Differences between the ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 manufacturing certifications

When evaluating new suppliers, reviewing certifications and partnerships is an important way to gauge the organization’s credibility and expertise. But with thousands of standards and certifications in place, particularly in the manufacturing environment, it can be difficult to determine which certifications are the most valuable to assess.

One organization that has established itself as a global leader in standards definitions globally is the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). With more than 25,000 international standards covering nearly every aspect of technology, management and manufacturing, companies around the world trust the ISO to evaluate their processes, facilities, equipment and more. In short, ISO has brought experts from around the world together to agree on the best way of doing things.

Two popular certifications within their portfolio specific to manufacturing organizations are the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards; however, many people often get confused on their differences and what each measures. That’s likely because, like many ISO standards, ISO 14001 is based on the ISO 9001 standard. Let’s dive in.

About ISO 9001

The ISO 9001 standard is the most widely used quality management standard in the world, with more than one millions certificates issued around the world. But what is it, exactly? According to the ISO website, “ISO 9001 is a globally recognized standard for quality management. It helps organizations of all sizes and sectors to improve their performance, meet customer expectations and demonstrate their commitment to quality. Its requirements define how to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve a quality management system (QMS).” Essentially, this standard signifies that your organization has put a process in place to consistently deliver quality goods or services.

About ISO 14001

On the other hand, the ISO 14001 standard has become a popular certificate for organizations with corporate sustainability goals. Again, according to the ISO website, “ISO 14001 is the internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems (EMS). It provides a framework for organizations to design and implement an EMS, and continually improve their environmental performance.” This specific standard provides a structured approach to one of the business world’s murkiest topics—sustainability. The adoption of this standard signals both a commitment to following regulatory compliance as well as continuous improvement in favor of the environment.

To sum it up, ISO 9001 assesses a quality management system while the ISO 14001 standard assesses an environmental management system. Both standards require a structured process, with proper training of the workforce and a commitment to continuous improvement.

When evaluating potential suppliers to add to the supply chain, a review of their certifications is a key step in creating a competitive edge in the global marketplace. The Textile Business at Milliken has 23 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia. A full list of Milliken Textile facilities with ISO certifications can be found online.