Glass reinforced polymer (GRP) offers a wide range of benefits to suit a variety of industries and applications, but not all composites are created equal, and neither are their manufacturers. Here’s what to look for in GRP manufacturers to ensure you’re getting a product and service that you can trust.
While there may be emerging companies producing high-quality GRP products, long-standing businesses in the GRP space can offer a wealth of expertise that has shaped the company and its products into what they are today. Look for a company that has invested years of research and development into its GRP products and knows its industries inside and out. Find evidence of successful use cases in your industry by viewing the manufacturer’s case studies.
Does the manufacturer have proven certifications and industry-specific approvals? Some accreditations you should check for include:
The GRP products might sound great on paper, but can the manufacturer prove its claims? How well has it tested its products? Depending on its use case, GRP materials may have been tested for anti-slip properties, fire safety, ball fall, point load, flare, and UV resistance. They should be able to provide you with reports into testing, too. The more testing data a manufacturer can provide, the better, as this enables you to make a more informed decision when selecting the right product for your needs.
It’s not just about whether the products have been tested, but also how. Look for a manufacturer who tests its products in UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) labs to comply with required standards, ensuring rigorous and reliable results with global recognition.
Does the manufacturer offer one-size-fits-all GRP products, or do they have an in-house design team capable of producing bespoke solutions? The right GRP manufacturer will offer a range of additional services alongside its products to support your project from start to finish.
There’s no point selecting a manufacturer that can’t meet your deadlines, so ensure their production capacity and prospective lead times suit your requirements. And since projects don’t always run to plan, knowing that your provider has the flexibility to transport additional products at the eleventh hour, or assist with installation, can be a welcome assurance.
With sustainability targets becoming increasingly strict across a range of industries, finding a GRP manufacturer that can support the requirements of your project is vital. A manufacturer that prioritises sustainability should be able to supply you with embodied carbon reports and environmental product declarations (EPDs) to prove the credentials of its GRP products.
Look for a manufacturer that integrates sustainability as part of its business, not just an afterthought. Remember, it’s important to take a product’s whole lifecycle into consideration when considering how environmentally friendly it is.
Research your prospective manufacturer to see what others have to say about their products and services. Check online reviews and testimonials for reliable customer accounts, and speak to other contacts in your sector for recommendations.
Looking for the right GRP manufacturer for your project? Get in touch today.
