Certifications, Accreditations & Memberships
At Alliance Online we value transparency of information, which is why we try to ensure all our products have as much information as possible and why we try our best to explain the way in which we operate. This page is dedicated to explaining the various certifications which are attributed to products we sell along with including explanations to accreditations that we ourselves have too.
Product Certifications
Nordic Ecolabel
The Nordic Swan Ecolabel is an environmental certification which is used an indicator of the environmental impact from the manufacture and consumption of goods. For a product to be granted this certification is must undergo and pass a strict criterion and meet all necessary requirements.
There are 63 certified product areas whereby a product can obtain a Nordic Swan license meaning not every product can apply. But where products do there is then a specific criterion which demands the product to meet set emissions, energy consumption, sustainability and various other requirements. These strict regulations ensure any product which has received this certification is manufactured and consumed in a capacity which considers and support environmental stability and sustainability.
EU Ecolabel
The EU Ecolabel is an environmental performance indicator which is aimed at promoting the sales of products which meets its strict ecological criteria. The set criteria is administered by the EU Commission and all product specific applications are processed in EU member states.
Much like the Nordic Swan, there are various regulations which need to be met for aspects such as emissions (which are defined by values in air and water). Moreover, energy consumption needs to be limited and there must be a minimum amount of fibres from sustainably managed forests and the usage of any chemicals is strict monitored and regulated.
Any tissue products which are awarded the EU Ecolabel must consist of recycled fibres or fresh fibres from 100% sustainably managed forests.
FSC Certified
The FSC Chain of Custody certification is a regulation which acts as verification that forest-based materials used in manufacturing are produced in a manner according to rigorous standards of sustainability. The certification takes into account social, ecological and economical aspects in the operational management of the forests where product materials are sourced.
Industrially Compostable
Industrial composting takes place in specialised composting plants that produce a controlled atmosphere aiding expedient composting. These plants reach and maintain temperatures up to 65˚C and are continually aeriated to maintain both a suitable humidity and a constant supply of oxygen. In turn, composting plants have a much higher volume of microorganism diversity which increases the composting efficiency. As a result, industrial composting units break down products much faster than home composting.
Home Compostable
Home composting is something which the nation has partaken in for centuries as it reduces waste whilst also producing high quality compost for garden areas. Products which are deemed home compostable will break down in a standard home composting environment.
Alliance Online Accreditations
ISO 9001
Alliance have held the ISO 9001 accreditation since 2015. The ISO 9001 is globally acknowledged as the premier standard for quality management systems, developed by the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO). The accreditation enables companies to establish consistent and transparent processes to deliver high-quality services to their customers consistently. Obtaining ISO 9001 certification has assisted us in setting up a Quality Management System (QMS) that has enhanced productivity, attract new clients, and reduce costs.
ISO 14001
On the 22nd of September 2023, Alliance achieved certification confirming our ISO 14001 accreditation. The ISO 14001 accreditation is generally regarded as the most widely recognised environmental management system standard in the world. The standard ensures an accredited company has successfully demonstrated the following:
- A commitment to controlling the environmental impact of its operations.
- An understanding and maintained compliance with environmental legislation.
- Reviewing and improving the potential environmental benefit of its products or services.
- Having a clear and well outlined environmental management system.
Memberships
Foodservice Packaging Association
The Foodservice Packaging Association (FPA) is the representative voice of foodservice packaging at all levels. Being a member ensures we are up to date with all legislation and new developments and helps us to make changes whenever new legislation comes into place. Furthermore, it helps keep us informed on all suppliers and their innovations in the foodservice packaging market.
Freight Transport Association
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) is one of the biggest business groups in the UK and its purpose is to support, shape and stand up for efficient logistics. We are members in order to ensure we are at the forefront of logistical innovations and legislation. It also helps us with the compliance aspect when satisfying large tenders and contracts and ensuring our delivery fleet always operates in a legal and safe capacity.
Sedex
Sedex looks to empower and promote sustainable supply chains. The purpose of being a member is to ensure your supply chain is complicity with modern trading standards and ethical operations. Being a member also ensures we are always working towards improving the environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects of our business.