PROGRAMMES

Quality and Audit programme (QAP)

Within the supply chains for hygiene products many quality audits are conducted on an ongoing basis. As there are multiple quality standards in use, audits made by converters often result in duplicated efforts for a single supplier. Suppliers face multiple audits against standards which are essentially similar and only differing in the details, causing confusion.
This can be addressed with a voluntary minimum standard, which can deal with the industry need to focus on verifying and ensuring quality requirements rather than formalities. In early 2018 it was exactly this idea that led towards today’s Quality and Audit Programme.
companies THat contributed to the QAP

What is QAP?

The quality and audit programme, is a voluntary programme in 2 parts:
This first element is a minimum quality standard, which specifies minimum requirements for the quality management system of a supplier in the hygiene industry. This helps to ensure consumer expectations of this industry are met. The word ‘minimum’ indicates this is a common benchmark, developed by EDANA and a wide range of members in the hygiene industry, including both suppliers and converters*. Industry players can apply different and/or additional quality requirements in their business.
The second element is an audit scheme assuring that:
Audits are conducted by reputable, trained and qualified third-party auditors.
Suppliers are no longer subject to multiple, independent but quite similar audits.
Audit results are owned by the individual suppliers and shared through a cloud-based platform with converters that have been granted access by those suppliers.
Discover the objectives and benefits and download the general information document to know more.

Are you a converter or a supplier?

Complete the form for your category:
Supplier registration form
Converter registration form
Please note that the registration process includes the creation of an account in the BSI connect portal;for suppliers the form includes an audit request as well.

Eligibility Criteria for suppliers

Suppliers of raw materials or finished goods to hygiene product manufacturers
Commitment to quality management systems
Willingness to undergo independent audits
View Frequently Asked Questions

QAP Registration for suppliers & converters

There are dedicated forms for converters and suppliers.
The registrations basically entails the creation of an account in the BSI connect portal, and for suppliers the form includes an audit request as well.It is necessary to inform your clients about the first BSI Audit, as it is essential for the audit preparation, that the converters give their feedback on points of attention for the audit to the auditor via the BSI portal.
An essential reminder for all: converters need to register to make themselves known in the portal, but to have access to audit reports, this needs to be granted by the auditee.
Such access is granted on site level, details will be provided upon registration.
Any interested parties need to send a request to: edana.qap@bsigroup.com

QAP Training for suppliers & converters

BSI and EDANA members have developed a training course to familiarise auditors and auditees with the ‘EDANA harmonized quality assurance standard for suppliers in the hygiene industry’, in short the EDANA standard. This is not a quality management course, it is an introduction to the EDANA standard.
QAP training content
Understanding the key requirements and benefits arising from the implementation of the EDANA scheme
Managing scheme conformity and drive continual improvement within your own organization
Attract and retain customers by demonstrating conformity with an internationally recognised standard specifically created for those in the absorbent hygiene products and personal care wipes industry by the industry’s leading professional body
The interrelationship between quality management systems and product assurance processes.
Register to QAP training
Downloads

Resources & Updates

Participating Companies

View the complete list of 150+ suppliers engaged in QAP

Auditing Process map

Check how the prcess looks like from start to end

EDANA standards & guidance

The EDANA Standard (V1.4) and the Guidance Document (V.2)

Latest News

Stay updated with QAP announcements and developments
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

INDA and EDANA are pursuing an alliance to enhance the value of our programs and services, including representing and advancing the broader nonwovens industry. By coordinating resources, the organizations aim to enhance member value through more robust educational programs, integrated networking opportunities, and expanded industry insights. A more coordinated and unified voice will strengthen advocacy efforts, enabling more effective representation of members' interests at local, regional, and global levels. Collaboration will create operational synergies, driving efficiencies, optimizing resources, and diversifying the talent pool to better support members and industry initiatives. Together we are committed to promoting innovation, industry leadership, and long-term growth while ensuring the sustainability of the nonwovens sector.

We envision a model where INDA and EDANA remain independent legal entities with autonomous operations, continuing to serve local markets while educating and advocating for industry interests regionally.  At the same time, the organizations will become founding members of a newly formed entity to collaborate on global industry topics and initiatives. This new entity will include governance representatives from both organizations who will focus on coordinating global strategies by aligning industry goals, sustainability initiatives, coordinating advocacy positions where appropriate, sharing market intelligence and best practices, harmonizing standards and certifications, and organizing joint and complementary events and educational programs. This structure ensures that both organizations can maintain their local focus while leveraging global collaboration to effectively support and advance the nonwovens industry.

No. Technically, INDA and EDANA will be the founding members of the envisioned entity. Companies that are members exclusively of either INDA or EDANA will retain membership in their respective organization.

The alliance’s increased coordination, visibility, and information sharing will bring significant benefits to the entire nonwovens industry, including regionally focused companies. By fostering collaboration and aligning global efforts, the alliance will generate collective advancements that create new opportunities, provide deeper industry insights, and drive progress. This unified approach ensures that businesses of all sizes and focuses can thrive, embodying the principle that a rising tide lifts all boats.

The goal of the alliance is to foster mutual learning and collaboration while respecting the unique cultural, governmental, and market-specific factors of each region. By sharing best practices and aligning on overarching goals, the alliance aims to provide a forum where global strategies can inform local actions without imposing a one-size-fits-all model. This "think globally, act locally" philosophy ensures that each region can tailor solutions to its specific needs while benefiting from the broader perspectives, insights, and lessons learned.

For the foreseeable future, all INDA and EDANA events will continue and evolve to meet the needs of the markets served. Over time, the alliance will explore opportunities to co-promote existing events and consider new events that provide additional value to our members and the industry. Each organization will maintain focus on the needs of its members while the collaboration aims to identify ways to enhance events and create innovative programs that address emerging industry needs.

We anticipate no changes to the dues structures of INDA or EDANA. Dues are determined by each organization based upon the needs for program and advocacy support within each region.

No. Each organization will continue to develop its program and service offering to meet the needs of its members. We do see benefits in sharing and coordinating program and operational practices to accelerate continuous improvement and coordinating our advocacy efforts so we speak with a more coordinated voice on the issues affecting the industry.

Ready to Join QAP?

Register now to streamline your quality audit process