NAA Member News: NAA Member Pendle Polymer Engineering achieves ISO 14001 Certification, supported by fellow NAA Member Pennine Quality Consulting
Pendle Polymer Engineering Ltd, based in Lancashire, is a leading UK manufacturer of precision polymer components, serving sectors including automotive, medical, and industrial engineering.
With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Pendle Polymer sought to strengthen its environmental credentials by achieving ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification.
The Challenge
Pendle Polymer had a mature quality management system in place, but lacked a formalised environmental management system. They had previously attempted to implement an environmental management system but discovered that they didn’t have the internal knowledge or resources to do the job effectively.
Key challenges included:
• Identifying and managing environmental aspects and impacts across multiple production lines.
• Ensuring compliance with environmental legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Embedding sustainability into everyday operations and culture.
• Balancing certification requirements with limited internal resources and production demands.
Our Approach
Pennine Quality Consulting partnered closely with Pendle Polymer Engineering to guide them from initial assessment through to successful certification. Our tailored approach included:
1) Gap Analysis & Action Planning: Conducted a comprehensive review against ISO 14001:2015 requirements to identify gaps and priorities.
2) System Development: Helped design and implement an Environmental Management System that was integrated into the company’s existing quality management framework (ISO 9001).
3) Training & Engagement: Delivered practical mentoring and support for staff at all levels to build awareness and ownership of environmental responsibilities.
4) Compliance & Documentation: Supported creation of documentation, including a legal compliance register and an environmental aspects and impacts register.
5) Pre-Audit Preparation: Conducted internal audits and management reviews to ensure readiness for the external certification audit.
The Results
• ISO 14001 Certification Achieved on the first attempt.
• Enhanced environmental performance, with measurable reductions in waste and energy consumption.
• Improved regulatory compliance and reduced environmental risks.
• Strengthened reputation with customers and stakeholders through verified sustainability credentials.
• Established a culture of continuous improvement in environmental management.
“We are now keen to sustain our renewed focus on continuous improvement, and therefore our next project with Pennine Quality Consulting is to demonstrate our commitment to Health and Safety by gaining certification to ISO45001.”
Richard Lorrison, Managing Director, Pendle Polymer Engineering Ltd
“It has been a pleasure to work with Pendle Polymer. The whole team engaged fully with the project, resulting in impressive benefits, particularly in energy and waste reduction. It was also great to see the noticeable organisational improvements on the shop floor.”
Matthew Kershaw, Managing Director, Pennine Quality Consulting Ltd
Pennine Quality Consulting specialises in helping UK manufacturers achieve and maintain ISO certifications, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001. Our practical, partnership-based approach ensures that systems work for your business and not the other way around.
Contact Details:
