Getting There | Certification to ISO Standards

Interface, Inc. has more of its divisions registered to the International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Standard than any other company in the commercial interiors industry. The ISO 14000 standard series is an environmental management system that not only addresses issues of waste, but also outlines proper procedures for the storage and maintenance of any hazardous materials used in our manufacturing processes. In addition, it provides instructions for safe procedures in the event of an accident or natural disaster.

In addition, several of Interface's companies are also certified to the ISO Quality Management System Series (ISO 9000 series) which addresses the implementation of consistent procedures for every phase of operation and improves the quality of systems while reducing the need for repetitive auditing.

Click on the facility names below to learn more about these certifications.

Bentley Prince Street

Interface Asia-Pacific – Australia (Picton, NSW)

Interface Asia-Pacific – Thailand

Interface Fabrics

Interface Canada

Interface Flooring Systems

Bentley Prince Street has certified its facility in City of Industry, California to the ISO 14001 Standard

That facility is also certified to the ISO 9001 Quality Standard.

Interface Australia, Pty Limited has certified its facility in Picton, New South Wales to the ISO 14001 Standard for Australia and New Zealand - AS/NZS ISO 14001:1996

That facility is also certified to the ISO 9001 Quality Standard – AS/NZS ISO:2000 and they have certified the ISO standard for laboratories - ISO/ICE 17025 (1999)

Interface Modernform Co. Ltd. has certified its facility in Chonburi, Thailand to the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Standard.

That facility is also certified to the ISO Quality Management Standard – ISO 9001:2000.

The Fabrics facilities are certifying to a number of ISO standards while also incorporating compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley for locations in Guilford, Maine, Newport, Maine, Elkin, North Carolina and Grand Rapids Michigan. It is the intent of Interface Fabrics to integrate all applicable ISO standards into a common business management system that keeps associates focused on how they intend to run our businesses. The ISO standards serve as roadmaps that guide them and determine how they continue to improve quality systems, environmental management systems and other key management systems in the interest of advancing on the path to sustainability.

The Maine facilities are certified to OFI 9000, the ISO 9001 quality standard for the office furniture industry.

The Maine (Guilford, Saulter and Newport) facilities are certified to the ISO 14001 environmental standard and ISO 14001 certification is being sought for the facilities in Elkin, NC and Grand Rapids, MI, with expectations of completion at the Elkin facility in early 2007.

Guilford of Maine (Guilford, ME) achieved ISO 14001 certification in October of 1998. Before receiving the recommendation for certification, Guilford constructed an extensive training and development program to prepare associates for the auditing process. Each associate was familiarized with the definition of ISO and with 14001 specifically. They were presented with the key elements of becoming ISO 14001 certified, which included conforming with Guilford's environmental procedures and EMS; knowing the significant aspects and impacts within each associate's department; and having some associates trained to conduct internal audits of the EMS.

The second initiative within Guilford's training and development program presented how ISO 14001 affects individual associates. Leaders explained that ISO 14001 certification would facilitate Guilford's efforts to prevent pollution, continuously improve performance and maintain legal compliance with environmental standards. Purchasing decisions encouraging the use of recycled and biodegradable materials are also part of ISO 14001. Finally, associates reviewed and discussed Guilford's environmental policy.

Guilford of Maine was the first American fabrics company and the first North American Interface company to become ISO 14001 certified.

The Fabrics facilities are seeking the following certifications:

ISO/TS 16949 – an international standard that combines the requirements of quality standard ISO 9001 and QS 9000. The ISO/TS 16949 standard is more rigorous than either of the separate standards, but achieving certification to it will be necessary due to the diversity of the fabrics business. Achieving ISO/TS 16949 certification will also eliminate the need for meeting two separate standards. This standard is a comprehensive quality management system that impacts every functional area of our business. It places a high premium on actively measuring customer satisfaction and being responsive to the results of those metrics. This certification is being sought for the facility in Elkin, NC.

ISO 17025 is a technical/laboratory certification (also known as A2LA certification). This certification is a requirement for automotive testing. Receiving this certification would allow Interface Fabrics significant flexibility in conducting testing for its customers, thereby also providing potential revenue streams for increased economic impact. It is seeking certification to ISO 17025 for the Elkin, NC facility.

OHSA 18001 is the occupational health and safety management system. It covers workplace safety as well as health/ergonomic issues. Anticipated completion of this certification is the fourth quarter of 2005 for all facilities.

Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance - Although Sarbanes-Oxley is not a standard, the Fabrics facilities are taking the procedures and requirements of this law and incorporating them into their systems accordingly.

The first of Interface’s floorcovering manufacturers to become certified to the ISO 14000 and 9000 series, Interface Canada led the way for the certification processes at Interface Flooring Systems facilities in Troup County, GA.

Interface Flooring Systems Canada is currently certified to the ISO 9001:2000 quality system standard and the ISO 14001:1996 environmental management system standard.

Both the Kyle and Ray C. Anderson plants in Troup County, GA became certified to ISO 14001 in May of 2001. After months of preparation that included reviewing all of Interface's practices from an environmental perspective and identifying the significant aspects of each department, IFS implemented an Environmental Management System. IFS utilized the environmental manual created by Interface's ISO team members to facilitate the training of all manufacturing associates. Each associate working in a department in which a significant aspect was identified received training specific to handling the materials and substances in accordance with IFS documented procedures, which were dictated by the ISO standard. In addition, associates received training regarding Interface's environmental policy and cards with the policy printed on it. These cards are available to all visitors of IFS facilities.

IFS-USA is certified to the ISO 9001:2000 quality system standard.