For Kapro, true quality is the result of a broad combination of factors that range from meeting international quality standards to providing exceptional service. As we send out our regular Customer Satisfaction Survey, it seems like an appropriate time to review some of these elements.

ISO 9001:2008 specifies requirements for a quality management system where an organization:

·         needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide product that meets customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, and

·         aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for continual improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

ISO 14001:2004 is a management tool enabling an organization to:

·         identify and control the environmental impact of its activities, products or services, and to

·         improve its environmental performance continually, and to

·         implement a systematic approach to setting environmental objectives and targets, to achieving these and to demonstrating that they have been achieved.

SA8000 (Social Accountability standard) is based on the principles of international human rights norms as described in International Labour Organisation conventions, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It measures the performance of companies in eight key areas: child labour, forced labour, health and safety, free association and collective bargaining, discrimination, disciplinary practices, working hours and compensation. SA8000 also provides for a social accountability management system to demonstrate ongoing conformance with the standard.

VPA/GS certification: The German VPA Research and Testing Centre is an objective testing centre for the evaluation of product quality. It is a member of Eurolab, the European Federation of National Associations of Measurement, Testing and Analytical Laboratories. Kapro levels are the only levels in the world to gain the GS badge of approval.