Kiwa Stories - Articles

Hydroelectric plants produce 17 percent of the world’s energy. These systems rely on the environment – our waterways and surrounding areas – to function. ISO 14001 environmental management certification can support continuous improvement and show a commitment to the environment.

Gender equality remains one of the world’s biggest challenges. At Kiwa, we are committed to closing the gaps and improving gender equality. To mark International Women’s Day 2023, we spoke to four inspiring Kiwa women about their roles and career experiences and their advice to other women considering a similar career.

Pests can spread throughout a facility very quickly if not managed effectively. They can cause unsanitary issues, leading to legal action or public health concerns. Taking preventative action against pest damage is pragmatic, diligent and much more cost effective in both time and money – we can help you implement this.

Kiwa developed the Safe Social Climate label, designed to combat cross-border behaviour at sports clubs. In November 2022, Kiwa and the KNVB, the Royal Dutch Football Association, signed a three-year agreement to include the label in the licence requirements for professional football.

Huge numbers of medical devices manufacturers will have to comply to the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) by May 2024 to be able to market their products in Europe. Kiwa helps clients throughout Europe, and beyond, with this challenge.

Materials used in pipelines, machines and other industrial assets have traditionally been inspected visually or by means of X-ray imaging on film. Our colleagues at Kiwa Finland are among the world’s leading experts in using a new method: digital radiography, or digital X-ray imaging.

When you walk or drive down the street at night, your path is likely illuminated by streetlights. They are so ubiquitous it’s easy to take them for granted. In the UK, for example, there are about 6.5 million publicly owned lighting columns. By inspecting the quality of these columns, Kiwa helps to keep our roads safely lit.

As the world heads towards Net Zero, the promise of rail to lower energy use and emissions means more and more people will travel by train. Certification against the International Railway Industry Standard (IRIS) – a global system for the evaluation of rail sector companies ensures trains are running safely and efficiently.

Every day, millions of people play on artificial turf pitches infilled with plastic or rubber granules. Despite the major advantages of these pitches, there are also drawbacks in terms of environmental impact. Kiwa has tested the use of environmentally friendly or organic filling. What challenges do these alternatives to rubber or plastic infill present?

We all expect our taps, water meters and other water supply and plumbing products that come into contact with drinking water to perform reliably and safe. A wide range of mechanical and hygiene tests exist to ensure this. The best place to submit products to mechanical testing? Kiwa’s state-of-the-art Water Lab in Rijswijk, the Netherlands.

Working with companies across the value chain to support the energy transition is a strategic focus for Kiwa, and a key driver of growth globally. But as Luca Votta, Global Business Sector Leader Renewable Energy at Kiwa, says: "This is not about following market trends. We believe that our new world will be greener and more sustainable for our future and also for generations to come.

Globally, more than 6000 people die every day as a result of work-related accidents and diseases. The ISO 45001 standard helps companies around the world reduce the burden of work-related accidents and illnesses.

Biodynamic farming stands for consistently organically grown food produced in harmony with nature, following a holistic, ecological and ethical approach to agriculture. We take you to Finca Laguna Salada, one of the first biodynamic Demeter-certified banana plantations in the Dominican Republic.

PVUSA is one of the first solar plants built in North America, and currently serves as the home of grid-connected, research-grade outdoor testbed operated by PV Evolutions Labs (PVEL), a member of the Kiwa Group.

Schellevis, a Dutch manufacturer of concrete products used for various applications, including ornamental paving, is CSC Silver certified by Kiwa. CSC is a worldwide quality mark for concrete which proves that companies are part of a responsible concrete chain.

Organizations that work with chemicals must comply with many laws and regulations. Luleå University of Technology (LTU) in Sweden conducts research and teaches in a wide range of scientific fields. Kiwa helped them developing a standard for chemicals management as part of improving safety in LTU's laboratory environments.