December 2024: ISO 14001 certification audit - A path to sustainability
In the modern economy, sustainability and environmental protection are not only ethical obligations, but also strategic advantages. The ISO 14001 certification audit is an important step for companies that want to take a systematic approach to their environmental responsibility. Hertel Kartonagen, a manufacturer of high-quality packaging, has taken this route and successfully passed the audit. In this blog post, we take a look at the two phases of the audit and how they were implemented at Hertel Kartonagen.
Phase 1: Document review and initial assessment (1 day)
The first phase of the ISO 14001 certification audit focuses on the documentation of the environmental management system (EMS). The aim of this phase is to ensure the conformity of the documented processes with the requirements of the standard and to identify potential gaps.
Hertel Kartonagen's existing environmental policy was scrutinised intensively. This includes clear environmental goals, the reduction of resource consumption and the minimisation of emissions. It should be emphasised in particular that Hertel operates its production completely without fossil fuels. This was strong evidence of the company's commitment, which was also reflected in the documents.
The following aspects were also analysed:
Environmental aspectsA detailed list and assessment of operational environmental aspects, e.g. energy consumption and waste management.
Legal requirementsVerification that Hertel complies with all relevant environmental regulations.
Processes and responsibilitiesClearly defined roles and responsibilities for the implementation of environmental management.
The document review revealed that Hertel Kartonagen's environmental management system is solid and compliant with standards. Minor adjustments to the process documentation were recommended and quickly implemented
Phase 2: Implementation review (3 days)
n the second phase, the environmental management system is analysed in terms of its practical application. At Hertel Kartonagen, this was an exciting insight into the daily work of a company that has integrated environmental protection as an integral part of its strategy.
The auditor visited the plant in Bayreuth to ensure that the documented processes are being implemented effectively. The visit was particularly impressive:
Energy efficiencyHertel produces 70 % of its electricity requirements itself using a photovoltaic system. The remaining energy consumption is covered by green electricity sources. The auditor examined the electricity measurement and optimisation processes, which were highlighted as best practices.
Waste managementThe operating processes are designed to minimise waste. For example, leftover materials are efficiently recycled or disposed of properly.
Training coursesEmployees are comprehensively trained in environmental issues. The auditor conducted interviews to check their awareness of the environmental aspects of their work.
The on-site audit confirmed that Hertel Kartonagen not only fulfils the formal requirements of ISO 14001, but also translates these into a living environmental culture.
Results and conclusion
The ISO 14001 certification audit at Hertel Kartonagen was successful. The company impressively demonstrated how an environmental management system can work both on paper and in practice. The combination of sustainable production methods, clear documentation and a committed team enabled Hertel to fulfil the requirements of the standard.
For Hertel Kartonagen, however, certification is not an end point, but a further step towards continuous improvement. The company plans to regularly review its environmental targets and develop new measures to further promote environmental protection.
By receiving the ISO 14001 certificate, Hertel Kartonagen shows that sustainable management and economic success can go hand in hand. An inspiring example for other companies that also want to take the path towards greater environmental responsibility.
