Quality and Product Safety for mbw® Promotional Products
Quality your business can rely on.
A promotional product carries your logo and therefore represents your business. This makes convincing design, workmanship and product safety all the more important. That is why our products undergo defined testing and inspection procedures – from development and approval through to production and incoming goods inspection at mbw.
Our quality management team works closely with our suppliers and independent test laboratories throughout this process. This helps us identify potential deviations at an early stage and ensure that products are reliably prepared for their intended use. For promotional products that bring joy – and give you confidence in your choice.
- In-house quality management since 2012
- Inspections during and after production
- Random checks on incoming goods
- External testing for selected products
Legal requirements
From the outset, during product development and selection, we consider the legal provisions and product-specific requirements relevant to each item.
Independent testing laboratories
Depending on the product and its requirements, we work with independent testing laboratories. They can assess safety-related properties, materials and compliance with specific requirements, among other aspects.
In-house expertise
Our TÜV-certified toy safety specialist supports the assessment of toy-related requirements and advises on relevant matters within our quality management processes.
Documentation and supporting evidence
Test reports, conformity documentation and other product-related evidence are documented and managed in line with the applicable requirements. The documents available depend on the individual product and its classification.
Quality is tested – not just promised.
Trust is good. Checks are better!
mbw has had its own in-house quality management team since 2012. The team oversees product monitoring, checks compliance with relevant requirements and continuously develops our internal processes.
Quality control does not begin only when goods arrive at our premises in Wanderup. We also work closely with our production partners throughout the manufacturing process, with our own employees carrying out inspections directly on site. This allows potential deviations to be identified at an early stage and any necessary adjustments to be agreed while production is still under way.
Particular attention is paid to products classified as toys or which may be handled by children. The relevant requirements are therefore carefully considered at every stage, from design and material selection through to workmanship. This process is supported by our in-house expertise in toy safety and by external testing whenever required for the product concerned.
“Many of our products may be handled by children. This gives us a particular responsibility, which is why we carefully assess the requirements that apply to each individual product.”
Evgenia Iwersen
TÜV-certified Toy Safety Specialist at mbw
mbw has been a member of amfori BSCI since 2010. As part of our supplier management process, we regularly visit production facilities in the countries where our products are manufactured and maintain direct dialogue with our partners on social requirements, working conditions and quality processes.
Our quality control processes
For us, quality control does not end when production is complete.
That is why we monitor our products at several stages throughout the procurement process – from production in the country of manufacture through to incoming goods inspection at our warehouse in Wanderup.
Quality control in the country of production
Our quality control begins where the products are made. mbw has its own employees in the countries of production who visit manufacturing facilities, monitor production processes and check on site that the agreed requirements are being met. Where appropriate, mbw may also appoint independent inspection service providers.
Different inspections are carried out depending on the product and order:
- Inline Inspection: checks during the production process
- Final Inspection: inspection of the finished goods before shipment
- Third-Party Inspection: additional inspection by an independent inspection service provider
- Comparison with the approved sample and agreed product specifications
Being close to the production process allows us to identify any issues at an early stage and agree the necessary adjustments directly with our production partners. Our local employees also liaise with the factories on quality processes, production conditions and social requirements.
mbw has been a member of amfori BSCI since 2010. Further information is available on our Social Compliance page.
Incoming goods inspection in Wanderup
Once the goods arrive at our warehouse in Wanderup, they undergo random sample inspections. The samples are selected using the AQL method, an established procedure for the sample-based quality control of deliveries.
Depending on the product, we compare the delivered items with the previously approved sample and check aspects including:
- Workmanship and seams
- Attachment of eyes and other components
- Function and mobility
- Symmetry and visual appearance
- Odour and any noticeable irregularities
- Labelling
- Consistency with the approved sample
If any deviations are identified, the goods are examined in greater detail. We then agree the next steps internally and with the relevant production partner. The goods are only released for further processing and delivery once the planned quality checks have been completed.
External laboratory testing
Depending on the type of product and the applicable requirements, selected items are also tested by independent testing laboratories. These tests may cover mechanical strength, flammability and certain chemical properties.
The LABTECH video provides examples of different testing procedures:
- Tensile tests on seams and attached components
- Flammability tests
- Chemical analysis of materials
- Further product-specific safety tests
The tests carried out depend on the classification, materials and intended use of the individual product. Not every testing procedure is therefore required for every item. The results form part of the product assessment and the associated documentation.
Quality shows in the finished product.
For you, quality means one thing above all: reliability. You need to know that your chosen promotional product is suitable for the planned campaign, produced to a high standard and represents your business appropriately.
This includes a coherent design, careful workmanship and clear approval processes. It is equally important that product-specific requirements are taken into account and that compliance with the agreed specifications can be verified.
This is particularly important for individually developed bespoke products. We support the entire process, from the initial idea and visualisation through to sampling and production. Technical feasibility, design and product safety are considered at an early stage. The result is a promotional product that suits your business and can be produced reliably.
Planning a custom-made product?
Discover our options and learn more about the bespoke development process.
Quality you can cuddle – and promote your brand with.
The orange MiniFeet® label from mbw® stands for cuddly products made to a high standard. mbw® is therefore continuously committed to maintaining the quality of MiniFeet® products and ensuring the highest possible level of safety.
Certified materials for promotional soft toys
At mbw®, we use high-quality materials selected for the respective product. All products comply with the applicable legal requirements. Many are also tested by recognised testing laboratories such as TÜV Rheinland, TÜV SÜD or Eurofins.
The following aspects should generally be considered when using soft toys as promotional products:
- Are the eyes securely attached?
- Can any small parts become detached?
- Are there any open seams?
- Is there any unusual odour?
- Does the material transfer colour?
- Is the material sufficiently strong?
- Does the product meet the required standard of cleanliness?
- Does the item carry the required product labelling?
Test marks and what they mean
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is a label for textiles tested for harmful substances. Certified items have passed laboratory tests based on the criteria catalogue applicable at the time. All components of the item are taken into account – from the outer fabric and sewing thread to buttons, zips and other accessories.
Certification requires every component of the item to meet the applicable requirements. In addition to textile materials, this may include inserts, prints, eyes, pellets and other non-textile components.
The scope of testing depends on the item’s intended use. The more intensive the skin contact, the stricter the requirements and laboratory tests. The test criteria cover more than 1,000 harmful substances and are updated at least once a year.
These include:
- Banned azo dyes
- Carcinogenic and allergenic dyes
- Pesticides
- Heavy metals, such as nickel
- Plasticisers, including phthalates
- Formaldehyde
The certification takes international requirements and regulations into account, including Annexes XVII and XIV of the REACH Regulation and the ECHA Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern.
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 therefore provides a transparent and reliable reference for the testing of certified textiles and articles for harmful substances.
Responsibility for the safety of toys lies with the manufacturer or the company placing them on the market. This is confirmed by applying the CE marking to the product.
The CE marking acts as a ‘passport’ for the European market. It indicates that the product complies with the applicable product-specific European legislation – in the case of toys, this includes the relevant requirements of the EN 71 series of standards. CE marking is mandatory for certain product groups, including electrical equipment, construction products and children’s toys.
A CE conformity assessment is a comprehensive process and must be reviewed whenever relevant changes are made to the product. If a product is modified or improved, it may therefore be necessary to reassess its conformity.
Important: The CE marking alone does not provide independent confirmation that a product is safe.
As the marking is applied by the manufacturer, it could potentially be used without the required assessment having been completed. This would constitute a breach of the applicable legislation and requirements. The corresponding EU Declaration of Conformity provides documented confirmation that the product has been assessed and that the CE marking has been applied on the appropriate basis.
Our recommendation when purchasing promotional products:
For products bearing the CE marking, request the corresponding EU Declaration of Conformity. This allows you to demonstrate to your customers that product safety is taken seriously. mbw® provides the relevant declaration for its products free of charge.
The TÜV Proof mark is awarded to a product for one year following comprehensive testing of both its physical and mechanical properties and its chemical characteristics. As part of this process, TÜV assesses whether the tested toys comply with the EU standard DIN EN 71 and also subjects each product to additional testing for harmful substances.
The testing organisation also examines whether the toys can withstand the stresses typically encountered during play. In addition, there must be no risk of injury from cables, cords, edges or detachable parts.
Testing by TÜV Rheinland provides independent, recognised evidence of the quality, safety and fitness for use of our products. The relevant certification can be found quickly in the online certification database using the unique identification number.
The LABTECH test mark confirms the high quality of our products. Through standards-compliant physical and chemical testing and inspections, LABTECH Prüfgesellschaft mbH verifies that the relevant statutory requirements concerning harmful substances, including REACH, are taken into account and met.