COMPLIANCE
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
Steve Marr, UK compliance director at SIG Distribution T
he Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) helps members to provide accurate product information, fostering a culture of trust whilst raising industry standards across the entire sector, Widespread adoption of the Code by Merchants and Distributors is a significant contributor to transforming building industry culture.
Committing to the Code of Construction Product Information (CCPI) was an obvious choice for SIG Distribution. In a highly technical industry where accurate data is critical for meeting building regulations, accurate product information is essential. Describing a product in plain English with performance claims backed up with evidence is crucial. Emotive or exaggerated language for marketing purposes is tempting, especially in a highly competitive industry but can lead to inaccuracy and misleading product representation with potentially devastating consequences.
Compliance has always been a cornerstone of SIG Distribution’s operations, enabling them to stay aligned with the latest industry regulations and legislation. They were therefore proud to be the first to pass assessment against the Merchant and Distributor version of the code. But why should other merchants and distributors follow suit and what benefits can we expect for the industry as a whole from a large-scale adoption?
Building trust and credibility The CCPI was established providing a third- party assessment to continually improve product information so contractors can make better decisions when selecting and comparing products.
The Code encompasses three versions to ensure compliance throughout the entire supply chain. The Manufacturer code outlines the responsibility of manufacturers when compiling product information. The Supporter code is for Tier one contractors, major house builders and clients who are driving the CCPI through their supply chains and the Merchant and Distributor code focuses on company systems and process outlining requirements for creating and reproducing product information. An understanding of all codes is recommended in order to fully comprehend the Merchant and Distributor code.
All codes are built upon the five acid tests of clear, accurate, up-to-date, accessible and unambiguous terminology. The aim is to improve product descriptions by avoiding mis-leading language to ensure accurate representation.
Signing up to the code instils greater confidence throughout the supply chain. Merchants and Distributors know that assessed products have been rigorously checked and verified against the claims made about their performance. The level of scrutiny reinforces the expertise of the Merchant or Distributor, highlighting their commitment to quality and reliability. This in turn translates into a trusting relationship with the customer who can rely on the products to deliver on their promises.
Word and phrases to avoid To help with the promotion of accurate language, the CCPI have published a guide with explanations of words that should be avoided unless specifically contextualised with supporting evidence. According to the guide, words such as ‘green’ should only be used to describe the colour of a product, rather than in an environmental context and ‘non-toxic’ i,should not be used in any circumstance. However, phrases such as ‘fire-rated’ or ‘fire resistant’ can be used if supported with the appropriate data and claims are traceable.
December 2024
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
Success lies in mass implementation
The CCPI is a voluntary code, and its success relies on demonstrating its value and contribution to the construction industry. By encouraging more merchants and distributors to sign up, the code will help foster a more transparent culture where contractors will prioritise working with those who have been CCPI-Assessed.
Merchants and Distributors play a crucial role in the supply chain by bridging the gap between manufacturers and customers with the responsibility of carefully reproducing data and creating accurate product information. By ensuring that manufacturer- provided information complies with CCPI standards, they serve as gatekeepers, preventing misleading or inaccurate product descriptions from reaching the end of the supply chain.
With compliance comes trust and those working with CCPI assessed merchants and distributors can rely on the accuracy and integrity of their product information. The influence of the CCPI is growing as more merchants and distributors commit to the Code, driving a positive shift toward greater transparency across the construction industry.
Don’t be left behind - be part of the change. BMJ
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