New England Biolabs, Inc. achieves ISO 14001 recertification in recognition of its commitment to environmental management

IPSWICH, Mass., Aug. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- New England Biolabs, a world leader in the production and supply of reagents for the life science industry, today announced it has received ISO 14001 recertification in recognition of the Company's constant dedication to, and outstanding record of achievement in its Environmental Management Systems (EMS).  The certification, which was originally awarded to NEB in 2009, is a continuously monitored standard that acknowledges a company's commitment to reducing its impact on the environment.  The recertification process involves extensive site monitoring and auditing of adherence to all established guidelines by National Quality Assurance (NQA), USA, the independently accredited certification body responsible for assessing ISO 14001 fitness and compliance.

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NEB was founded in 1974 on the principle that it was possible to develop world-class molecular biology reagents in an environmentally conscientious way. To minimize the impact that a manufacturing plant can have on its land and natural resources, NEB implemented a SolarAquatics™ wastewater purification and reclamation system. This system treats the wastewater from the NEB campus, and purifies it until it can be used to recharge the delicate Ipswich River Watershed ecosystem. The Company also built a 140,000 square-foot LEED-certified research and production facility, and implemented a first-of-its-kind shipping box recycling program, which has been limiting Styrofoam production and encouraging environmentalism amongst NEB's customers for over 30 years. 

Another environmental initiative at NEB is its lunchroom composting program, which diverts compostable refuse from local landfills.  Each month, NEB diverts 3.5 tons of compostable materials from the landfill, and turns it into rich soils to support the Company's on-site garden and local farmers.

ISO 14001:2004 is an internationally-recognized standard that emphasizes the continuous improvement of a company's EMS. The standard specifies EMS requirements that enable an organization to develop and implement policies meeting legal requirements and manage the environmental impact of its business practices.

"At NEB, we strive to create the purest molecular biology products available, and we do so while keeping an eye towards the environment," said Jim Ellard, CEO of New England Biolabs.  "Ultimately, this recertification validates our continued vigilance and lets our customers know that we are committed to producing products of the highest quality while preserving the natural splendor of our campus and planet."

More information about NEB's environmental philosophy can be found at www.neb.com.
To view NEB's ISO 14001 certificate, visit www.neb.com/ISO14001.

About New England Biolabs
Established in the mid 1970's, New England Biolabs, Inc. is the industry leader in the discovery and production of enzymes for molecular biology applications and now offers the largest selection of recombinant and native enzymes for genomic research. NEB continues to expand its product offerings into areas related to PCR, gene expression, sample preparation for next generation sequencing, cellular analysis, epigenetics and RNA analysis. Additionally, NEB is focused on strengthening alliances that enable new technologies to reach key market sectors. New England Biolabs is a privately held company, headquartered in Ipswich, MA and has extensive worldwide distribution through a network of exclusive distributors, agents and six subsidiaries located in Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan and the UK. For more information about New England Biolabs visit www.neb.com.

About NQA, USA
NQA is a leading global independently accredited certification body (registrar), providing assessments (audits) of organizations to various Management System Standards since 1988. Headquartered in Acton, Massachusetts, NQA, USA was established in 1992 as a joint venture between National Quality Assurance (NQA), Limited (headquartered in London, England) and National Technical Systems, Inc. (located in Calabasas CA).
Additional information on NQA, USA is available at www.nqa-usa.com or contact the Business Development Department at 800-649-5289; fax 978-263-0785; e-mail [email protected].

SOURCE New England Biolabs