Quality and environment

Measurable results

The quality of our products is based on the adherence to applicable norms, internal standards and test protocols. We go to great lengths to ensure excellent product quality during the manufacturing process:

Exact following of client and product-related raw material recipes via system-controlled weighing and dosage systems
Archived product-related process parameters
Inline colour measurement for each selected colour
Continuous checking of product dimensions and quality features
Preventative maintenance of manufacturing plants and equipment
High levels of staff competency
Systematic training and continuous professional development

Certified quality

In 2005, ER&GE was certified for the first time according to DIN ISO 9001:2000 and was successfully re-certified to DIN ISO 9001:2008 in 2020.

Assessment by an independent body has many advantages for you:

A standard with a high level of acceptance
Consistent quality assurance
Measures for your individual products which build confidence
Cost saving: you don’t have to carry out cost-intensive audits
Personal responsibilities are regulated

As well as a high amount of client focus, we continuously strive to improve our processes and products.

Download the certificates as PDF files here:

DMSZ Certificate – ISO 50001
DMSZ Certificate – ISO 14001
DMSZ Certificate – ISO 9001

Environmentally responsible

The material

At ER&GE, environmental protection is a part of our products. Using polypropylene and polyethylene, our plastics are extremely eco-friendly and approved in accordance with the European chemical regulation, REACH. Unlike PVC, polypropylene and polyethylene do not release harmful emissions when set alight; only water and carbon dioxide are released. Moreover, our products are completely recyclable.

Our philosophy regarding additives and aggregates is reflected in our day-to-day operations: ‘as much as necessary, as little as possible’. Thereby we achieve the highest technical capacity possible, whilst also being environmentally conscious.

The operations

Today, environmental management is an essential factor in the development and housekeeping of our company. Our environmental protection measures are concentrated on the responsible use of raw materials and additives, the reduction of waste and the safe handling of water for cooling and cleaning. Furthermore, the noise and air emissions from ER&GE are well below the limits set by law: frequent testing ensures that statutory controls are not breached. ISO 14001:2004 + Cor 1:2009 certifies our environmental management in all these areas. Moreover, we also strive to maintain efficient energy management.

Our behaviour

We make every effort to assess the way we work and develop measures to continually improve our performance. First of all, we have internal concerns, such as the reduction of dangerous substances, and there are also external measures that must be implemented. We have thus begun, for example, to take back pallets and other wooden packaging from our clients. Moreover, upon request we take off-cuts and waste from our clients for processing and re-use. We are also carrying out an awareness campaign for employees, enabling us to use energy in a more efficient way.

Our accolade

We have even been awarded with the “Blue Angel” certificate. There are several reasons for this: Our reusable system prevents paper waste, items can be reused many times, are easy to clean and are recyclable.

Economic use of energy

As an energy-intensive company, ER&GE is governed by legal guidelines and also our own claim that we maintain effective energy management. As part of our work towards our successful certification in 2014, we introduced active management of all internal plants and equipment. We make great efforts to explore new technical solutions, new technologies and areas for future optimisation, which may be developed and introduced within operations, as a permanent energy-saving concept. In other words, we aim to reduce energy consumption by analysing our own situation and discovering potential improvements, such as more efficient motors or propulsion technology. Therefore, in summer 2015 we equipped an extrusion line with new, ‘state of the art’ control technology and high efficiency drive motors.

ER&GE understands living energy management to mean finding opportunities for improvement, such as air conditioning in the administration department. It was changed from continuous operation to time-controlled with a reduced running time, so that its energy consumption could be halved. Further energy saving potential lies within reducing operational times of cooling compressors, replacing lights and turning off machines that are left idle for long periods of time. Last but not least, energy management is a question of support from the employees within the company. At ER&GE, all employees are trained and familiar with the principles of responsible energy use.

REACH: ER&GE plastics do not need to be registered

The European chemicals regulation, REACH, which covers the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals, came into force on 1 July 2007, with a view to protecting the environment and people’s health.

The regulations require all manufacturers and importers of substances of more than a tonne's worth of annual production that fall within the ambit of the regulations, to register the said substances before they are imported or released. All substances requiring registration must be registered with the specially created REACH body ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) in Helsinki.

Polymers such as PP and PE however, do not fall within the ambit of REACH. Consequently, none of ER&GE's products are affected by the REACH regulations.

Nevertheless, as a precautionary measure, ER&GE is currently testing the fillers that are added to our polymers in order to achieve specific product characteristics, such as pigments and flame protection agents. We do not however, anticipate any fundamental changes in terms of mandatory registration. Should the certification of any of our materials change at a later date, we will of course, inform our customers without delay.

For more information on REACH, go to www.reach-clp-biozid-helpdesk.de (available in English)