The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) has awarded the first accreditations under Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd (REAL)’s Compost Certification Scheme (CCS).
Following the successful conclusion of a 12-month pilot assessment programme, three certification bodies have been granted UKAS accreditation against both REAL’s CCS and the internationally recognised ISO/IEC 17065 product certification standard:
- Aardvark Certification Ltd
- NSF Certification Ltd
- Organic Farmers & Growers CIC
First conceived in 2007, the CCS has been developed by REAL as a quality assurance and end-of-waste scheme for compost derived from (predominantly green) waste materials that is used in the farming, horticulture, and growing-medium manufacturing industries. In addition to allowing compost producers to achieve end-of-waste status for their products, goods bearing the CCS conformity mark have proved that they meet stringent quality criteria and do not harm the environment. The CCS provides a framework for the independent assessment and certification of compost to PAS 100, the Compost Quality Protocol, and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s regulatory position statement on composting[1].
Announcing the awards, Justyna Staff, Head of Certification Schemes at REAL said: “Congratulations to the three certification bodies who all successfully completed the pilot programme and are now accredited to ISO/IEC 17065 for certifying against the CCS requirements. Accreditation by UKAS reflects the competence, impartiality, and performance capability of these organisations, while also demonstrating the CCS provides reliable services to industry. We are extremely proud that the Scheme has reached this important milestone in its development – all CCS certificates are now UKAS accredited, which will give consumers even greater assurance that they are receiving a reliable, quality product.”
On receipt of its accreditation, Roger Kerr, CEO of Organic Farmers & Growers said: “Compost certification has been an integral part of our quality management system evaluation portfolio for a number of years. We are extremely pleased to now have official, independent recognition of the Compost Certification Scheme within our scope of UKAS accredited certification services.”
Commenting on the confidence its accreditation will bring Alison Peet, Quality Manager EMEA for NSF International said: “Being a UKAS accredited certification body provides reassurance to our customers that their certification body has the right people and processes in place to perform competent, consistent and impartial certification. Certification for the Compost Certification Scheme gives scheme members confidence in their product to their customers and stakeholders.“
Acknowledging both the considerable efforts involved and significance of these accreditations Gillian Manniex, UKAS Development Project Manager said: “Well done to REAL for establishing the Compost Certification Scheme and congratulations to the certification bodies on achieving accreditation to ISO 17065 for certifying against CCS requirements. A great deal of expertise, time and hard work has been put into reaching this goal by everyone involved. Accredited certification to the CCS helps compost manufacturers meet end-of-waste regulatory requirements across the UK, whilst simultaneously raising quality standards within the industry. It also provides customers with a vital independent assurance over the potential impact on the environment of using CCS certified composting products.”
For further information about the Compost Certification Scheme, including the benefits of participation, contact info@realschemes.org.uk . To discuss development of accreditable schemes and standards across a wide range of industry sectors contact the UKAS Development Team: DevelopmentEnquiries@ukas.com
