In today’s increasingly globalised and competitive markets, manufacturers and suppliers need to demonstrate the reliability, quality, and safety of their products. Two major cornerstones of this process are adherence to ASTM standards and obtaining ISO Quality certification. These systems, working together, form a robust framework that ensures consumers and businesses can trust the claims made by companies.
This blog explores the significance of ASTM standards, their widespread acceptance, and how they complement ISO certification to provide confidence in the products we use daily.
At IGL Coatings we are proud to also validate our products such as IGL Aegis against ASTM tests as well as being ISO Quality Certified
Understanding ASTM: A Global Benchmark for Quality
ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, has been setting standards for more than a century. Founded in 1898, ASTM has developed over 12,500 standards used across various industries globally, including construction, manufacturing, chemicals, and consumer goods. These standards help ensure that products meet strict performance, safety, and quality criteria.
In Australia, ASTM standards are not only widely used but are also recognised by various government bodies and businesses. For instance, companies like BlueScope Steel (ASX: BSL) rely on ASTM standards to ensure their products meet the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) requirements. ASTM standards, such as those for structural steel and fire-resistant materials, provide an objective, science-based method for evaluating performance and durability.
Why ASTM Standards Matter
The reliability of ASTM standards comes from their rigorous, transparent, and repeatable testing methods. These standards create a “level playing field” by allowing manufacturers to test their products against defined criteria, providing consistency and clarity. For example, Boral Limited (ASX: BLD) uses ASTM standards to test the strength and performance of concrete, a critical material in construction projects.
ASTM testing ensures that products are safe, meet their advertised claims, and perform under various conditions. This is especially vital in high-risk industries such as construction, where materials like steel and concrete must meet specific performance requirements to guarantee structural integrity. By adhering to ASTM standards, companies ensure their products can be trusted, thereby reducing the risk of failure, legal issues, or consumer harm.
Examples of ASTM Standards in Action
- DuluxGroup (ASX: DLX) follows ASTM D3359 for measuring the adhesion of its industrial coatings. This ensures that their paints and coatings remain effective and durable in both residential and commercial settings(
- James Hardie Industries (ASX: JHX) complies with ASTM standards for testing its fibre cement building products, ensuring they meet the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) safety requirements
These companies demonstrate that adherence to ASTM standards is not only about product quality but also about building consumer trust by ensuring the safety and durability of materials.
ISO Certification: The Complementary Pillar of Trust
While ASTM standards ensure products meet specific performance criteria, ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) certification evaluates companies’ internal processes to ensure consistent product quality. ISO certification (particularly ISO 9001, the most widely adopted) focuses on quality management systems, ensuring that businesses have the necessary controls in place to maintain high standards across the production process.
For consumers and businesses, a company that has both ISO certification and follows ASTM standards offers double reassurance. InfraBuild (formerly OneSteel), a leading steel manufacturer in Australia, is an example of a company that adheres to ASTM standards for its rebar products while also holding ISO 9001 certification
This combination ensures that InfraBuild’s steel meets the required performance criteria and that its manufacturing processes are consistently monitored for quality.
The Synergy Between ASTM and ISO
When a company integrates ASTM standards into its ISO-certified quality management system, it provides unparalleled assurance of reliability and consistency. For instance, Orica Limited (ASX: ORI) uses ASTM standards to test the safety of its chemicals while ensuring compliance with ISO-certified processes to consistently produce high-quality materials.
ASTM standards offer a proven, science-based method for testing and product verification, while ISO focuses on how those results are achieved, maintained, and documented over time. Together, these frameworks ensure that a company not only delivers quality products but also has the processes in place to do so consistently.
Conclusion: A Framework for Trust
In an era where consumers and businesses demand transparency, ASTM standards and ISO Quality certification form a critical part of building trust. Whether you’re purchasing construction materials like cement and steel, or industrial coatings, it’s crucial to rely on companies that adhere to these global standards.
When a company like Holcim Australia or Sika Australia follows ASTM standards and holds ISO certification, you can trust that their products are reliable, safe, and durable. This synergy between ASTM and ISO helps build long-term relationships between businesses and consumers, ensuring that quality is not just promised but delivered.
So how does this matter when selecting IGL Coatings?
As a business, ensuring compliance with both ASTM standards and ISO certification not only enhances IGL's credibility but also reassures our customers that they can trust our products. For consumers, looking for these standards is a sure way to ensure you are buying from reputable companies that prioritise safety and quality.
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By choosing products from IGL Coatings Australia that uphold these rigorous standards, you are ensuring the safety, performance, and reliability of the materials and services you use.
