Leveraging External Certifications: Impact on Non-Conformances in ASI Audits
Benchmarking and harmonisation activities are increasingly relevant in the context of proliferating standards, initiatives and due diligence regulations. ASI recognises relevant external Standards and Certification Schemes wherever possible and appropriate, in order to enhance collaboration, reduce unnecessary duplication, and inform ASI’s learning and continual improvement. But does leveraging of external standards have an impact on the number of non-conformances in an ASI audit?
In this analysis, ASI examines whether Entities that leverage an external Standard – particularly ISO 14001 and 45001 – achieve different non-conformance (NCs) outcomes in their ASI Performance Standard (PS) Certification compared to those Entities not leveraging an external Standard.
The analysis finds that there are differences in the incidence of NCs for both aligned and related criteria for ISO-Certified and non-ISO Certified Entities. It also reveals that during ASI PS audits, for the relevant harmonised criteria, auditors are diligently assessing the status of existing ISO certifications, evaluating the proper implementation of required corrective actions related to these certifications, and determining their impact on the company’s compliance with the ASI PS criteria. While ASI recognition of external standards and schemes may reduce unnecessary duplication during ASI Audits, non-compliances can still be allocated where ISO Certification elements are identified to be missing or lacking effectiveness or controls. This drives continuous improvement in Entities’ performance.
ASI Certification: Opening Doors for MSMEs to Drive Sustainable Change
It is often assumed that certification standards are written for large corporations and therefore cannot be applied to micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). However, in ASI’s context, both Performance and Chain of Custody Standards were developed with an implementation lens that make them accessible to businesses of all sizes. From the single site entity with a very focused supply chain activity to the vertically integrated multinational corporation, ASI Certification is applicable to all.
A recent review of the composition of our membership showed that 73% of members commercially engaged in the aluminium supply chain i.e. members in our Production and Transformation, Industrial Users, Downstream Supporters and General Supporters classes each had a turnover of less than $1Billion, and are therefore classified as MSMEs by ASI's definition.
ASI is very mindful of the contribution of MSMEs to our mission to foster the responsible production, sourcing and stewardship of aluminium, and facilitates the participation of MSMEs in its Standards and Certification program through various measures.
ASI has achieved another significant milestone by welcoming its 300th member, Wyda South Africa,into the Industrial User membership class. This achievement comes after reaching the 200 member milestone in November 2021, marking a remarkable growth in ASI Membership.
ASI 'EU team' meeting in Bilbao: Fostering collaboration, developing actionable outcomes
ASI's 'EU team' gathering in Bilbao was a refreshing departure from the confines of a typical work day behind computer screens. The week-long event brought together colleagues primarily based in Europe, but also from Australia and China, providing a unique opportunity for face-to-face interactions and fostering deeper cross-sectional working connections.
The 13 participants took part in engaging discussions, workshops, and presentations that broadened their understanding of ASI's program, including internal workflows and external influences. A captivating site visit to ASI-Certified Member Aludium's Amorebieta plant provided valuable insights into the operational aspects of an aluminium casting and rolling facility. Participants were able to witness the intricate processes, and the visit served as a catalyst for learning and innovation, inspiring fresh ideas and perspectives for both the visitors and hosts.
ASI's Australia-based team members will also be coming together in Launceston, Tasmania from August 7-11 to convene further discussions on key projects and shared challenges in our work.
EU due diligence regulations: What is ASI’s role?
The EU Parliament approved the CSDDD to address supply chain issues, while the EU Critical Raw Materials Proposal aims to secure sustainable supplies of raw materials. Certification schemes play a key role, but companies remain responsible for due diligence. ASI can support members but cannot replace their obligations.
On June 1, the EU Parliament approved the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) addressing environmental and human rights issues in supply chains, and in March, the EU Critical Raw Materials Proposal was published which aims to equip the EU with the tools to ensure the EU's access to a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials. Within the proposal, certification schemes have a key role in organising and supporting compliance. But companies retain responsibilities for undertaking due diligence.
Settle Ghana Walking Together Initiative - Stage 2
In 2022, ASI Civil Society member Settle Ghana completed an extraordinary initiative across Ghana that provided an unprecedented level of information and access to Indigenous Ghanaians towards their rights. This initiative continued into a second stage in early 2023.
The micro-projects implemented in Stage 2 have created economic opportunities in remote locations while also creating social value. The program has delivered several additional out of-scope items, such as school furniture, educational books, solar-powered streetlights, short informational marketing videos, and IT equipment. The final results of the program have been impressive, engaging over 4400 people across six regions in Ghana.
Responsible Sourcing and Traceability for Batteries: Sydney Symposium roundup
On June 23, the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney convened a symposium to discuss the challenges of delivering a responsible, trusted and circular battery value chain. ASI CEO, Dr Fiona Solomon, presented as part of a panel exploring the role of traceability and certification programs for supporting social and environmental outcomes for battery minerals and materials within a circular economy.
Register now for the next 45 Minutes on... webinar
Nature-Positive Frameworks: what they mean for business, governments and ASI
The 2022 United Nations Biodiversity Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in Montreal led to the international agreement to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030 and the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Join Sasha Courville (ASI Board Chair), Pippa Howard (ASI Board Director) and Fiona Solomon (CEO) for an interactive discussion covering: what are the implications for business and governments generally? What are the implications for ASI?
Date: August 3, 2023 Time: 11AM London • 12PM Bonn • 8PM Melbourne
ASI's 45 minutes on... webinars covering a broad range of key issues related to our work program, often held in partnership with ASI members and top experts from leading organisations in their fields. If you missed one, you can watch the recording.
Circularity Assessment: Enhancing Efficiency in the Circular Economy (June 2023)
Aluminium Supply Chain Traceability with RMI (March 2023)
Human Rights Due Diligence and Responsible Sourcing: ASI Requirements and Beyond (January 2023)
Climate change adaptation: Community health risk, resilience and responses (January 2023)
ASI's Working Groups: An overview for Members (November 2022)
Critical Ecosystem Areas: Better biodiversity metrics for business with WCS (November 2022)
Grievance mechanisms: training for practitioners with BSR, RMI, The Copper Mark (October 2022)
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ASI CERTIFICATION NEWS
In June, ASI Members achieved 12 new certifications, with several more in the announcement pipeline.
Shanghai Unison Aluminium Products Co., Ltd. (Unison) has achieved ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017) Certification at its facility in Qingpu District, Shanghai, China. Consult the media release.
Aludium has achieved ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017) Certification for the production of coils at its Aludium France SAS subsidiary in Castelsarrasin, France. Consult the media release.
Yunnan Sunho Aluminum Co. Ltd. has achieved ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017) and Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard V1 (2017) Certifications for its Wenshan City smelting operation. Consult the media release.
Capral Aluminium has achieved ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) and Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard V2 (2022) Certification for the manufacturing of aluminium extruded products. Capral Aluminium is the largest producer and distributor of aluminium profiles in Australia. Consult the media release.
Sanyuan Aluminium Co., Ltd. (Sanyuan Aluminium) has achieved ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017) Certification for the processing of aluminium coil and sheet at its two subsidiary plants Zouping Xinsanyuan Aluminium Co., Ltd. and Shandong Longkou Sanyuan Aluminium Co., Ltd. Consult the media release.
Yunnan Aluminium Co., Ltd. (YACL) has achieved ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) and Chain of Custody Standard V2 (2022) Certification for seven of its facilities, distributed across six prefectures of Yunnan, China. Consult the media release.
alupak AG has achieved ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017) Certification with a focus on Material Stewardship, and Chain of Custody V1 (2017) Certification at its Belp, Switzerland facility. Consult the media release.
Aluphoenix srl (Aluphoenix) has achieved ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017) Certification for its remelting and casting facility located in Riese Pio X, Italy. Consult the media release.
In June, ASI welcomed one new Production & Transformation member, one new Downstream Supporter member and two new Industrial User members, bringing the total number of ASI members to 301.
Read more about our new members below, and for more information about ASI membership, please visit the Join ASI page on our website!
Western Extrusions Corporation
As a leader in the aluminium extrusion industry, Western Extrusions is a single plant operation providing extrusion, fabrication, CNC machining, anodizing and painting. The mission of Western Extrusions is to safely produce aluminium extrusion products that give customers a competitive advantage by providing superior customer service... Read more.
The vision of Western Extrusions is to be the supplier of choice for aluminium extrusion products and services and the employer of choice in our industry and our communities. Our mission is to safely produce quality aluminium extruded products that give our customers a competitive advantage. To enable our vision, we’re committed to continuous improvement, being good stewards of our environmental, industry and company resources, prioritizing safety over profit every single time, and delivering consistent quality and service to our customers. The ASI Certification supports our Vision and Mission by providing structure and support for continuous improvement, compliance, and resilient business processes and we are excited to engage in this process.
– Bennett McEvoy, President and CEO of Western Extrusions
VDL Bike Frame Technologies is a producer of 100% EU made aluminium bicycle frames. Founded in July 2022, as a part of the international industrial family business VDL Groep, we bring the expertise of a high-tech multinational into bicycle frame production. Being the first to use a completely automated, automotive like production process. As a European frame manufacturer we have solved the puzzle... Read more.
VDL Bike Frame Technologies wants to provide a sustainable solution for aluminum bike frame production within Europe. We join ASI to commit to responsible sourcing of the materials used for our products.
– Jason Koevoet, Managing Director
Find more information on VDL Bike Frame Technologies on their ASI Member page in the Downstream Supporters Class.
Wyda South Africa
Wyda South Africa is the intercontinental expansion of the family owned packaging business “Wyda Industria de Embalagens" from Sorocaba, Brazil. Wyda focuses on the production of disposable aluminium foil containers, trays and dishes for the food producing and catering industry....Read more.
As one of the largest foil converters in Africa, we feel the need to align ourselves to ASI in order to improve our performance and scale up our progress on key environmental, social and governance issues.
– Chanel Swartz, Internal Sales
Find more information on Wyda South Africa on their ASI Member page in the Industrial Users Class.
CERAFLUX INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED
Ceraflux India is the largest Indian manufacturer of a wide range of Metallurgical products for the non-ferrous industry. The product range includes Master Alloys, Fluxes, Degassing Tablets, Grain Refiners, Diecoats, Magremover Powder/Tablets, Non-wettable Refractory Shapes and Launder Coatings. We serve primary, secondary aluminium smelters, casting and alloy manufacturers through our fully equipped 3 manufacturing units located in the western part of India.... Read more.
We commend Ceraflux India Pvt. Ltd. for joining ASI. As members, we will be working towards the achievement of the ASI Performance Standard in due course. We celebrated the 25th / “Silver Jubilee” year in 2020 of strong and sustainable growth in the domestic market by delivering solutions and consistent support to the Indian Aluminium industry. We intend to replicate the same business model and philosophy to be able to build a strong international business; at the same time address the challenges faced in the area of sustainable development including carbon footprint reduction by way of developing a range of easily recyclable, innovative aluminium products. We took a first step by joining ASI. Our membership is a testimony to our deep commitment to comply with the concept of circular economy and aspirations for a climate neutral future. We will continue to make efforts and follow the ecosystem approach to environmental protection by considering the complex interrelations of the ecosystem.
– Sanjeev Tungatkar – Chairman and Managing Director
Find more information on CERAFLUX INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED on their ASI Member page in the Production & Transformation Class.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Upcoming ASI Secretariat event participation
ASI Secretariat members regularly participate at events with in-person or virtual presentations. Additional details on dates, times, content and how to join the sessions are published on our events page as soon as they are available.
World Mining Congress, 29 June 2023, Brisbane - Dr Fiona Solomon, CEO
It is often assumed that certification standards are written for large corporations and therefore cannot be applied to micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). However, in ASI’s context, both Performance and Chain of Custody Standards were developed with an implementation lens that make them accessible to businesses of all sizes. From the single site entity with a very focused supply chain activity to the vertically integrated multinational corporation, ASI Certification is applicable to all. 
ASI has achieved another significant milestone by welcoming its 300th member, 
In 2022, 
On June 23, the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney convened a symposium to discuss the challenges of delivering a responsible, trusted and circular battery value chain. ASI CEO, Dr Fiona Solomon, presented as part of a panel exploring the role of traceability and certification programs for supporting social and environmental outcomes for battery minerals and materials within a circular economy. 
Shanghai Unison Aluminium Products Co., Ltd. (Unison) has achieved ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017) Certification at its facility in Qingpu District, Shanghai, China. 
Yun
lupak AG has achieved ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017) Certification with a focus on Material Stewardship, and Chain of Custody V1 (2017) Certification at its Belp, Switzerland facility. 
As a leader in the aluminium extrusion industry, Western Extrusions is a single plant operation providing extrusion, fabrication, CNC machining, anodizing and painting. The mission of Western Extrusions is to safely produce aluminium extrusion products that give customers a competitive advantage by providing superior customer service... 
VDL Bike Frame Technologies is a producer of 100% EU made aluminium bicycle frames. Founded in July 2022, as a part of the international industrial family business VDL Groep, we bring the expertise of a high-tech multinational into bicycle frame production. Being the first to use a completely automated, automotive like production process. As a European frame manufacturer we have solved the puzzle... 
Wyda South Africa is the intercontinental expansion of the family owned packaging business “Wyda Industria de Embalagens" from Sorocaba, Brazil. Wyda focuses on the production of disposable aluminium foil containers, trays and dishes for the food producing and catering industry.
Ceraflux India is the largest Indian manufacturer of a wide range of Metallurgical products for the non-ferrous industry. The product range includes Master Alloys, Fluxes, Degassing Tablets, Grain Refiners, Diecoats, Magremover Powder/Tablets, Non-wettable Refractory Shapes and Launder Coatings. We serve primary, secondary aluminium smelters, casting and alloy manufacturers through our fully equipped 3 manufacturing units located in the western part of India.
