Normec QS in conversation with Pipelife

A deliberate intermediate step

Pipelife didn’t dive straight into the certification process but consciously chose to take an intermediate step. Ruud explains: “We wanted to understand exactly what our quality system needed to meet. Through a workshop with several people from our organization, Normec QS trained us on these requirements. Based on this, we set up the quality management system and commissioned Normec QS to conduct an audit at our location. Thanks to this preparation, we were able to organize things properly, resulting in a short lead time and a successful audit.”

Independent proof

It goes without saying that an initial audit is intensive. Everything is new, so both parties need to get used to the process and find their way. Ruud expects the annual follow-up audit to run more smoothly: “Now that we have some experience in implementing the quality management system, there will be more focus on the practical aspects—how we’ve executed and documented everything. The cooperation with Normec QS went very well. They are professional, straightforward, and task-focused. Thanks to Normec QS, we now have independent proof for our customers in the form of a validated system. We are in discussions with parties in the water and gas markets to inspire them to use our bio-circular products. The certification is a valuable tool in that process.”

Independent certification as proof

Founded in 1947 as the oldest manufacturer of plastic piping systems in the Netherlands, Pipelife has since grown into a leading player in the market. The headquarters of the Pipelife Group is located in Vienna, as a 100% subsidiary of Wienerberger. Globally, Pipelife employs around 3,750 people across 24 countries.

Pipelife produces pipes for indoor and outdoor sewage systems, gas, drinking water, drainage, electrical, cable protection, and industrial applications. The company focuses on sustainability and anticipating changing needs in the areas of energy, rainwater, and drinking water. As part of this commitment, they invest in innovative solutions, including the production of part of their range using bio-circular raw materials. Customers naturally want assurance that the quality is consistent and the system is well secured. With an ISCC PLUS certification, Pipelife can demonstrate this, says Ruud: “A certified system that has been audited by Normec QS as an independent party provides the proof that convinces our customers.”

Local partner with short lines of communication

“We want to deliver a product that offers sufficient guarantees and reliability,” Ruud continues. “The challenges lie mainly in the pressure applications, where higher requirements are imposed on the product. Bio-circular material could offer a solution for this. The raw materials are identical to traditional ones in terms of properties, but they originate from natural sources rather than mineral oil. We see opportunities here, but this requires a quality control system. That’s why we looked for a partner who could support us and certify our products according to the ISCC PLUS system. Normec QS was our preferred local partner for this. We have short lines of communication with them.”