Colloids company receives new ISO certificate

French acacia gum supplier Colloïdes Naturels International (CNI) continues to drive its quality management spirit with the news this week that it is now certified ISO 9001 (Version 2000).

In possession of ISO 9002 since 1995, CNI has since invested €10.6 million on its production plant and has made efforts to improve facilities and the co-ordination of various departments.

The new certification ISO 9001 (Version 2000) covers CNI's entire activity, from the concept to the marketing and sales of 'Colloïdes Naturels'.

In conjunction with the quality management moves the company has also developed a HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) approach, 'which fits perfectly within the consumption context where companies such as CNI has to pay attention to quality and to food safety,' said the company in a statement this week.

Natural exsudates from Acacia trees grow in 15 different African countries, and are used in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics. Acacia gum has a range of functional properties including gelling, thickening, emulsifying and encapsulating.

Acacia gum can be used in a variety of cosmetic applications, such as, as an emulsifier in creams, lotions and hair dressings, for suspension in mascara and as a film former in shampoo.