Introducing: The Mill Qualification Program (MQP)

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A New Operating Environment for Sustainable Textile Procurement

In the apparel sector, retailers and brands are as concerned as ever about the quality of the textiles that mills supply them.  They know it is fundamental to overall garment quality.  Today however, they also appreciate the extent to which social and environmental performance figures into  the value equation – especially now that it’s apparent that the most socially and environmentally responsible mills deliver more consistently on quality excellence.

The key challenge of course becomes one of accessing reliable data on mill social and environmental performance – including measures relative to improved efficiency and overall quality.  Better data means better buying decisions.

The Mill Qualification Program (MQP): A new operating environment

The Mill Qualification Program, developed by Intertek, provides leading suppliers and brands with a new operating environment – one that integrates sustainability considerations with continuous improvement in the quality performance of fabric mills. MQP helps drive much of the complexity and redundancy out of the procurement process. The program employs a unified and standardized approach for mill performance measurement in key areas, including social, quality, lab certification and environmental sustainability. MQP has emerged as the perfect tool for evaluating, benchmarking and monitoring mills’ performance and ultimately ensuring improvement. Its focus on collaboration encourages partnership between Buyers and Suppliers so there will be a better understanding of, and alignment with, sourcing strategies and expectations.
 
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MQP bridges key sustainability measures with quality performance, so purchasers can base their buying decisions in accordance of new drivers of value beyond price.

MQP Utilizes Four (4) Core Evaluation modules:

  • Lab certification – Certification of mill laboratory capability and technical input for fabric performance testing using standard industry-accepted methodologies (i.e. AATCC, ASTM, ERN/ISO)
  • Quality performance – Evaluation of all stages of fabric production: fiber production, processing and spinning; yarn preparation; weaving/knitting, fabric bleaching, dyeing, printing, and finishing
  • Environmental performance – Evaluation of mills’ environmental performance in areas such as waste management, water consumption and treatment, energy conservation, pollution prevention and energy efficiency, occupational and industrial hygiene
  • Social performance – Evaluation of compliance with local applicable laws related to employees’ legal rights and protections

MQP delivers these key benefits to your business: 

  • Enhanced visibility into supply chain performance trends, better risk mitigation
  • Greater transparency and trust between buyers and suppliers
  • More informed decision-making support based on real time performance metrics
  • Improved speed to market
  • Recognition through Achievement Award for top performing suppliers

For enquiries, please contact:

Americas
Osbaldo Arroyo
Tel: +1 310 364 3782
E-mail: osbaldo.arroyo@intertek.com

Asia
Samuel Lau
Tel: +852 3760 6334
E-mail: samuel.lau@intertek.com

EMEA
Catherine Beare
Tel: +44 116 263 0330
E-mail: catherine.beare@intertek.com