On March 14, 2017, FRX Polymers, Inc. (FRX), the global leader in polymeric halogen-free flame retardant solutions, announced that it has earned ISO 9001:2015 certification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), effective Feb. 6. The certification recognizes FRX Polymers’ ability to meet or exceed current specifications for products, services, and systems to ensure quality, safety, and efficiency. ISO 9001:2015 is the well-recognized international standard that specifies requirements for the company-wide quality management system (QMS).
   FRX Polymers was audited by IQNet and Vincotte N.V., third-party ISO 9001:2015 accreditation teams, and was shown to possess and employ company-wide controls and operating procedures for the purpose of maintaining consistent delivery of the highest-quality halogen-free flame retardant products and services. The scope of the certification, which covers FRX Polymers’ activities at its Antwerp, Belgium, and Chelmsford plants, includes research and development, production, sales, warehousing, invoicing, and logistics of non-halogenated flame retardant polymers based on phosphorus and support in the use thereof.
   FRX Polymers pursued the ISO certification in response to customer demand. “We’re thrilled to have earned registration for ISO 9001:2015,” said Marc-Andre Lebel, President and CEO of FRX Polymers. “This is a badge of honor and a testament to our employees’ dedication to delivering the best products and services day in and day out.” He added: “The certification also demonstrates our ability to consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements, while striving for continuous improvements throughout the company. For the company’s customer base, ISO 9001:2015 certification provides an extra level of confidence in terms of rigor and discipline shown by the supplier.”
   Lebel noted that the year-long certification process included the development of procedures, systems, and methods resulting in a process-oriented approach to document and review the structure, responsibilities, and procedures required to achieve effective quality management. “The bottom line is that ISO 9001 is a living document which helps us to organize our processes, improve the efficiency of those processes, and continually improve in everything we do,” said Lebel.
   Nofia phosphonates, FRX Polymers’ polymeric and reactive oligomeric halogen-free flame retardant solutions are produced at its full-scale commercial plant in Antwerp, Belgium, and replace halogenated flame retardants, which are being phased out due to toxicity concerns. Nofia phosphonates are produced using sustainable green chemistry principles such as a solvent-free production process, no waste by-products, and near 100% atom efficiency. FRX Polymers’ portfolio includes an extensive and growing patent estate. To date, the company has nearly 200 patent applications, of which more than 100 applications have been granted. The company has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the EPA’s Environmental Merit Award, the Belgium Business Award for the Environment, and the Flanders Investment of the Year Award. FRX Polymers has also been recognized three times on the Global Cleantech 100 list.