QCA News 2012
January 13, 2012: NORWOOD & BIC GRAPHIC BEGIN QCA ACCREDITATION PROCESS
The companies have applied to participate in the comprehensive compliance program developed by the Quality Certification Alliance (QCA), the promotional product industry’s only independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping companies provide safe products.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (January 12, 2011) – Last year was rough on business, as was seen in the unprecedented global changes that are impacting every industry and the worldwide markets. And the promotional products industry took its share of hits with raw material cost increases, changing demographics in China, public budget cuts for swag, and the continuous building of pressure on our supply chains through supply and demand as well as evolving product safety and compliance regulations. Read more.
February 23, 2012: CALIBRE INTERNATIONAL BEGINS QCA CERTIFICATION PROCESS
The company has applied to participate in the comprehensive compliance program developed by the Quality Certification Alliance (QCA), the promotional product industry’s only independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping companies provide safe products.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (February 23, 2012) – End buyers are mandating that the promotional products they purchase do no harm by jeopardizing the health or safety of recipients. That’s not an unfair expectation, as we’re supposed to be enhancing our clients’ brands, not putting brand reputations at risk by selling noncompliant product. Read more.
April 26, 2012: QCA RECERTIFIES FIVE INDUSTRY FIRMS
BDA, Broder Bros., Gemline, Leed’s and Logomark have completed the necessary requirements to maintain their QCA Certified status.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (April 26, 2012) – Compliance is a journey, not a destination. And once a company achieves accreditation from Quality Certification Alliance (QCA), the promotional product industry’s only independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping companies provide safe products, the journey continues. Read more.
May 10, 2012: QCA NEGOTIATES WITH INK MANUFACTURERS FOR COMPLIANCE TESTING
The QCA Ink Testing Initiative worked with seven ink suppliers to conduct more than 850 individual tests measuring lead, cadmium, soluble heavy metals and phthalate content, with results available exclusively through QCA Accredited Suppliers.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (May 10, 2012) – Promotional products wouldn’t be promotional products without decoration, and oftentimes this embellishment includes ink. And while most ink manufacturers tested inks prior to releasing them on the market as part of a development protocol, most of this testing was performed years ago when different standards applied and protocols were different. Because the regulatory environment has changed significantly in the last couple years, as evidenced by the implementation of CPSIA and California Prop. 65 among others, not only is retesting imperative, but it’s required to comply with today’s regulations. Read more.