

bespoke sign, one of xsign's exported signs