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CHSA Bags, What are they and why use them?

If you’re looking for a new waste or recycling sack supplier, are new to the industry, or are simply curious about the world of waste, you might have come across the term “CHSA accredited” or “CHSA rated“. In this blog, we’ll explain more about the CHSA, what a CHSA-rated bag is, the benefits it offers, and why we strongly recommend choosing CHSA-accredited products.

History of CHSA – From early beginnings

The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) was established in 1996 in the UK. It was formed to bring structure, accountability, and professionalism to an industry that, at the time, lacked consistent quality standards. Before the CHSA’s creation, there were widespread concerns about product misrepresentation, particularly around cleaning and hygiene products like sacks. Buyers often found it difficult to trust product specifications and descriptions, leading to inconsistency and dissatisfaction in the marketplace. So, the CHSA decided to develop a standardisation of excellence, which will help to give users and buyers alike the reassurance that they are getting quality products that will live up to specifications and, most importantly, expectations. This was where the CHSA Rating Standard was made, and products under this went under rigorous tests to ensure they comply, prompting the tag line ‘what’s on the box, is in the box’ – thus the CHSA Refuse Sack compliance was born.

BK090E1 - CHSA 10kg Refuse Sacks 90L Black available from Cromwell Polythene - 01977 686868

Today, the CHSA represents more than 200 manufacturers and distributors of away from home cleaning and hygiene products – including Cromwell, who are one of the founding members of their Scheme for Plastic Refuse Sacks. Cromwell Polythene is proud to be a committed member of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA), the respected voice of the UK cleaning and hygiene industry. As a CHSA-accredited supplier, Cromwell upholds the association’s stringent standards of quality, ethical trading, and product integrity across our full range of products, from waste management solutions to sustainable consumables.

Why CHSA & The Benefit of Using a CHSA Rated Bags

Our partnership with the CHSA supports our ongoing dedication to quality, customer assurance, and continuous improvement, ensuring that our customers can buy with confidence, knowing they are receiving products that meet the highest industry standards. Being a member of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) brings direct, practical benefits to Cromwell Polythene’s customers and helps assure quality and performance.

CHSA-accredited products undergo annual rigorous testing to ensure they meet declared specifications. For Cromwell’s customers, this means:

  • What’s on the label is what’s in the bag – whether it’s thickness, dimensions, or capacity.
  • Consistency across orders, with no unexpected product changes.
  • Confidence in durability and performance, reducing failure rates in use.

For this, we can also test in-house, within our on-site quality control department.

This is especially important for high-volume users who rely on product reliability in sectors like healthcare, local government, and facilities management.. Our CHSA membership means Cromwell operates with honesty and integrity in its sales and marketing. Customers benefit from:

  • Accurate product descriptions – no misleading claims.
  • Clear pricing structures, with no hidden compromises in product quality.
  • A commitment to ethical sourcing, supporting responsible supply chains.

This transparency helps procurement professionals make informed, risk-free decisions.

Cromwell can help!

Choosing Cromwell Polythene as your waste management and hygiene partner means benefiting from the highest industry standards, backed by the assurance of CHSA accreditation. Our commitment to the CHSA’s rigorous principles ensures that every product we supply is consistent, high-quality, ethically produced, and fit for purpose. With Cromwell, customers gain not only reliable, transparent solutions but also a trusted partner dedicated to supporting their operational efficiency, sustainability goals, and peace of mind. Together with the CHSA, we are raising the bar for quality, accountability, and responsible trading across the cleaning and hygiene industry.