The certificates tell about the work done
Certifications are a way to recognize the quality and responsibility of products, and to give recognition for the work done for them. Certificates are widely or even globally known brands that have their own uniform criteria. For example, you can immediately tell from a product labeled Organic that it is made from natural raw materials.
Certificates help consumers find responsible products. At the same time, they add value to the company's operations and carefully manufactured products. All Nordqvist tea packages are certified - be it Rainforest alliance, Luomu, Reilu kauppa or Vainlippu.
FAIR TRADE
Fair trade is a worldwide certification system, which aims towards more responsible trading and more humane farming. The purpose is to secure the wages and working conditions of the employees, and to improve them gradually. Important values include ending child labor and forced labor.
Products that have received the Fair Trade label meet the criteria established for production. For example, small farmers are expected to at least have transparent decision-making, while large farms are expected to guarantee the right of workers to organize. Each Fair Trade company has its own set of goals, within the framework of which operations are developed in an even fairer direction.
Nordqvist has invested in product responsibility, and several products carry the Fair Trade label. The new Luonnon Tee series is completely produced according to the principles of Fair Trade, and the series is also organically produced.
See the Fair Trade's own pages .
RAINFOREST ALLIANCE
The Rainforest Alliance was founded more than 30 years ago with the aim of supporting sustainable development. It includes taking care of people and nature and building a more sustainable economy. In particular, forest protection and adaptation to climate change are part of the organization's values.
The global Rainforest Alliance is a non-profit organization, so it looks at companies on a neutral basis. It awards products with Rainforest Alliance certificates, which state that the health of the farmers, their livelihood and the land, as well as the surrounding waterways, have been protected during the production of the product. Success is evaluated annually, so the certificate is always up to date.
Nordqvist works for more sustainable tea. In autumn 2019, already 40% of the tea and rooibos we used were Rainfores Alliance or Fair Trade certified. Although this is a good achievement, it is still not enough for us. During spring 2020, we aim for a 90% share.
See also the Rainforest Alliance's own pages .
ORGANIC
Organic refers to all farming that is done without pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Being chemical-free takes care of the farmland, the farmers and of course the consumers of the product - or in the case of tea, the drinkers. Organic combines the best production methods in terms of the environment, high requirements for animal welfare, and consumers' wishes for high-quality and natural products.
Organic farming has encouraged getting to know the local environment and developing farming methods suitable for those conditions. For example, local insects can be used as help, which naturally protect plant growth. Organically cultivated land is also less harmful to waterways.
In Nordqvist's selection, you will find plenty of Luomu labeled tea. The Luonnon Tee series is completely manufactured in accordance with the principles of Luomu. The taste world and packaging look of the entire product line draw from nature's gentle and refreshing effect.
Read more about Nature and Nature's tea.
KEY TICKET
A key ticket can be granted for a product manufactured in Finland or a service produced in Finland. In addition, the degree of domesticity of the product or service must be at least 50 percent. On average, the domesticity of Avainlippu products is more than 80 percent. The degree of domesticity means the share of Finnish costs in the cost value of the product or service. The calculation takes into account all costs related to the production of the product or service.
A large part of Nordqvist's products are seasoned and packed at our own factory in Nurmijärvi.
FSSC
FSSC 22000 is an international certificate system that helps companies guarantee food safety. The FSSC 22000 certificate contains a wide set of criteria that Nordqvist as a company fulfills.
We invest a lot in the quality of our tea and packaging, as well as in our production processes. Product safety is monitored daily and is constantly being developed. We implement the principle of continuous improvement both in terms of the quality of our products and food safety, so that our customers can always enjoy high-quality and food-safe tea.
THE STRONGEST IN FINLAND
A company that has earned the Suomen Vahvimmat certificate creates strength in Finland's economic life now and in the future. The certificate is a sign of the company's positive financial indicators, creditworthiness, background information and good payment behavior. The Suomen Vahvimmat certificate tells customers, partners, creditors and other stakeholders that cooperation with the company is on a sustainable basis. The certificate is based on Suomen Asiakastieto's Rating Alfa credit rating.
EXCELLENT
Oiva is a food control information disclosure system coordinated by the Food Safety Agency Evira. Oiva encourages companies to take care of food hygiene and product safety.
In the everyday life of companies, Oiva is most visible when the Oiva reports obtained from inspections by food inspectors are made public . Inspections are carried out in accordance with the Oiva evaluation guidelines. Oiva is based on the current provisions of the food legislation, and there will be no additional requirements for the company's operations or the operator's responsibility as a result of Oiva. Oiva unifies inspection practices throughout Finland.
CIRCLE
The Finnish Rinki brand signals that the company bears its producer responsibility for its packaging. The right to use the brand belongs to companies that have entered into an agreement managed by Suomen Pakkauskierrätys RINKI Oy with the producer communities on managing packaging producer responsibility. We take our responsibility for the environment and as proof of that we use the RINKI brand. Thanks to the efficiently functioning producer responsibility system, only a very small part of the packaging goes unrecycled in Finland.
