The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association has appointed a new Independent Inspector of its highly regarded Accreditation Schemes: David Luffman begins in March 2025. For three months David will work alongside the current Inspector, Martin Yates, who retires at the end of June 2025.

The CHSA’s Accreditation Schemes for Manufacturers of Soft Tissue, Plastic Sacks, Cotton Mops and Cleaning Chemicals and for Distributors mean buyers of these products can be certain they get what they pay for. ‘What’s on the box is what’s in the box.’ The credibility of the Schemes is underpinned by the auditing process, conducted by the Inspector. The Inspector audits each member according to the Manufacturing Standard and Technical Regulations of each Scheme, independent of influence from the CHSA’s Governing Council.

David Luffman is an experienced quality and technical manager whose track record includes working in the soft tissue and plastics sectors, most recently working as product development manager at Essity. He is taking over the role from Martin Yates. Martin has served the CHSA for 11 years, playing a pivotal role in building and maintaining the credibility and value of the Association’s Accreditation Schemes.

Explaining why he has taken on the role, David said: “As a product and quality professional working in the sector I understand the value of the CHSA and the importance of the Accreditation Schemes to buyers of cleaning and hygiene products. The Schemes give them the confidence they are getting product that is fit for purpose and not short on count, or dimensions. It was an opportunity not to be missed.”

Lorcan Mekitarian, Chair of the CHSA said: “We are delighted David has taken up the role and will be working to make sure our members continue to comply with the specifications of our Schemes. He knows the market and understands the issues and so is well placed to help us continue to evolve the Schemes to meet new market challenges.

“Martin Yates has made an incredibly important contribution to the CHSA. He has been instrumental in helping members maintain standards in our industry. We are grateful he will work alongside David during the handover period. It means our Accreditation Schemes will continue to offer buyers the confidence they need, uninterrupted. Our Standards, Your Guarantee.”