In industry, quality standards play an important role by guaranteeing compliance, performance and stakeholder satisfaction. These standards often form part of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach when they take into account social, environmental and economic aspects. So what are the main quality standards in the industrial sector? What are the related CSR issues? Why integrate quality and CSR? Here's how.
What are the quality standards in industry?
In industry, a number of quality standards are widely adopted to ensure compliance with standards, improve performance and meet customer requirements. Here is an overview of the main quality standards used to ensure the quality of industrial processes.
Quality management standards
- ISO 9001
This international standard establishes the criteria for an effective quality management system. It focuses on customer satisfaction, continuous improvement and the process approach.
Objectives: optimise processes, reduce costs, increase customer satisfaction.
This international standard has been widely adopted in France. According to the ISO Survey 2022, around 21,880 ISO 9001 certificates were active in France on 31 December 2022.
Want to find out more? Discover the training programme ISO 9001, quality, Foundation, PECB certification.
Key points
- Understanding the challenges of a quality management system
- Interpreting ISO 9001
- Understanding the key aspects of implementation
- Preparing for the ISO 9001 Foundation certification exam
Example of a practical exercise: preparing a QMS project and drafting a quality policy.
What participants have to say: "The content is comprehensive and supported by the trainer's pedagogical approach and practical examples.
Example
LISI Aerospace, a supplier to the aerospace industry, has implemented ISO 9001 at all its production sites to improve traceability and process control. The result: a 12 % gain in productivity on a critical line and an 18 % reduction in customer non-conformities in one year.
"Implementing ISO 9001 has enabled us to structure our internal audits and identify areas for improvement directly linked to our CSR policy. - Quality Manager, LISI Aerospace
- IATF 16949
Specific to the automotive sector, this standard complements ISO 9001 by incorporating the requirements of manufacturers and equipment suppliers.
Occupational health and safety standards
- ISO 45001
An international standard for health and safety at work, it aims to reduce occupational risks. Around 2,000 French companies were certified to ISO Survey 2020. The main sectors concerned include manufacturing, construction and services.
Training
ISO 45001, Foundation, PECB certification
The aim of ISO 45001 is to implement an effective occupational health and safety (OHS) management system to reduce the risk of accidents in the workplace. This training course will enable you to master the requirements and best practices, and pass the Foundation certification.
Example of practical work: quiz on the requirements of ISO 45001.
3 typical quiz questions :
1. What is the main purpose of ISO 45001?
a) Protecting the environment
b) Managing product quality
c) Improving health and safety at work
d) Reducing production costs
2. What does PDCA mean in the context of ISO 45001?
a) Plan, Do, Control, Apply
b) Plan, Do, Check, Act
c) Prevent, Detect, Control, Assess
d) Plan, Develop, Communicate, Act
3. Which document is not explicitly required by the standard?
a) OHS policy
b) Management review
c) Internal audit procedure
d) Quality manual
Environmental and CSR standards
- ISO 14001
This environmental management standard aims to minimise ecological impact. It applies to the manufacturing, energy and chemical industries, etc. This standard focuses on the management of an organisation's environmental impact. The aim? Reducing the ecological footprint, regulatory compliance and the sustainability of industrial activities. According to a survey conducted by AFNOR, there were more than 7,700 certifications to this standard in France in 2020.
Training
ISO 14001, environmental management, Foundation, PECB certification
Key points
- Understanding how an environmental management system works
- Understanding the correlation between ISO 14001 and other standards and regulatory frameworks
- Discover the methods for implementing and managing an environmental management system
- Preparing for the ISO 14001 certification audit
Participants speak out:
"There was a lot of information to record, and the case studies helped us to better understand our situation and our needs as an EMS. I would like to thank the trainer for his teaching skills and for passing on the information needed to successfully complete the certification."
- ISO 26000
Although not certifiable, this standard guides companies towards responsible practices.
Example
Nature & Découvertes uses ISO 26000 as a framework for its responsible purchasing. As a result, 82 % of its suppliers are assessed each year on ethical, social and environmental criteria.
- ISO 50001
This international energy management standard aims to reduce the consumption and carbon footprint of industries.
Training
Understanding best practice in energy management systems (EMS)
Step by step, integrate the fundamental elements of implementing and managing an ISO 50001-compliant energy management system: procedures, performance measurement, management commitment, internal audit, management review and continuous improvement.
Standards specific to certain sectors
- ISO 13485 for the medical devices industry.
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) In the pharmaceutical and food industries, to guarantee product safety.
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point): for managing health risks in the food industry.
Key quality standards
- Quality and customer satisfaction: ISO 9001
- Environment ISO : 14001
- Health and safety ISO : 45001
- Energy ISO: 50001
- CSR and ethics (non-certifiable): ISO 26000
- Specific to certain sectors: IATF 16949, ISO 13485, GMP, HACCP
Links with CSR
Quality standards, while focused on performance and compliance, are increasingly linked to CSR issues.
Health, safety and well-being at work
The application of standards ISO 45001 and other security repositories reduces the risks to employees.
Improving working conditions is therefore part of our social commitment to CSR.
Environment and sustainability
ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 to structure an effective environmental policy.
Industrial companies reduce their carbon footprint, waste and energy consumption.
Example
The Michelin plant in Clermont-Ferrand has adopted ISO 4001 to structure its industrial waste reduction plan. Thanks to better flow management and advanced sorting, it has achieved a waste recovery rate of 98 % by 2023.
"The ISO 14001 standard has been our compass for combining high-performance production with respect for the environment. - Environmental engineer, Michelin
Example
The Saint-Gobain plant in Sully-sur-Loire has adopted ISO 50001 to optimise its consumption. In three years, it has saved 9 % on its energy bill, while reducing its CO₂ emissions by 15 %.
Read also : Corporate environmental policy: why and how should it be implemented?
Ethics and social commitment
L'ISO 26000 provides a framework for more ethical and transparent practices.
Some industries impose fair trade and responsible production. Examples: FSC for wood or Fairtrade for agricultural products.
To sum up: what are the links between quality and CSR in industry?
Carbon footprint reduction (ISO 14001, ISO 50001)
Well-being in the workplace (ISO 45001)
Ethics and governance (ISO 26000)
Why integrate quality and CSR?
Competitiveness and brand image
A certified company (ISO 9001, 14001, 45001...) improves its reputation and sets itself apart from the competition.
Example
Certified companies in the textile sector, such as Petit Bateau and Armor Lux, are leveraging their quality and CSR commitments to stand out in a competitive market.
Regulatory compliance
Quality and CSR help us to anticipate and comply with current legislation.
Example
The AGEC Act (anti-waste) requires greater traceability of waste and sustainable production, in line with ISO 14001.
Continuous improvement and innovation
A company that adopts a quality and CSR approach is more agile in the face of market changes.
Attracting and retaining talent
Responsible practices and better ergonomics attract young talent and improve team motivation.
"When young talent sees that we are committed to an ISO 26000 and ISO 45001 approach, they know they are joining a responsible company. - HR Director, industrial SME in Burgundy
To sum up: what are the benefits for the company?
Competitiveness
Innovation and continuous improvement
Retaining talent
Sustainable brand image
Quality standards in industry are therefore powerful levers for structuring a CSR approach. By combining standards such as ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001, companies can ensure their competitiveness while having a positive impact on society and the environment. Towards a more responsible industry: quality and CSR, a winning combination!
