IATF 16949:2016 – An important step ahead for BENVIC

Why standards matter

Modern vehicles depend on cutting-edge technologies to enhance safety, driver comfort, performance, and efficiency while minimizing environmental impact through innovative polymer materials that incorporate recycled or responsibly sourced content. New interior designs are now achievable, offering a fresh way to experience vehicles with automated driving and connectivity features that resonate with contemporary consumer preferences initially designed for household products. Along with these advancements in vehicle technology comes a complex network of OEMs and suppliers, each contributing innovative products that meet challenging life cycle assessment (LCA) performance standards. In this rapidly evolving landscape, automotive designers must trust the quality, safety, and interoperability of sourced products. Additionally, it is crucial for car manufacturers to swiftly onboard new suppliers globally, given the international scope of car production.

In this context, standards play a vital role. They provide a foundation for introducing new technologies and innovations while ensuring that products, components, and services from various companies are compatible with one another.

What is IATF, and why 16949:2016?

However, standards must remain relevant and adapt to technological changes. To address this, the IATF was founded by a coalition of automotive manufacturers to uphold safety, quality, and consistency within the industry. The IATF works closely with ISO and, in 2016, introduced the IATF 16949:2016 standard. This standard outlines a quality management system (QMS) focused on continuous improvement, emphasizing defect prevention and minimizing variation and waste within the supply chain. Alongside applicable customer-specific requirements (CSRs), it stipulates the QMS criteria governing the production of automotive service and accessory parts.

What does certification imply for a supplier?

To achieve IATF 16949:2016 certification, a manufacturer must significantly invest in QMS processes and systems, fostering a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization. This can only be accomplished with full leadership support, and those organizations that attain IATF 16949:2016 certification clearly exhibit their dedication to safety, quality, continuous improvement, and sustainability. It is no surprise that many of the organizations that have received this certification are among the top players in the automotive sector.

What does this mean for BENVIC customers?

As a provider of innovative, optimized, and customized polymer compounds, BENVIC has reaffirmed its commitment to quality management by achieving IATF 16949:2016 certification. Automotive companies around the globe, which rely on our high-performance and high-quality materials, can trust in our formulation and manufacturing capabilities. This certification reinforces our position as a world-class automotive supplier, placing us among the elite group of IATF 16949:2016 certified suppliers.

Conclusion

With decades of successful delivery, BENVIC's compounds embody the core values of automotive polymer materials, featuring thermomechanical performance, specific end-use characteristics, exceptional service, and enhanced environmental performance through innovative integration of post-consumer recycled and bio-based content.

This certification highlights our ongoing commitment to quality and our determination to remain a committed and reliable partner for polymer compounds suited to the harsh environment of the modern vehicle.