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.

Last year was rough on business, as 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.

To thrive during the next decade and beyond, industry practitioners are taking a hard look at their business models and best practices. And product safety and compliance is leading the charge.

Fortune 1000 customers have become more proficient at vetting their promotional products supply chains. Distributors expect suppliers to get moving, and they are committed to rewarding suppliers that can demonstrate they are compliant. Not having a proactive, comprehensive compliance program has now become a competitive disadvantage for those companies who fail to address these expectations from their corporate clients.

In order to meet these new demands, Clearwater, Florida-based Norwood and BIC Graphic 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. Since QCA introduced its compliance program in 2009, 19 companies have become QCA Certified and another 17 applicants are currently enrolled in the QCA Accreditation Program.

"Both Norwood and BIC Graphic have long demonstrated a commitment to the values that are represented in QCA Certification: product safety, quality, supply chain security, social responsibility and environmental stewardship," said Nicolas Paillot, CEO of Norwood & BIC Graphic North America. "After a thorough review, we believe QCA provides a tremendous benefit to our industry and will improve the credibility and reputation of the companies who achieve its accreditation."